What’s the old money aesthetic?
Old money style is associated with families who inherited their wealth. The old money aesthetic is a fashion statement that values expensive, tailored clothing, good manners, and sophistication. Inspired by movie aesthetics like the Great Gatsby, Saltburn, and Crazy Rich Asians, the old money style is all about an appreciation for tradition and quality. Familes who come from “old money” have inherited their wealth over generations, and tend to use it to maintain their social status. This is different from the style of newly rich families—instead of spending money on Corvettes and Gucci handbags, old money families might focus on lavish vacations and real estate. However, that doesn’t mean you have to be upper-class to rock this style! This trend is more of an emphasis on quality craftsmanship than expensive luxury items.
Putting Together an Old Money Wardrobe for Men
Put on linen, Oxford, or Egyptian cotton button-down shirts. Dreaming of hot summer days on the Italian Riviera? Look for light-weight, half-unbuttoned button-down shirts to feel like you’re about to jet off on your next vacation in Europe. Best colors: White, off-white, cream, black, beige, light blue, and grey. Complete the look: Put on a pair of loafers or sandals and dress pants or shorts. Tie a loose bandana around your neck for a European-inspired accessory.
Use polo shirts for a pop of preppy color. Nothing is more traditional (and effortlessly preppy) than Ralph Lauren’s classic polo shirts. Not only do they come in tons of different colors, there are also tons of knock-off brands you can buy to mimic the look without draining your wallet. Best colors: Experiment with different colors, or stick to the classics—dark blue, light blue, white, and dark green. Complete the look: Pair any polo with light-colored dress pants or dark-wash jeans and brown dress shoes or sandals.
Go with a turtleneck during cold weather days. Solid-colored turtleneck sweaters can make an effortless and timeless look—if they fit properly. Professional stylist Susan Kim says to “find a turtleneck that hugs and shapes your body as you want your body to be framed. Loose fitting, wrong fitting, over-worn turtlenecks can give an immediate unflattering look.” Best colors: Black, beige, cream, and brown. Complete the look: Kim says to wrap a colorful sweater “around your shoulders so the sleeves only show in the front for a pop of color and pop of personality.”
Layer a button-up with a sweater or sweater vest. To match the old money aesthetic when it’s chilly outside, cover your light-weight button-up shirt with a high-quality cableknit or quarter-zip sweater. You can also wear a classic sweater vest over the same untucked shirt for an upscale, preppy outfit. Best colors: White, cream, grey, dark green, and blue or black stripes. Complete the look: Wear dress pants to complete the classic winter look, or find a pair of basic white or beige shorts.
Use dress pants to complete any old money look. Solid-colored dress pants and well-fitted Chinos are essential for the old money aesthetic—look for pairs that sit on your waist and are made of wool or tweed, which will prevent them from wrinkling throughout the day. Best colors: Beige, grey, black, white, dark blue, muted green, and brown. Complete the look: Try a long-sleeved T-shirt, a polo shirt, or an untucked button-down shirt.
Choose high-quality shorts for hot summer days. Elevate any summer look with a sophisticated, clean pair of shorts. Chino, Oxford, or pleated shorts are the best choices for established upper-class outfits, but you can also experiment with aviator shorts or shorts with fun patterns like boats or nautical symbols. Best colors: Khaki, beige, brown, white, black, and navy blue. Complete the look: Dress down with a polo or dress up with a button-down shirt, tie, and a light sweater with the sleeves draped over your shoulders.
Incorporate jeans for a more modern, casual look. Although you wouldn’t think of jeans as old money, jeans can look high-class when paired with a clean button-down or a cable knit sweater. Try to stick to solid-colored jeans like white, though—these tend to look more formal than worn or distressed jeans. Best colors: White, dark wash, and black. Complete the look: To elevate white jeans, image consultant Elle Monus suggests wearing “a collared button down in a high contrast color or in a neutral color… Unbutton at least the top two buttons and skip the tie. Leave [it] untucked or half-tucked for an effortlessly cool look.”
Wear blazers over formal and casual outfits. According to image consultant Alice Wu, you can make cheaper clothes look more expensive by adding “something with a little bit of structure” like a blazer. She says that “structure adds a little bit more pop to your outfit and makes you look more mature.” Best colors: Black and dark blue. Complete the look: Go with a white t-shirt or a button-up, and dress the bottom half with a pair of sensible shoes and dress pants or jeans.
Wear tweed jackets, trenchcoats, or overcoats on top of your ensemble. Personal wardrobe stylist Paul Julch says you can wear overcoats with “anything because it's basically a super versatile piece” that can “slightly dress up what you're wearing underneath.” When you’re about to walk on the door in your new ‘fit, grab a wool or tweed jacket to protect you from the cold. Best colors: Grey, beige, brown, and black. Complete the look: Throw your jacket over a sweater, a pressed button-down shirt, or a chunky turtleneck.
Pick out shirts and sweaters with subtle branding. Think Ralph Lauren, Loro Piana, Hermés, or Burberry—their designer gear is all about luxurious fabrics with elegantly placed logos. If those options aren’t in your price range, try brands like J. Crew, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, or Express. Best colors: Steer clear of loud, colorful logos. Instead, look for items with branding that doesn’t stand out or overpower the rest of the outfit. Complete the look: Wear expensive-looking accessories like a watch or a leather belt.
Get a suit tailored to your body’s shape and size. Because the old money aesthetic is all about quality, tailored suits are a must-have for formal and business occasions. Look for a wool or wool-blend suit with 2 or 3 buttons and 3 pockets, then take it to a tailor so they can alter the suit to fit your body. Best colors: Brown, dark blue, gray, and black. Complete the look: Wear a white or light blue-colored button-down shirt with the first few buttons undone for a more casual look, or go with a simple solid-colored tie.
Try a tuxedo for ultra-formal events. A classic tuxedo can elevate any look to high-class levels. When buying any suit (but especially a tuxedo), make sure the shoulders don’t stick out further than your own shoulders and there isn’t more than a fist’s worth of space between the buttons and your chest. Best colors: Black, grey, and blue. Complete the look: Go with a pair of refined cufflinks and polished black dress shoes.
Stick to loafers, boots, or solid-colored sneakers. Oxford shoes, loafers, derby shoes, and boots are all elegant footwear choices that go with almost any item on this list. For more occasions, try a pair of clean sneakers or sandals instead. Whatever you choose, make sure your shoes are well-maintained and free of scuffing or scratches. Best colors: Stick to black and brown. Some shoes also come with silver buckles or tassels to give your outfit more personality. Complete the look: Wear black crew socks (or no-show socks if you’re wearing shorts) and try to match the color of your shoes to an accessory, like a belt or jacket.
Acting Old Money
Invest in quality scents like sandalwood or bergamot. Cedarwood, bergamot, sandalwood, and patchouli are all timeless, high-class scents that can help sell your new look. When shopping for cologne, Monus suggests finding “a great scent that is both light and masculine and spritz on just enough for others to smell you as you get close.” Fragrances can also help increase your confidence and adds to the impression that you’re a sharp, well-dressed person. Some cologne companies sell small sample vials for a few dollars so you can test out the scent for a week and see if you like it before buying the bottle.
Style your hair and groom your facial hair regularly. Although classic haircuts always match the upper-class aesthetic, hair is the one area where you can try out new trends. Side parts, curly bangs, buzz cuts, and long curly hair are all welcome styles in the old money world. Just make sure to visit a barber regularly and use styling products to keep your hair neat and clean. If you have short hair, get it trimmed every 2 to 4 weeks. If your hair is mid-length or long, visit a barber every 2 to 6 months.
Cultivate a soothing skincare routine. To look like you have an appreciation for the finer things in life, keep your complexion clear and healthy with good-quality skincare products. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—start by washing your face with water and a gentle cleanser every morning and night. Then, try out these products to improve your skin: Sunscreen: Apply a facial sunscreen everyday to protect your skin from cancer and reduce the effects of aging. Spot treatments: Use acne spot treatments at night to fight pimples and dark spots. Moisturizer: Apply a lightweight lotion with SPF 30 or higher in the morning. In the evening, use a thicker night cream. Toner:Gently removes any dirt and grime left over after cleansing. Toners also hydrate your skin, make your pores look smaller, and restore your skin’s pH balance. Serums: Most serums contain certain vitamins or ingredients that keep your skin moisturized and protected throughout the day.
Practice good posture. Sitting up straight is not only a sign that you’re blue blooded—it’s also essential to reduce injury and maintain good balance while walking or exercising. When standing, keep your shoulders back, stomach pulled in, head level, and your hands hanging down naturally at your sides. Make sure your spine doesn’t flex or arch, and keep your hips, knees, and feet aligned. When sitting, keep your feet flat on the floor, relax your shoulders, and keep your elbows tucked close into your body.
Use good manners during mealtime. Practicing good etiquette can be a sure sign that you come from old money. When you’re at the dinner table, try to sit straight with your chair pushed in and your elbows off the table. Wait until everyone has sat down to begin eating and say “thank you” to anyone who serves you. Holding the door open and offering to help others carry items are also good practices. When you throw formal dinners of your own, greet your guests as they arrive and introduce everyone to each other so no one feels left out. Like with clothes, families that come from old money also tend to enjoy incredibly crafted dishes and alcohol. If you’re able to, dine out at fine restaurants around your area.
Appreciate local art and culture. Being “old money” is all about enjoying the finer things in life. Visiting local art museums, attending classical music concerts, going to see plays, and reading are all great intellectual pursuits that show you come from a family of culture and class. Seek out new music artists you’ve never heard of before and embrace all the different styles of art in your area. You can also engage in old-school hobbies like fencing, tennis, squash, sailing, and equestrian sports.
Decorate your home with family heirlooms and quality furniture. While folks from new money might buy big modern homes and expensive cars, people who come from old money tend to embrace historic homes adorned with classic art and sophisticated furniture. Proudly display your grandmother’s decor and old couch that’s been passed down for generations. However, those who come from old money might spend a lot more on their vacations or real estate.
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