Old money aesthetic

What is the old money aesthetic?

Old money dresses like people who never needed to prove they had money. Nothing is flashy. A navy blazer, a cashmere sweater and a pair of loafers that have been resoled twice say more than a big logo ever could.

The look is closely tied to "quiet luxury", a trend that peaked in 2023. The HBO series Succession, whose very rich characters wear plain, costly clothes, is often credited with making it popular. The idea itself is old. In The Great Gatsby (1925), the old-money families look down on Gatsby's loud displays of new wealth.

The old money color palette

The colors are navy, ivory, camel, hunter green and burgundy, with white, grey and black as the base. Everything is muted. Neon, glitter and bold prints are out. Stripes, small checks and cable knits are the only patterns you need.

How to dress old money

Fit beats price. A cheap blazer that fits perfectly looks more old money than an expensive one that does not.

• Tops: crisp button-down shirts, polo shirts, cashmere or merino crewnecks, cable knits.
• Outerwear: navy blazers, camel coats, quilted jackets, trench coats.
• Bottoms: tailored trousers, chinos, pleated tennis skirts, knee-length skirts.
• Shoes: leather loafers, boat shoes, riding boots, white tennis shoes.
• Details: a classic watch, a signet ring, pearl studs, a silk scarf, a leather belt.

Three easy outfits: a white shirt tucked into navy trousers with loafers; a cable knit over the shoulders of a polo, with chinos; a camel coat over a grey crewneck and straight jeans.

How to dress old money on a budget

You do not need a trust fund. Choose natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen and silk, because they look better and last longer. Buy classics secondhand, where good wool coats and leather shoes cost a fraction of new. Spend a little on a tailor. Hemmed trousers and taken-in shirts are the biggest single upgrade.

Care is part of the look too. Ironed shirts, polished shoes and de-pilled knits read as old money far more than any brand.

Old money room ideas

An old money room feels like a country house library. Wood paneling or dark wood furniture, a Persian or Oriental rug, a leather armchair and framed paintings set the tone. Add fresh flowers, books with worn spines and brass lamps. Nothing looks brand new or matched from one store.

Old money vs preppy vs dark academia

Preppy is the sportier, younger cousin, with brighter polos and more logos. Dark academia shares the tweed and loafers but is moodier and more worn. Old money is the most polished of the three: clean, quiet and well kept.

Is old money your aesthetic?

If you would rather own one perfect coat than five trendy ones, you may lean old money. Take the aesthetic quiz to see where you land.

Sources

• Quiet luxury, Wikipedia: the 2023 trend, the link to Succession and the related term old money aesthetic.