The old money aesthetic involves creating a neat, impeccable look (the devil is in the details), implying that the wearer has been wealthy for generations. Easy to do, right?
Fashion trends are cyclical in nature, but this one appeared first in the early 20th century and then appeared again numerous times, becoming adept at comebacks.
The roots of this style, also known as preppy and quiet luxury, trace back to the English preparatory schools for upper-class boys in the mid-1800s. A few decades later, in the US, the Protestant elite, i.e., representatives of old money, started creating opposition to a mass of nouveaux riches, also known as new money, i.e., people born within a working class who acquired wealth in their generation and were automatically described as unworthy (this is where elitist aspect influences this style on the conceptual level), ostentatious, and attention seeking.
So, being worthy was based on something other than the amount of money one had. The opulence needed to be inherited. Fashion development within this society, or lack thereof, followed the same path for decades. The less innovative the garment, the more it confirmed alignment with the heritage.
Funnily enough, the Ivy League look, formed at the beginning of the 20th century (around 1940), resulted from students’ successful attempts to break free from wearing suits at universities. After the style emerged, J. Press and Brooks Brothers started promoting their clothing, including the eternal polo shirts.
And here we are, a hundred years later, observing the old money aesthetic again, having its five minutes. Nowadays, the old money style is accessible to everyone. Inspired by the fashion of the upper class from the early 20th century, it’s now purely a fashion trend that can be easily recreated based on a few simple rules.
It’s all about saying no to flashy, trending apparel and jewelry, investing in timeless, elegant, sophisticated pieces, choosing quality over quantity, and emphasizing the craftsmanship of fabrics. For women, it may mean pearl earrings, silk scarves, and well-tailored blazers; for men, a Polo Bear sweater, Cartier Tank Watch, or Burberry Trench Coat. Keep clean lines and select dark and neutral clothing with relaxed, comfortable, made-to-measure tailoring. Luxury brands to follow are Hermés, Loro Piana, Brioni, and Delvaux. More affordable brands to help you achieve old money aesthetic are Theory, & Other Stories, or Mango.
