The old money style, rooted in aristocratic traditions, emerged as a symbol of refined elegance and timeless fashion. Originating from affluent societies, this trend reflects a classic, understated approach to dressing that emphasizes quality over trendiness.
However, this style can be a little impractical for every day wear, so if chino pants and tweed aren’t your thing, you can include other wardrobe staples that exude an air of timeless sophistication while maintaining comfort Read below to nail the casual version of the look.
Classic Old Money Style
Casual Old Money Style
1) Invest in the right pair of jeans
Which jeans NOT to buy ? No ripped jeans, too “trendy” ( super wide legs, 90.s grunge etc ) or too bleached ( like acid wash, which should anyway stay in the 80’s).
So, how to pick the perfect old money jeans? Pick a pair that fits you perfectly at the waist ( nothing old money and elegant about a muffin top ) and have it tailored if necessary to fit the rest of your body.
As far as style, think about 3 M’s ( Old MMMoneyyy babyyyy) : medium rise, medium wash, and medium width ( straight leg).
The Perfect Vintage Jean in Manorford Wash: Instacozy Edition • Madewell • $138 represent perfectly what old money jeans should look like.
2) Ditch the sneakers for timeless, high quality flats
Emphasis on HIGH QUALITY materials.
Price point : Old money style is not about buying 10 pairs of shoes of $40 each, or one super trendy designer pair costing $800, it is more about but two or three pairs of excellent quality that would be $150 to $300 each ( with the occasional less and more expensive outliers).
Nude and neutral colors are A MUST, and quality craftsmanship is very important ! The last thing you want is to look like you are playing cosplay with cheaply made items.
You’ll want to look at the brand history, where are the items made, the outer and inner materials, read the reviews, to make sure that your new shoes are very well made and will withstand the test of time.
Ballerinas
Jayna Diamond-Quilted Suede flat ballerina, color Whiskey (1.)
DEE OCLEPPO Pretty Velvet Crystal Bow Ballerina Flats (2.)
Flat slingbacks
Vince Venice Leather Slingback Ballerina Flats(3.)
Loafers
Stubbs and Wootton Woven Straw Slippers (4.)
Outdoor shoes
L.L.Bean Stonington Chelsea Leather (6.)
3) Tops : Focus on fit, quality and neutral colors
Casual old money style for tops is like wrapping yourself in a friendly hug of timeless comfort and quality. It’s not just about clothes; it’s about feeling good and looking casually chic without breaking a sweat. So, embrace the charm of quality tees, comfy sweaters, and easygoing polos – because in the world of casual old money style, comfort and style are always on a first-name basis.
Nautical shirts
Wearing a nautical shirt is like navigating the waters of classic fashion – it’s the epitome of refined casual wear that stands the test of time.
Over its 130+ years in business, the Saint James brand has evolved from a workshop supplying sweaters to keep local Breton fishermen warm working in sometimes harsh seas to fashioning the iconic wardrobe staple known as the Mariniere or Breton shirt.
Despite changes over those years, the brand remains grounded in its heritage of old-world craftsmanship.
Check this Saint James Ecru-Marine Minquiers Modern nautical top, we believe it is a must have for an old money wardrobe.
Blouses
A minimalist, white blouse is a must have in your old money wardrobe : this one is very interesting because of the cut and the noble materials, a blend of silk and cashmere. Brooks Brothers Shawl Collar Silk & Cashmere-Blend Blouse
Quality tee shirts
Picture your favorite go-to tees, but imagine them in the soft embrace of organic cotton – it’s the kind of upgrade your wardrobe deserves. This FLORE FLORE Steffi Organic-cotton Long-sleeved T-shirt is an excellent option either for a base layer or to wear on its own.
Polos and sweaters
And let’s not forget the classic polo, effortlessly stylish and ready for any casual adventure : Lacoste is an obvious choice when it comes to a casual old money lool, and you can’t go wrong with this Lacoste Off-White Patch Polo .
Sweaters become your cozy companions for those laid-back days, perfect for a stroll through the park or sipping coffee at a corner cafe : this Polo Ralph Lauren Flag Intarsia-Knit Jumper is an American staple of old money style.
4) Accessories : favor quiet luxury over logos and trends
Embracing the charm of quiet luxury in accessories is like choosing friends over loud acquaintances.
It’s all about that easygoing sophistication that doesn’t need flashy logos to make a statement. Purses, jewelry, and watches become your trusty sidekicks with their simple, timeless designs – no need for over-the-top trends and logos.
Check this Bottega Veneta Loop Mini Camera Bag : no obvious logos, and yet every old money connoisseur will recognize the brand and quality in one second.
Think minimalism with a dash of personality. When it comes to jewelry, we’re talking about real pearls and gold, the kind of materials that tell a story without shouting.
It’s like having a quiet conversation with your accessories, where craftsmanship and quality do all the talking. So, let’s skip the logos and go for that friendly, laid-back luxury that’s always in style.
5) Hair, nails, and makeup: how to look healthy, chic and perfectly groomed
Royalty approved nails
What is good for the British royals is good for you when it comes to old money inspiration.
The unwritten rules governing nail polish for royals emphasize subtlety and neutrality. Members of the royal family, particularly female members, often opt for sheer or pale pink nail polish tones, showcasing a manicured yet effortlessly natural appearance. The use of bold or vibrant colors is generally avoided, maintaining a polished but discreet aesthetic.
Essie Ballet slippers is known to be one of the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorites nail polish.
Ditch the acrylics for shorter nails, obviously perfectly manicured.
The emphasis is on well-groomed nails and a clean, classic finish, reflecting the timeless grace associated with royal standards
Stealth Wealth Hair
In the realm of old money style for hair, subtlety and sophistication take center stage. The key is to embody a sense of “stealth wealth” through a classic haircut and color that exude timeless elegance.
Embrace the simplicity of a low ponytail for a polished and understated look. For shorter hair, secure your mane with chic barrettes, like this Madewell Knotted acetate barette.
Hair color should lean towards natural tones, avoiding overly bold or trendy choices.
Ensure your hair is impeccably maintained with regular trims to eliminate split ends and promote a luxuriously healthy appearance. This commitment to the health and vitality of your hair reinforces the “stealth wealth” concept, as true elegance is often found in the subtle details of a well-cared-for mane.
Rock the healthy No makeup look
Embracing a minimalist approach to cosmetics, the focus is on enhancing natural beauty rather than masking it. In other words,
Opt for a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer to achieve a flawless complexion without the heaviness of a full face of makeup.
Soft, neutral tones for eyeshadow and a touch of mascara will subtly emphasize your features, steering clear of extravagant false lashes or neon hues.
Keep brows well-groomed but maintain their natural shape, avoiding overly sculpted or dramatic styles.
For a touch of color, a subtle blush or nude lip tint is favored over bold colors.
Remember,when it comes to old money, lies in effortless simplicity, allowing your genuine beauty to shine through in an understated way.
Comment Below if you have any other must-haves in mind for a casual old money style look !