I was in my closet, looking at clothes that didn’t excite me. I wanted something simple yet elegant. Old money fashion is timeless, speaking of legacy, not just trends.
Women with old money style love quality and simplicity. They wear classic clothes that show off their taste. These clothes are about being sophisticated and refined.
This guide will show you how to get the old money look. You don’t need to spend a lot to look good. You can find great pieces at vintage shops or on sale.
Wearing natural fabrics like silk and cashmere makes your style better. It also makes your clothes last longer, which is key in old money fashion.
Let’s start a journey to make our wardrobes more elegant. It’s not just about clothes. It’s about feeling confident and charming. It’s about loving simplicity and quality.
Understanding the Old Money Aesthetic
The old money aesthetic is all about timeless elegance. It’s about choosing quality over trends. It’s inspired by Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana.
This style is about tradition and understated luxury. It’s fascinating to see how it connects to a certain way of life.
What Defines Old Money Style
Old money style is about classic pieces. It’s like the mid-20th century East Coast elites’ charm. It’s all about high-quality fabrics and perfect tailoring.
Buying well-made items means you have a few, but great, pieces. You can mix and match them for quiet luxury outfits. Think tailored blazers, crisp shirts, and chic dresses.
Key Characteristics of Old Money Fashion
Old money fashion has a few key traits. It loves:
- Natural materials for comfort and durability.
- Simple yet elegant accessories.
- No logos or flashy displays of wealth.
- Tailored fits that show off quality craftsmanship.
Brands like Hermes, Burberry, and Chanel are perfect examples. They’re known for luxury and timeless style. The old money aesthetic is back, showing a love for tradition and quality.
Old Money Fashion for Women
Old Money fashion is all about having a few, but very good, pieces. These pieces are elegant and last a long time. They make your style look polished and refined.
Timeless Wardrobe Essentials
For elegant fashion, you need tailored blazers, cashmere sweaters, and classic dresses. The little black dress is perfect for many events. Wool trousers and A-line skirts add elegance.
Silk blouses make any outfit look better. These items are the heart of a sophisticated wardrobe.
Fabrics and Materials to Invest In
Quality fabrics make Old Money fashion stand out. Choose natural fibers like cashmere, wool, and Egyptian cotton. They are soft, last long, and look great over time.
Tailored clothes from these materials fit perfectly. They make you look elegant and stylish.
Color Palettes for an Elegant Look
Color is key in Old Money style. Neutral colors like beige, cream, and navy are used a lot. They make outfits look polished and simple.
A good color mix makes your clothes look better together. It makes your wardrobe elegant and complete.
Neutral Colors in Old Money Fashion
Neutral colors are big in Old Money fashion. They are versatile and rich. White stands for luxury and cleanliness.
Beige and cream make things feel soft and friendly. Navy blue is perfect for formal events, giving a noble look. Dark colors like black are good for any time.
Earthy browns add warmth and depth. Soft pastels like dusty pink and lavender add a touch of femininity.
Understanding Limited Use of Color
The Old Money style uses colors wisely. It lets accessories show your personality. Emerald green and burgundy might show up in scarves or bags.
But, most outfits stick to neutral colors. This keeps things classic and elegant. About 70% of outfits use neutral colors.
The other 30% is for bold colors. They show your style but don’t take over. When picking clothes, I choose timeless pieces that are sophisticated and can be worn all year.
Building a Classic Wardrobe
Creating a classic wardrobe is key for effortless elegance and timeless style. It’s vital for anyone wanting to look like old money. I focus on quality over quantity, making sure each piece lasts long and can be styled many ways.
Must-Have Clothing Items
To start a classic wardrobe, pick a few essential pieces. These items are versatile and can be mixed for different events:
- Classic White Shirt
- Tailored Blazers
- Trench Coat
- Little Black Dress
- Quality Leather Footwear
- Well-Fitting Trousers
- Flattering Blouses
- Flowy Tennis Skirts
- Crisp White Sneakers
- Knee-High Boots
Capsule Wardrobe Approach
The capsule wardrobe shows the old money way. It means choosing a few high-quality items for a simpler life. I pick neutral colors like black, white, beige, and navy for a calm look.
Each piece in a capsule wardrobe should show timeless elegance. This way, classic wardrobe items stay stylish through the seasons.
Keeping clothes in good shape is also key. With the right care, these items can last for decades. Building this wardrobe means understanding style and staying true to tradition while fashion evolves.
Essential Accessories for Old Money Style
Accessories are key to the old money look. The right pieces make any outfit shine. Look for quality and craftsmanship in your choices.
Classic shoes and handbags are must-haves. They should be timeless and well-made. Leather bags in neutral colors are great for any outfit.
Choosing the Right Handbags and Shoes
Choose leather handbags in classic styles. Stick to colors like black, brown, and beige. These bags go with many outfits.
Invest in good leather for lasting value. For shoes, pick loafers, Oxfords, and ballet flats. Women, wear low heels for comfort and style.
Top Old Money Accessories to Consider
Don’t forget silk scarves and simple jewelry. They add elegance without being too much. Watches from brands like Patek Philippe are also great.
Choose accessories that fit many outfits. Taking care of them makes them last longer. This saves money in the long run.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
Creating sophisticated outfits is key for the old money style. Tailoring outfits for different times can make you look elegant. Simple yet classic looks are best for a polished look.
Casual Outfits with an Old Money Twist
For casual days, try tailored trousers with a crisp white blouse. Add classic shoes like ballet flats or loafers. Use simple jewelry or a structured bag to make it better.
Stick to neutral colors for a timeless look. This ensures your outfit stays elegant.
Work Attire That Exudes Elegance
Work outfits should be sophisticated. A chic blazer over a fitted dress or trousers is great. Use high-quality materials like cashmere or wool for a luxurious feel.
Classic shoes like pumps or loafers are perfect. They balance comfort and professionalism. Quality materials are key in old money style.
Evening Wear for Sophisticated Events
Evening wear should be elegant, with refined shapes. Floor-length gowns in silk or velvet are stunning. For cocktail events, a jewel-toned dress is perfect.
Keep accessories simple, like pearl earrings or a silk scarf. This lets your outfit stand out without being too much.
Quiet Luxury Outfits Explained
Quiet luxury outfits are all about quality and timeless style. They don’t show off brands or flashy designs. Instead, they focus on simple elegance, like the old money style.
What is Quiet Luxury?
Quiet luxury means using top-notch materials and careful making. The Old Money Collection shows this with fancy clothes from Italy. Items like tailored blazers and classic trench coats show the focus on quality.
These clothes are often in neutral colors. This makes them easy to wear in many places.
How to Incorporate Quiet Luxury into Your Wardrobe
To add quiet luxury to your clothes, pick a few key pieces. Think about having tailored blazers, silk blouses, and elegant trousers. These items reflect the old money style.
Layering is key for comfort and style all year. Mixing textures, like a cashmere sweater with trousers, adds interest without being too bold.
For accessories, choose a few simple, elegant items. A pearl necklace or simple gold jewelry works well. Brands like The Row and Loro Piana offer these minimalist pieces. Spending around $500 on these items shows you value quality and style.
Popular Brands and Designers for Old Money Fashion
I often choose famous labels for old money style. Brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry are known for luxury and elegance. Ralph Lauren is a key part of American old money fashion.
Their items, like the Purple Label Gregory Wool Twill Blazer, mix American sportswear with European style. Burberry’s Kensington Heritage Trench Coat is a must-have for a sophisticated look.
But, you don’t need to spend a lot to look good. Brands like J.Crew and Uniqlo offer classic styles at a lower price. J.Crew’s chinos and cashmere sweaters are affordable yet elegant.
Brands like Mango and Everlane add elegance and simplicity to my wardrobe. They offer luxury without the high cost.
Mixing expensive and affordable brands makes my wardrobe complete. This way, every outfit I wear feels timeless and stylish.