How To Achieve An Old Money Aesthetic
The “old money” aesthetic is all about understated elegance. Think effortless luxury without the loud logos or trend-chasing. It channels the refined, generational style of legacy families, where quality always speaks louder than a label.
Closely tied to the rise of “quiet luxury,” this look leans into timeless silhouettes, neutral palettes, and investment pieces that whisper sophistication. It’s not about flaunting wealth, it’s about suggesting it with ease.
And in true Gen Z fashion, what was once a lifestyle is now a full-fledged trend. As Harper’s Bazaar puts it, you don’t need an inheritance to dress like you have one.
5 Top Tips For How To Look Old Money
I personally love the effortless elegance that’s embodied in old money fashion, and I find it fits seamlessly into my own style. To help you look old money, I’m sharing my top tips and old money outfits for all budgets!
1. Keep A Neutral Palette
get the look:
Quiet luxury is rooted in restraint, and it all starts with a neutral palette. Think timeless over trendy: soft ivories, deep navy, rich camel, crisp black. The old money look leans classic, never loud, so bold prints and flashy colors are best left behind.
When it comes to pattern, subtlety is key. Clean stripes, understated plaid, and neutral polka dots keep things elevated and enduring.
See how I’ve styled an ivory cashmere tee layered with a cable-knit draped just-so over the shoulders. Tailored black trousers, a sleek belt, and minimalist ballet flats tie it all together. It gives quiet confidence, effortlessly styled.
2. Wear Tailored Pieces & Quality Fabrics
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The old money look is all about sharp tailoring and refined silhouettes. Clean lines, subtle pleats, and a slim (but never tight) fit create that effortless polish. Skip anything overly clingy or oversized; the goal is timeless, not try-hard.
Think vintage Ralph Lauren energy. In my opinion, a crisp white or powder-blue button-down is a staple, especially when paired with tailored linen shorts and heirloom-worthy accessories.
Also, fabric matters. Natural, high-quality materials like linen, cotton, wool, silk, and cashmere are essential to the quiet luxury feel.
And the finishing touch? A cable-knit cashmere sweater, casually knotted over the shoulders—subtle, iconic, and undeniably old money.
3. Don’t Forget a Blazer
get the look:
In diving into the old money aesthetic, one thing became clear: a blazer is non-negotiable. It’s the kind of piece that instantly elevates. Even a simple tee and denim feel polished with the right cut.
Personally, I lean toward a slightly oversized fit for that effortless, vintage-inspired vibe. It feels more lived-in, less corporate.
Above, I’m wearing a neutral plaid blazer styled with creamy ivories and rich browns, all subtle, tonal, and timeless. But you can’t go wrong with a charcoal wool blazer, classic black, soft ivory, or a rich camel. They’re all staples that channel quiet luxury without trying too hard.
4. The More Classic, The Better
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One of my go-to ways to tap into the old money aesthetic? A crisp button-down and classic blue jeans. It’s effortless, timeless, and always works.
Jeans are a quiet luxury staple—just look at Princess Diana’s off-duty looks. I opt for denim made from thick, structured cotton; it holds its shape and feels instantly elevated.
For this look, I chose a high-rise, medium-wash pair and styled them with a relaxed button-up. Dark denim reads more refined, but even a medium wash can feel polished if the fit is right.
I always skip distressing or rips. Instead, clean lines and classic cuts are key to keeping it tailored and true to the old money vibe.
More classic pieces include:
- pleated trousers (I love this affordable pair from Quince)
- neutral blazer (this linen option is great for summer)
- crewneck sweater (you can never go wrong with cashmere)
- trench coat (so many great options here)
- sweater vest (any of these styles will do)
- button-up shirt (linen, cotton, or silk)
- straight-leg or slim-fit jeans
- loafers or ballet flats (here, here, and here)
5. Add Luxe-looking Layers
get the look:
Whether it’s a sweater casually tossed over the shoulders, a structured blazer, or a classic camel coat, layering is my favorite trick for making any outfit feel instantly more elevated.
These timeless pieces do the heavy lifting like adding polish, warmth, and that quiet luxury edge, even to the simplest base layers.
And the best part? You don’t need to splurge. I’m all for investing in silhouettes that never date, like a tweed jacket, tailored trench, classic cardigan, or a camel coat (like the one I’m wearing above).
Look for quality materials and clean lines, and you’ll nail the look at any price point.
Old Money Aesthetic Outfit Ideas
Obsessed with the quiet luxury aesthetic? Same. It’s all about capturing that timeless, refined elegance—think the effortlessly polished style of icons like Princess Diana and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
White trousers, knit top + ballet flats.
get the look:
This old money inspired look is perfect for warm spring and summer days when you still want to look polished and put-together. A cream vest top adds a vintage touch alongside cream pleated trousers and leather sandals.
Wool coat, turtleneck + statement sunnies
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No old money aesthetic outfit is complete without layering. Esther exudes quiet luxury in this outfit by layering a lightweight cashmere turtleneck underneath a heavier cream coat.
The tone-on-tone keeps this look neutral, even when paired with burgundy heels. When it comes to sunglasses, vintage shades and ‘90s-inspired shapes are the way to go.
Crest sweater + high waisted jeans.
get the look:
When it comes to old money outfits, it’s all about refined simplicity. A timeless crest embroidered sweater tucked into high-waisted jeans creates an easy and sophisticated outfit.
Add gold statement earrings and a brown leather belt to define your waist.
Silk cami, sweater + midi skirt.
get the look:
Recreating the old money aesthetic at home is easy when you have staple pieces.
This outfit feels achievable yet elegant, combining classic elements like a silk camisole, black midi-length slip skirt, and a crewneck sweater around the waist. Low heels, a handbag, and subtle jewelry add the finishing touches.
Pleated skirt, cable knit + button down.
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Recreate this academia old money look this summer.
Start with a pleated mini skirt. Then, add a striped button down shirt and layer with a cable knit sweater to give off ivy league vibes.
White dress + classic accessories.
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Few things channel the old money aesthetic quite like an all-white look. This crisp white dress with its clean lines and modern cu. It feels effortlessly elegant. Livia styled it with black accessories for a minimal, polished finish that reads elevated without trying too hard.
And of course, no old money moment is complete without softly styled hair and a swipe of classic red lipstick. Quiet, confident, and timeless.
Cream base + brown layers.
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This old money aesthetic outfit from Milda Gud is the perfect example of how a luxe color palette makes all the difference. Starting with a cream or ivory base of trousers and a soft sweater, the outfit screams quiet luxury.
It’s then elevated even more with a rich brown suede jacket, brown heels, and a brown bag. The overall feel is monochromatic yet old-world.
Tweed jacket + ivory trousers
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Last on my list of old money aesthetic outfits, this look includes a beautiful tweed/wool lady jacket with perfectly tailored ivory trousers.
The coordinating taupe/grey accessories feel thoughtful and well-styled.
Style Recap
I hope these old money outfit ideas left you feeling inspired and ready to channel timeless elegance in your own way.
Remember, you don’t need a designer-filled wardrobe to master the look—just classic pieces, thoughtful styling, and a less-is-more mindset. Quiet confidence is always in style.