Old money aesthetic is all about looking classy and timeless. This style is inspired by the wealthy families who have had money for generations, with well-made and properly tailored wardrobe pieces that can be mixed and matched to get a chic look.
The great part about old money outfits is that you don’t need to own a private jet to look and dress the part; as long as you know which fashion staples to add to your wardrobe to look the part of a rich heiress, you can fashion an old money look.
I share all the fashion staples and accessories you need to invest in to get a classy, elegant look while not putting a hole in your wallet.
I also explain the fabrics, materials and color palette you need to incorporate into your pieces for a subtle, put together look that screams “money”, without breaking the budget.
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Understanding The Old Money Aesthetic Color Palette
The old money aesthetic is all about elegance, timelessness and subtlety. One of the key aspects of this style is the use of a neutral color palette. These colors are understated yet sophisticated, creating a look that is both polished and refined. Here’s a closer look at the colors you should focus on to get the old money aesthetic.
1. Beige
Beige is a versatile and warm neutral that exudes sophistication. It pairs well with almost any other color, making it an excellent choice for blazers, pants, and coats. Beige pieces can be the foundation of many outfits, providing a soft and elegant look.
2. Navy Blue & Paler Blues
Navy blue is a rich, classic color that never goes out of style. It’s less harsh than black but still conveys a sense of seriousness and elegance. Navy is perfect for blazers, trousers, dresses, and even accessories like scarves and handbags.
3. White
White represents purity and simplicity. A crisp white button-down shirt, a white blouse, or even white pants can look incredibly chic and clean. White is also a great color for accessories like pearl necklaces and silk scarves.
4. Black
Black is timeless and sophisticated. It’s perfect for creating a sleek, elegant look. While the old money aesthetic often leans towards softer neutrals, black is still a staple for formal wear, evening events, and essential pieces like little black dresses and tailored pants.
5. Gray
Gray is a versatile and understated color that adds depth to your wardrobe. It can be light or dark and works well in various fabrics. Gray is ideal for suits, sweaters, and skirts. It pairs beautifully with both light and dark neutrals.
6. Camel
Camel is a slightly darker and warmer tone than beige, giving a sense of luxury and warmth. It’s particularly popular for outerwear like trench coats and wool coats. Camel can also be found in sweaters, blazers and handbags.
7. Cream
Cream is a softer, warmer alternative to white. It brings a touch of warmth while maintaining the simplicity and elegance that white offers. Cream-colored blouses, sweaters, and dresses are perfect for a refined and gentle look.
8. Khaki
Khaki is incredibly easy to use in an outfit. It can be worn in different ways, such as trousers, skirts, blazers and outerwear. This adaptability makes it a go-to color for creating a range of outfits that can be both casual and formal.
How To Use An Old Money Aesthetic Color Palette
- Mix and Match: One of the beauties of a neutral color palette is that all the colors work well together. You can mix and match beige pants with a navy blazer, or a gray skirt with a cream blouse. The combinations are endless and always chic.
- Focus on Quality: Since neutral colors are timeless, investing in high-quality pieces is important. These items will be wardrobe staples for years to come.
- Layering: Neutrals are perfect for layering. A beige sweater over a white shirt, or a navy coat over a gray dress, adds dimension and sophistication to your outfit.
- Add Texture: To keep a neutral outfit from looking flat, incorporate different textures. Mix cashmere, wool, silk, and cotton to create interest and depth.
By embracing a neutral color palette, you can easily get an elegant and timeless look of the old money aesthetic. These colors are versatile, sophisticated, and always in style.
Old Money Fabrics and Materials
The old money aesthetic is characterized by its emphasis on quality, timelessness, and understated elegance. This style often incorporates luxurious fabrics and materials that have stood the test of time. Here are the key fabrics and materials associated with the old money fashion aesthetic:
1. Wool
Wool is a classic and versatile fabric that is highly valued for its durability, warmth, and luxurious feel. It is commonly used in:
- Tailored suits and blazers
- Knee-length skirts
- Winter coats and trench coats
- Sweaters and cardigans
2. Cashmere
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and softest materials available. It provides exceptional warmth without bulk, making it a favorite for:
- Sweaters and pullovers
- Cardigans and twinsets
- Scarves and shawls
- Coats and outerwear
3. Cotton
Cotton is a versatile and comfortable fabric that is a staple in the old money wardrobe. It is breathable, easy to care for, and suitable for various garments, including:
- Button-down shirts
- Blouses
- Casual trousers and chinos
- Dresses and skirts
4. Silk
Silk is renowned for its luxurious texture and natural sheen. It drapes beautifully and adds an element of sophistication to any outfit. Common uses of silk in old money fashion include:
- Blouses and shirts
- Scarves and neckerchiefs
- Dresses and evening gowns
- Lining for high-quality jackets and coats
5. Linen
Linen is a lightweight, breathable fabric perfect for warm weather. It has a natural, slightly textured appearance that exudes casual elegance. Linen is often used for:
- Summer dresses
- Blouses and shirts
- Trousers and skirts
- Blazers and jackets
6. Tweed
Tweed is a rugged, textured woolen fabric often associated with British country wear. It is durable and adds a refined, rustic charm to outfits. Tweed is commonly found in:
- Blazers and sport coats
- Skirts and trousers
- Outerwear and coats
7. Leather (or faux leather)
High-quality leather is a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship. It ages well and develops a unique patina over time. Leather is used for:
- Shoes and boots
- Handbags and belts
- Gloves
- Jackets, skirts and coats
8. Suede (or faux suede)
Suede, a type of leather with a soft, napped finish, is another luxurious material favored in old money fashion. It is typically used for:
- Shoes and boots
- Jackets and blazers
- Handbags and accessories
9. Velvet
Velvet is a plush, soft fabric with a distinctive sheen that adds opulence to any garment. It is often used in more formal or evening wear, such as:
- Dresses and gowns
- Blazers and jackets
- Skirts
- Accessories like handbags and shoes
By adding these luxurious fabrics and materials into your wardrobe, you can get the refined, elegant look characteristic of the old money aesthetic.
Old Money Aesthetic Wardrobe Pieces
Investing in timeless and well made pieces is an important wardrobe investment, but there are also affordable options out there that will capture the old money look for less. Below are the wardrobe staples to grab for an old money look, keeping in mind that they should be in the neutral tones listed above as well as the fabric and patterns that are commonly used in old money outfits as per above.
1. Tailored Blazers & Jackets
Blazers are a must-have to get the old money outfit look. They make any outfit look more polished and structured, assuming they are well tailored and fit you properly. Choose colors like navy, black, or beige in wool, tweed or the other old money fabric options listed above. A well-fitted blazer can be worn over dresses, blouses, or even with jeans for a chic look.
Tip: Blazers with an embroidered emblem on the pocket add an extra old money touch.
2. Pearl Jewelry
Pearls are classic and always in style. A simple pearl necklace or a pair of pearl earrings can elevate your outfit in seconds and faux pearls are always an affordable option to stay on budget. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a fancy dinner.
3. Button-Down Shirts
A crisp white button-down shirt is an old money fashion staple, so stock up on them. They look great with skirts, pants, or even layered under sweaters. You can also choose light blue or striped ones for some variety.
4. Tailored Pants & Trousers
Invest in a few pairs of well tailored pants. They should fit well and sit at the waist or slightly higher, made in neutral colors like black, camel, or navy. These pants can be paired with blouses, sweaters, or blazers for a sophisticated look.
5. Loafers, Mules & Ballet Flats
Comfortable yet stylish shoes are key for your old money outfit. Go for neutral colors like black, brown, or nude with added gold embellishments.
6. Structured Handbags & Totes
A structured handbag adds a touch of elegance to your outfit. Choose a classic style in a neutral color and materials like leather (real of faux), velvet or wicker. It should be large enough to carry your essentials but not too big where it overpowers your chic look. Handbags with quilted patterns are a touch that screams old money but isn’t necessarily expensive.
7. Knee-Length Skirts & Tennis Skirts
Knee-length skirts are both modest and stylish. They can be pencil skirts or A-line skirts. Pair them with blouses or sweaters for a polished look. A pleated tennis skirt is always an old money fashion staple and is super cute to boot.
8. Old Money Aesthetic Knits & Sweaters
Knit or crocheted pieces in neutral tones add simple details to your old money look. Look for ribbed knits or knit sweaters, dresses or skirts with stripes or patterns for a touch of fun. Loose sweaters are a great for layering and can be tied around your shoulders over a tank top or tee.
For ultimate elegance, splurge on a cashmere sweater to elevate your look.
9. Long Cashmere Coat Or Trench Coats
A trench coat is perfect for cooler weather. It adds a sophisticated touch to any outfit and a long coat in a classic beige, brown or camel color will elevate your entire look. Add a belt to complete the look.
10. Silk Scarves
A silk scarf can add a pop of color and elegance to your outfit. You can wear it around your neck, in your hair or tied to your handbag for a touch of class. Look for classic or luxury patterns like polka dots or stripes.
11. Ankle-Length Skirts & Dresses
Ankle length neutral skirts and dresses in silks, linen or cotton are a great way to elevate your style for any event while looking timeless. Add a button blouse or knit sweater on top with a watch and some pearls to elevate the look as needed.
12. Black or Tortoise Sunglasses
You can’t leave the house in an old money outfit without adding a pair of glamorous sunglasses to your outfit. Tortoise shell or black are the most common colors for old money shades, but you can amp up your look with white, beige or navy blue rims to stand out.
13. Yellow Gold Accents & Vintage Pieces
When selecting belts, sunglasses, handbags, watches and jewelry, old money looks are typically dressed up with yellow gold-looking pieces for that “I inherited a ton of cash from my family” look.
Tip: Old money has been passed down, so look for affordable vintage pieces (Etsy.com is a great place to start!) for a true old money look.
14. Wide Brim Hats
For a special occasion or when out on your yacht/dingy, a wide brim hat is the old money way to keep the sun of your face and look fabulous while doing it.
15. Belts
Many of the old money looks include belted trousers, a belted skirt or a cinched blazer. Add a few black, camel and navy blue belts to your wardrobe to add to your outfit and cinch in your waist for a classic silhouette.
16. Boat Shorts
You can board a boat party without a classic pair of above the knee boat shorts. Add a belt to your black, white, blue, camel or khaki shorts with a light knit or stripe tank to complete this old money look.
17. Classic Watch
A timeless watch, preferably in a yellow gold color is the best way to complete your old money outfit and can be expensive or affordable as you like.
18. Brooches
A pearl or yellow gold brooch is an easy way to bring some shine and sparkle to your old money aesthetic outfit. Pin them to your coat, sweater, blouse or blazer for a touch of old money glam. For an extra touch of class, invest in a vintage or vintage-looking brooch for that “old wealth” look.
Why A Luxury Watch Is the Ultimate Status Symbol
A luxury watch is a timeless piece that amplifies your outfit and is an investment piece that you can wear for years to come. Learn why you should add this old money accessory to your wardrobe.
To get the old money aesthetic, focus on quality over quantity; it’s better to have a few well-made pieces than a lot of cheap ones.
Stick to neutral colors and classic styles.
Always aim for a polished and put-together look.
With these old money outfit staples in your wardrobe, you’ll always look elegant and rich.
Follow my “Old Money Aesthetic” Pinterest board below for more outfit inspo!
