It’s giving long weekends spent sailing on the French Riviera, summer nights sipping champagne in St Tropez, and winter holidays spent hitting the slopes in the Swiss Alps. The term ‘old money aesthetic’ — and the lifestyle and status that comes with it — has been all over Pinterest and Tiktok lately & is the fashion trend to conquer in 2024.
While the origins of the trend may be based on decades-old traditions and wealth beyond imagination, styling the old money aesthetic doesn’t require a nine-figure bank account.
Quiet luxury, also used interchangeably with “old money style,” is nothing new. Princess Diana’s was a classic old-money look. She often wore simple, classy clothes with an air of elegance. Her most famous outfits included classic and elegant ballgowns, riding boots with jeans tucked in, and her most iconic look of biker shorts and an oversized crewneck.
Today, the trend is more about an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship rather than high-priced luxury items, whether that’s from second-hand heritage brands or up-and-coming designers. Linen is a must, particularly in light, airy colors like crisp white and soft creams. Accessories should be kept understated and elegant; think leather loafers, gold watches, and sunglasses from high-end classic designers like Chanel.
I absolutely love this elevated and classy trend, so this morning on the Style Edit, I’m sharing some affordable and high-quality garments that will help you achieve the old-money aesthetic. For those new here, The Style Edit is where I talk about the next biggest fashion trends seen around the web.
So, without further ado, let’s shop the old money aesthetic — though the lifestyle may be out of reach, the look is just a click away.
Here are 5 major pieces you need in your closet to achieve the look:
1. Linen Pieces
Rule number one: you must always look comfortable. Linen is cool, stylish, versatile, and comfortable, which is what everyone wants from their clothing. The key to embodying this moneyed minimalism is opting for earth tones and basic silhouettes without statement details from quiet luxury brands. Choose neutral hues that exude sophistication and elegance, such as navy, black, white, and beige.
Mason Linen Short
Reformation
Cleo Linen Two Piece
Reformation
Linen Blend Shirt
Saks Off 5th
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2. The Classic Tweed Suit
Tweed is the unofficial uniform of the elite, alongside the Chanel handbag. Whether you opt for the classic tweed jacket and skirt combination, go for a more relaxed look with a contrast cardigan, or even a shift dress, this look exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Tweed in particular is known for its warmth and durability – making it a favorite among the wealthy, who swear by its lasting quality and ability to withstand the test of time. Add some gold jewelry and you’ll fit right in.
Tweed Knit Buttoned Bustier Top
& Other Stories
Jaine Dress
Reformation
Bouclé Jacket
H&M
3. Well Constructed Shoes
One of the most cliché, but true pieces of fashion advice we all come across at one point or another is this: Buy at least one good pair of flats. A good ballet flat or oxford shoe is a quintessential part of the “old money aesthetic.” For those of us that want to wear a heel every once and a while, opt for a pointy slingback leather pump to wear with dress pants.
Blair Cap Toe Ballet Flat
Steve Madden
Slingback Leather Pumps
& Other Stories
Loraine Bit Loafer
Nordstrum
4. Oversized Sunglasses
You have your outfit perfectly planned to a T, but it still needs a little something-something. Often, the answer is a thoughtful accessory—a color-coordinated handbag, a barely-there chain, or the perfect pair of sunglasses to tie your look together.
Add some understated jewels like a pair of classic stud earrings or an elegant bracelet from Diamondere handcrafted jewelry, and you’ll embody that timeless old-money charm.
56mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
Prada
Triomphe 52mm Oval Sunglasses
Celine
Cat Eye Sunglasses
Gucci
5. Dainty Jewelry
To look and dress old money, you need to pay attention to the accessories. Too much bling will make you look cheap, and wearing no jewelry will make you look insipid. So why you need to do is stick to essential pieces such as a watch or bracelet, earrings, and a single ring that will make you look rich and refined.
An apple watch is a great way to add some luxury to your daily outfits. If you love Apple Watches, switch to leather or stainless steel Apple Watch bands to instantly elevate its look for a sleek, polished appearance that will blend seamlessly with your ensemble.
Octagon XS Gold
Rosefield
Freshwater Pearl Dangly Earrings
Melrose Hoop Earring
6. Blazer
Blazers are a great addition to your wardrobe because they add a touch of class and sophistication, particularly if you wear them with classic pieces like the white button-down shirt.
Relaxed-Linen Blazer
& Other Stories
Relaxed Tailored Blazer
& Other Stories
Oversized Reconstructed Pinstripe Blazer
& Other Stories
7. Black Silk Satin Shirt
A versatile black satin shirt offers a touch of luxury and sophistication to any outfit. Pair the shirt with white denim straight-leg jeans; the light color and design will add just the right amount of modernity to the outfit while maintaining a classic appeal. Finishing the outfit off with a bold-colored cross-body bag will add a little extra oomph to your outfit.
Ida Top
Revolve
Draped Long Sleeved Blouse
& Other Stories
Amerie Pleated Halter Top
Revolve
8. Polo Shirts
This is my idea of an outfit you’d wear to a tennis match, followed by a stiff cocktail. Try wearing a cute polo like the ones below with a white structured minimal skirt. Add a matching chunky headband straight out of Blair Waldorf’s wardrobe, a white handbag, and a pair of statement gold earrings for good measure.
Owen Polo Tank
Madewell
Julie Cotton Polo
Ralph Lauren
Rip Polo Baby Tee
Nordstrum
Outfit Inspo
