In the age of social media and fast fashion, the lifespan of fashion trends has become short; they usually don't last more than two seasons. We’re talking about loud and strange trends that appeal to young girls and women for a season or more before they fade away, leaving dozens of mismatched pieces in the closet. These pieces eventually need to be discarded to make room for a new trend that will meet the same fate. Amidst this competition between fashion trends and the rapid response of global brands to market needs, the “Old Money Style” or “Wealthy Style” emerged about two years ago.
This style brings back fashion that combines simplicity and luxury, attracting women of all ages and sweeping through photo-sharing sites and fashion-focused platforms. It has even forced major global fashion houses to incorporate it into their recent collections. But what is the Old Money Style? And how can various social classes adopt it without spending large amounts on clothes bearing luxury brand names?
What is the Old Money Style? And How Can You Achieve It?
The Old Money Style, also known as the Wealthy Style, is fundamentally based on inherited pieces from wealthy families. It focuses on clothing that combines simplicity and luxury, adhering to several key conditions. These pieces must be made from high-quality materials like linen, silk, tweed, and cotton, and crafted with high precision. They rely primarily on calm and eye-pleasing colors, especially neutral tones like white, black, and earthy colors. Additionally, they should be free from prints, logos, brand names, and bold patterns in general. In short, it's the style followed by princesses and queens in choosing and coordinating their outfits, with the late Princess Diana being a famous example.
Now that you understand the Old Money Style, and if you wish to adopt it, how about exploring the essential clothing and accessories that should be in your wardrobe to help you embrace this elegant style? All you need to do is check out the photos we have gathered from the Instagram accounts of fashion influencers to inspire you with the most beautiful combinations.
The White Shirt: A Wardrobe Essential for Elegance
If we were to write a list of Old Money wardrobe essentials, the white shirt would top it. Its simple and classic design makes it one of the perfect pieces on which the Old Money Style is built. Just make sure to choose the right size for you to appear elegant and neat; avoid tight-fitting sizes that highlight body curves and stay away from exaggerated oversized trends.
Opt for a shirt one size larger than your usual size and try pairing it with dark green cargo pants and a plain white top. Wear high-heeled nude sandals, choose a light beige bag, and add sophistication to your look with yellow gold jewelry, coordinating it with a watch featuring a yellow gold case and a black strap.
Neutral Accessories Elevate Your Look
In the fashion world, the camel color is often referred to as the “new black” due to its elegance and ease of coordination. It usually occupies a large part of the accessories section in the wardrobes of elegant women who make sure to own bags, shoes, and belts in this classic, chic color. The goal is to elevate any look, even a simple one. There’s no harm in accessorizing a light-colored long blazer with a camel belt featuring a golden buckle. Complete the look with white jeans and pointed shoes, ensuring that the bag matches the same color.
Striped Clothing Gives You the Old Money Style
Striped clothing, first introduced into women's fashion by designer Coco Chanel in the 1920s, is considered an Old Money wardrobe staple. Simply wear a short black-striped cardigan with a black top and wide white pants for a luxurious look. Don’t hesitate to complete your wealthy style with camel-colored shoes and a bag, ensuring the designs are free of embroidery or prints to maintain your simple and elegant style.
Wear a Blazer with Straight-Leg Jeans for a Classic Look
Certain pieces provide instant elegance to the wearer without much effort in coordinating, such as the blazer. It has become one of the items that global brands continuously innovate in various shapes and colors. To apply the Old Money Style, you should opt for neutral and earthy tones. Simply coordinate it with a plain white top and classic straight-leg jeans, avoiding distressed details, to achieve a neat and wealthy look. Finish your elegance with pointed slingback nude shoes and carry a small black bag with a gold chain.
The Bomber Jacket: Your Companion for Various Seasons
Sportswear has always been part of the trends adopted by the aristocratic class over the years, even becoming essentials in certain brands' collections like Ralph Lauren, one of the prominent names that enhanced the Old Money Style concept. The bomber jacket is one of these timeless designs. Choose it in a calm color featuring light gray and pair it with a blue striped shirt and white pants. Wear black loafers and carry a small white bag.
Rethink Pleated Trousers
We all have that pair of black pleated trousers with a masculine cut in our wardrobes, often reserved for office wear. However, if you plan to adopt the Old Money Style, you should try styling them casually during the day with a simple cotton shirt. Accentuate your waist with a camel leather belt, and choose black sandals and a black bag. Complete your look with black sunglasses and your luxury watch.
The Tweed Jacket: A Symbol of Luxury Elegance
Tweed jackets have stood the test of time, becoming one of the most cherished pieces among wealthy families. Thus, they are a staple of the Old Money Style. While it's not necessary to own an expensive tweed jacket from Chanel, its original creator, you should select a piece with an elegant cut, sturdy fabric, and meticulous embroidery to achieve the luxurious look you desire.
Try pairing a short butter yellow tweed jacket with a white top and cream wide-leg pants. Complete your outfit with beige and black shoes and a beige bag with a gold chain.
The Shirt Dress: A Timeless, Elegant Piece
The shirt dress has maintained its place among trending fashion items for years, especially the modest models that are cornerstones of the Old Money Style. Don’t hesitate to add a white midi shirt dress with half sleeves and a cinched waist to your wardrobe. Pair it with nude sandals, a trendy straw bag, and pearl-studded earrings for a refined look.
Choosing the Right Jeans
Not all jeans fit the Old Money Style. They must be of a sturdy fabric, not saggy or torn. It's best to opt for straight jeans or mom jeans and avoid tight or unfinished hem models. Try styling straight-leg blue jeans with a white striped shirt and a short camel cardigan. Match your bag and shoes in the same color.
More Tips for Achieving the Old Money Style
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: There's no point in having a lot of clothes if they're not of good quality or easy to style. Invest in classic pieces that will last for years in your wardrobe without becoming boring. Prioritize items like a white shirt, black and beige blazers, wide-leg trousers in neutral colors, a white or dark blue midi dress, straight-leg blue jeans, and a trench coat.
- Invest in Luxury Accessories: Enhance your simple outfits with luxury accessories. At the very least, own a black bag from a high-end brand. Add black and beige pointed shoes to your wardrobe, and remember that leather belts and sunglasses play a crucial role in achieving the Old Money Style.
- Avoid Loud Colors and Prints: Stay away from bright pop colors and printed clothes, especially those with animal prints or large, overlapping graphics. Instead, choose neutral and soft pastel colors. Black, white, beige, and light blue should dominate your wardrobe to achieve the Old Money Style.
- Always Wear Jewelry: Never leave the house without your subtle jewelry, which will enrich your outfit. Luxury watches also play a significant role in elevating your simple outfits. Just make sure to coordinate them with your overall color scheme. Note that the trend of mixing white and yellow gold is still in style.