Q: What do Princess Diana, Succession, and The Talented Mr. Ripley all have in common? A: The old money style aesthetic! Inspired by the fashion sense of the upper class (think: the Kennedys, the royals, and Manhattan’s elite), the old money look is defined by quiet luxury outfits and demure style. And it’s also the current trending aesthetic our editors can’t stop obsessing over!
If you ask us, what makes this “trend” so irresistible is that it’s not a trend at all. With classic outfits that are just as stylish today as they were 50 years ago (just search Princess Diana’s off-duty style!), the old money aesthetic is a breath of fresh air compared to the microtrends constantly flooding our FYP.
So if you want to take your style to the next tax bracket, keep scrolling for our complete guide to the old money fashion aesthetic!
Defining The Style: What is the old money aesthetic?
The old money style aesthetic is a trend inspired by the fashion of high society — think Princess Diana, Jackie O., and Blair Waldorf. It features the kind of outfits you would wear to (hypothetically) summer in the Hamptons, visit your country estate, or lounge on the quad of an Ivy League college.
In other words, the old money aesthetic is the type of style that whispers luxury rather than shouting it. With this look, classic and sophisticated clothing reigns supreme over micro trends and fast fashion. From oxford shirts and blazers to varsity sweaters and tennis skirts, old money outfits are elevated, timeless, and preppy — like something out of a Ralph Lauren catalog (or an episode of Gossip Girl!).
GWS Pro Tip! While old money aesthetic is a new term, this fashion style has been around for decades (you may notice some overlap with the “preppy” look of the ’80s!). It’s also similar to more modern preppy aesthetics — such as quiet luxury style or the clean girl trend — but with a more classic and tailored look.
What personality type is old money fashion best for?
While the old money aesthetic is inspired by the upper class, you don’t have to be a Blue Blood to rock the look. This style is perfect for anyone who prefers classic and timeless outfits over the latest fashion “core” of the week. Rather than following trends, the old money style aesthetic is about investing in high-quality pieces that you can wear again and again — and that don’t have to be replaced with every new fashion cycle.
Because of this, the old money style is also best for people who want to shop more sustainably and reduce the waste caused by fast fashion. With this style, you can wear the same outfits for years (if not decades!) to come, and look like you moved up a tax bracket while you’re at it!
The Essential Style Elements Of Any Old Money Aesthetic Outfit
Here’s the good news: with such a classic and minimalist look, the old money style aesthetic is very easy to emulate. All you need are a few elevated basics and closet staples to build an outfit worthy of an East Coast country club. Forget the designer logos and flashy fashion trends — here are the must-have style essentials for any old money aesthetic outfit!
- Luxe knitwear: Whether it’s layered over your shoulder for country club vibes or the finishing touch to your aprés ski outfit, a chic sweater is a must for old money style. Opt for neutral tones like beige or classic patterns like stripes for that classy quiet luxury look.
- Timeless pants: If you thought trousers were just for the office, think again! Loose, tailored pants will take any outfit from basic to old money chic in the time it takes to zip them up. Going for a more “weekend at my country house” kind of old money look? Straight-leg jeans are also great if you want to keep it casual, but still elevated.
- Tailored tops: When it comes to old money style, button-down shirts and structured vest tops are always a good idea. Embrace the prep school vibes with a white oxford shirt tucked into a skirt or trousers, or layer a striped button-down over jeans for an outfit that says “brb, gone sailing.”
- Classic outerwear: For that timeless old money style, stick with classic outerwear that adds a sophisticated finishing touch to any outfit. A chic trench coat, a tailored blazer, and a cropped tweed jacket are all just as stylish today as they were five decades ago!
- Understated accessories: While new money style is characterized by bold logos and showy accessories, the old money aesthetic doesn’t feel the need to prove itself. Channel stealth wealth with understated accessories like dainty gold watches, sleek leather bags, and classic stud earrings. The same goes for shoes — you can’t go wrong with classics like leather loafers, chic ballet flats, and knee-high riding boots.
Our Pro Tips For Shopping And Styling Your Old Money Aesthetic Look
While the old money lifestyle may be out of reach for most of us, that doesn’t mean the fashion style is! Here are a few budget-friendly tips for incorporating the old money aesthetic into your current wardrobe — no trust fund required.
- Mix high and low pieces: No, you don’t have to wear all designer to channel the old money style aesthetic! Get the same elevated look on a budget by styling affordable basics with a few investment pieces, like a classic button-down shirt with a chic designer bag or a simple midi dress with a luxury trench coat.
- Stick to a classic color palette: Timeless neutrals are the name of the game for the old money style aesthetic, so shop for pieces in camel, navy, ivory, or black to achieve the classic look. This will also give you unlimited outfit and styling options — aka, the ultimate old money capsule wardrobe!
- Invest in custom tailoring: While you may not be able to buy bespoke pieces, you can get your outfits custom tailored for a made-for-you look. A perfectly fitted blazer or elegantly tailored trousers automatically make any outfit look elegant and expensive.
- Shop vintage: When we think of old money style, we picture Ralph Lauren sweaters, Gucci loafers, and Hermès silk scarves. A great way to get these pieces for less? Scour your local vintage or thrift store! Not only is this a budget-friendly (and sustainable) option to revamp your wardrobe, but it’ll also give you that lived-in, heirloom-quality look that the old money style aesthetic is known for.
Another way to elevate your old money style outfits? With these minimalist milky nail ideas!
Our Favorite Brands For Old Money Style Outfits
Want to give your style the old money treatment for 2025? Here are our favorite brands for building the best old money style outfits, including options for every budget!
- Ralph Lauren: If you want more fashion inspo for the old money style aesthetic, just scroll through Ralph Lauren’s website. This heritage brand is the unofficial mascot for the luxury fashion aesthetic, with clothing that would look right at home on a sailboat or at a country estate. There’s just something about that Ralph Lauren logo that screams old money!
- Quince: Looking for old money style outfits without the old money price tag? Quince has you covered! They specialize in high-quality pieces on a budget, from cashmere sweaters to silk skirts to classic handbags (all for under $100). Affordable and elevated, they’re the perfect basics for building your old money inspired wardrobe.
- Abercrombie & Fitch: The original destination for modern preppy style (never forget the polo shirts of the 2000s!), A&F is a no-brainer for your old money aesthetic outfits. With a mix of stylish officewear — think trousers and button-downs — and preppy sportswear — aka varsity sweaters and polos — it has everything you need for a modern take on old money fashion.
Fashion Inspo: Our Favorite Old Money Style Outfits
No, you didn’t grow up attending prep school, riding horses at your country estate, or skiing in the Alps. But with the old money style aesthetic, you can look like you have a trust fund and a summer house!
Below, we’ve put together a few old money style outfit ideas that are perfect for rubbing elbows with society’s elite — or simply elevating your current fashion sense. If you’ve been searching for a wardrobe refresh that doesn’t rely on fast fashion and fleeting microtrends, these old money style looks have you covered. Your closet has never looked so rich!
1. Classy Old Money Style Outfit for an Everyday Look
old money style outfit: silk scarf | ivory top | wide-leg trousers | black belt | round sunglasses | ivory bag | plaid heels
I can picture Sophia Richie Grainge or Lily Vanderwoodsen (aka, the ultimate old money style icon!) wearing this outfit to run errands, grab brunch, or lounge around an Upper East Side penthouse. If you’ve been looking for an everyday outfit that’s not athleisure, this is the perfect elevated look!
Just trade your leggings for trousers and your sneakers for kitten heels and you have an instant polished look that oozes old money vibes.
2. Parisian Chic Inspired Outfit
old money style outfit: tweed jacket | pleated mini skirt | gold watch | bow heels | black bag
As my fellow Francophiles know, Parisian style is elite — and it also has a lot in common with the old money aesthetic!
Channel the elegant, elevated, and effortlessly chic look of a Paris It girl with this classic outfit combo. The pleated mini skirt and bow heels add a flirty touch to the otherwise timeless tweed jacket and accessories. It’ll have everyone asking, “Do you speak French?”
Love Parisian style? Whether you’re headed to the City of Lights or just want to replicate the old money fashion aesthetic, we’ve created the ultimate Paris style guide to help!
3. Classic + Casual Old Money Style Outfit
old money style outfit: button-down shirt | classic jeans | plaid blazer | ballet flats | burgundy bag | gold earrings
Wondering what the upper echelon wear on their days off? Introducing: the ultimate casual old money style outfit.
Like an elevated twist on your go-to “jeans and a t-shirt” combo, this outfit wrote the book on how to look relaxed but still polished. It’s even been approved by old money fashion royalty like Princess Diana! With just a few key style essentials (ie: a tailored blazer and classic accessories), your favorite jeans will look like they inherited millions.
4. Euro Summer Inspired Old Money Style Outfit
old money style outfit: black midi dress | striped cardigan | espadrille wedges | tote bag | anchor necklace
Whether you’re spending your summer wandering around Lake Como or just want to pretend like you are, this outfit will help you look the part. Recreate the easy, breezy vibe of being filthy rich with a flowy sundress (you can never go wrong with an LBD!) and timeless summer accessories, like this raffia tote.
Complete the look with a nautical striped sweater to drape over your shoulders, and you’re ready for an afternoon of sailing around the Mediterranean…or rewatching The Talented Mr. Ripley for the 50th time.
5. Timeless Oxford Shirt + Tailored Shorts Outfit
old money style outfit: blue striped shirt | ivory shorts | leather belt | camel flats | shoulder bag | sunglasses
There are some fashion essentials that will never go out of style, and that’s the beauty of the old money aesthetic. Case in point: this classic summer outfit!
A blue striped button-down and tailored shorts have been wardrobe staples for the affluent class for decades, and that’s not about to change anytime soon. Style them with camel accessories for a summer-ready outfit that looks like it has a house in the Hamptons.
6. Dark Academia Old Money Style Outfit
old money look: varsity style sweater | navy pants | polo shirt | green purse | classic loafers
This is the outfit I would wear to lounge in the Oxford College library and scheme my way into an old money manor house. Even if you aren’t a character in Saltburn, this look will give you those old money vibes with prep school inspired pieces, like a varsity style sweater and classic black loafers. No Ivy League degree necessary!
Our Best Advice For Achieving An Old Money Style Without Spending Too Much On Clothes
With the old money style aesthetic, anyone can look like they live a life of luxury, even without spending a fortune on new outfits. Since this look isn’t about wearing specific labels or fashion pieces, you can easily channel the old money style on a budget. Here are a few simple and budget-friendly tips for incorporating this aesthetic into your wardrobe!
- Focus on quality over quantity: The old money aesthetic isn’t about what’s trending — it’s about what never goes out of style. Instead of stocking your closet with every current microtrend (just to watch those pieces go unworn by the next season), invest in a few wardrobe staples that you’ll wear again and again. With maximum price-per-wear, this will help you save money in the long run!
- Build a capsule wardrobe: Speaking of wearing your outfits over and over, make your closet go even further by building an old money style capsule wardrobe. Choose key pieces that all go together and can be styled in a hundred different ways, such as a classic blazer, a white button-down, and neutral knitwear. The result: less shopping and more outfit ideas!
- Shop vintage: Let’s face it — fast fashion isn’t known for its quality. To get the timeless, high-quality fashion pieces that the old money style aesthetic is known for (without breaking the bank), skip the mall and check out consignment stores, online resale shops, and even estate sales. This is where you’ll find old money style pieces that are proven to last, and maybe even a few designer scores!
- Elevate with accessories: Old money style is all about the details. A structured handbag (no logos necessary), a pair of leather loafers, a silk scarf, and gold jewelry instantly elevate any outfit. Opt for classic silhouettes and high-quality materials to give any look a subtle old money style glamour.
Is the old money aesthetic still in style in 2025?
The beauty of the old money aesthetic: it will always be in style! While this fashion style was officially named the “old money” trend a couple of years ago, the look itself has been around for decades. And with such a classic and timeless vibe, it’s guaranteed to be in style for decades to come!
Now in 2025, the old money aesthetic has transformed from a TikTok “trend” to a fool-proof style that actually defies fashion trends. With this aesthetic, you don’t have to worry about your wardrobe looking outdated in a few seasons. The simple and elegant style of old money fashion means that you’ll always look classy and chic, no matter what the current microtrends are!
Complete Your Old Money Outfits With Our Most Loved Style And Fashion Guides
Ready to build your old money style wardrobe? We have the perfect fashion guides for the job!
For more old money style fashion ideas, check out our clean girl aesthetic guide, as well as our round-up of chic Parisian-inspired outfits. Both of these styles nail that effortless and elegant look that makes the old money aesthetic so timeless!
Speaking of a timeless aesthetic, also don’t miss these simple nail ideas to complete your old money style look. We’ve also created guides for the best old money style nail trends, from milky manicures to soap nails!
What do you think of the old money style aesthetic? Is there another fashion trend you’re rocking in 2025 instead? Let us know in the comments below!
