While fashion is often dismissed as a frivolous industry, trends are intrinsically linked with the state of the world at large. The previous global financial crisis in 2008 put an end to the Juicy Couture-stamped velour butts and saw Birkin-buyers conceal their telltale orange Hermès carry bags within innocuous brown paper bags. In its place, came the rise of both minimalism and stealth wealth, serving as an antidote to excess and only revealing true wealth to those in the know. After all, it takes a keen eye to discern tailored trousers from Jil Sander from those found at Zara.
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While the following economic upturn reignited a passion for logomania and ostentatious wealth, there now seems to be collective fatigue from seeing the all-over Gucci and Fendi monograms emblazoned across any and all visible material, as well as from witnessing Supreme collaborate with everyone and their dog.
The result? New money has discovered…well, old money. TikTok has moved on from dark academia, cottagecore, and coastal grandma and discovered the allure in looking classically wealthy. While here at Albert Review, we’re usually not ones to let TikTok trends dictate what we wear, the old money aesthetic is one that never really went out of style; it’s merely moonlighted under names like classy, elegant, chic, sophisticated, and timeless.
What is the old money aesthetic?
Make no mistake, the old money aesthetic is no stealth wealth. Laden with extravagance, the old money aesthetic merely swaps out the ostentatious logos and trend-driven pieces of the nouveau riche for tailored attire devoid of logos in neutral hues.
As a general rule: posed photos on private jets, hypercars, Louis Vuitton monogrammed canvas, and wrist shots of iced-out Rolexes and Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks = nouveau riche. Meanwhile, Brunello Cucinelli cashmere sweaters, candid photos on tennis courts or golf courses (let someone else post them for you), Mulberry or Strathberry bags with gold hardware, and an A. Lange & Söhne dress watch = old money. While both parties may have taken a private jet to a location, only the nouveau riche post a selfie of themselves on the way. Posting about the old money aesthetic on TikTok ironically screams nouveau riche, but we’ll allow it.
How to style the old money aesthetic
Old money whispers, rather than shouts. When it comes to sartorial inspiration, Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf and Chuck Bass are often cited as reference points. However, an even more pertinent example would be Lily Van Der Wooden’s wardrobe; laden with neutral tones and tailored pieces, it epitomises the old money aesthetic. CW’s Dynasty reboot plays with the sartorial dialogue between old and new money. While the Carringtons are technically working with generational wealth, most of the characters dress in a way that TikTokers of today would categorise as new money.
To achieve the old money aesthetic, work to curate a wardrobe based on high quality pieces that prioritise immaculate tailoring, versatile hues, and luxurious materials. Key pieces include well-cut dress shirts and oxford shirts; knit polo shirts; tweed and woollen blazers; cashmere or merino wool sweaters; pleated or slim-cut pants in shades of black, grey, charcoal, tan, and white; loafers; two-toned slingback pumps; knit polo shirts; and straight-cut jeans.
However, don’t make the mistake of going too neutral. The old money aesthetic shouldn’t be confused with minimalism. In fact, it’s not even the same as quiet luxury. While all three share an emphasis on refined silhouettes, impeccable tailoring, and an absence of ostentatious logos and garish design details, old money style is not always synonymous with understated elegance — it can also be eclectic and fun. Preppy styles from the likes of Brooks Brothers and Aimé Leon Dore work well here, as do a suffusion of vibrant prints and patterns. Think an Hermès twilly wrapped around a bag handle (or perhaps, woven into your plait), a vibrant pocket square, or a paisley print silk shirt from Etro.
The best old money aesthetic clothing brands
Looking to dress like you’re in possession of generational wealth? Ditch the Gucci and Fendi and look to these timelessly elegant brands.
1. Ralph Lauren
Known for its aspirationally preppy style, Ralph Lauren epitomises the American old money aesthetic. Think a mansion in Connecticut, an Ivy League education, summers in the Hamptons, and a stable in the backyard. Bypass the infamous Ralph Lauren polo shirts and look towards the American fashion house’s crisp white shirts, tweed separates, and collegiate-inspired blazers.
2. Loro Piana
Italian luxury fashion house Loro Piana is famed for its beautifully soft cashmere and is widely regarded as one of the purveyors of fine textiles in the world. Epitomising everyday luxury, the Loro Piana style is simple in theory but precise in execution, with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship and classic, flattering cuts.
3. Brunello Cucinelli
Another Italian luxury fashion house steeped in fine craftsmanship, Brunello Cucinelli is known for its expert tailoring. Founded in 1978 by Brunello Cucinelli, the eponymous label is known for what Cucinelli describes as ‘sportivo chic’, a look that encompasses draped cardigans or crew necks (cashmere, of course) and a linen shirt worn over softly tailored trousers. Pieces are designed to get better with age; a Brunello Cucinelli suit is one that will last a lifetime.
4. Ermenegildo Zegna
If you only buy one suit in your lifetime, let it be Ermenegildo Zegna. The storied Italian luxury menswear house recently dropped the ‘Ermenegildo’, rebranding to simply Zegna. The rebrand marked a shift towards a modern approach to classic tailoring, steering away from rigid formality and towards luxury leisurewear. The versatile silhouettes in soft, fluid fabrics lend themselves well to the old money aesthetic. Consider the brand’s cashmere polo shirts, louche suiting, and chore coats.
5. Barbour
Channelling generational wealth in a cold climate means one thing: a Barbour jacket. The Barbour waxed cotton jacket has become synonymous with old money in the UK, with the jackets from the heritage British luxury brand only getting better with time. A favourite within the British royal family, Barbour waxed cotton jackets have been worn by the likes of Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and the Queen.
6. Brioni
One of the most prestigious menswear brands in the world, Italian luxury fashion house Brioni is known for their sharp, slim-cut suiting and slick tailoring. For old money-worthy style, look to the brand’s relaxed separates; cut from luxurious fabrics they epitomise understated elegance. Highlights include silk-twill shirts, cashmere cardigans, and pleated or slim-fitting trousers, with the Italian house counting Brad Pitt as a fan.
7. Giorgio Armani
Not to be confused with subbrands like Emporio Armani or Armani Exchange, Italian designer Giorgio Armani’s eponymous fashion house was instrumental in forging a new path for menswear. Prior to the ‘80s, men’s suiting was rigid and angular, defined by staid formality. Giorgio Armani started the decade by creating the ultimate power suit; with a nipped waist and shoulder pads, the silhouette was sported by Richard Gere in American Gigolo and soon after, in soft cream and pastel hues by Don Johnson in Miami Vice. However, the stock market crash later that decade saw Giorgio Armani take a new, more relatable approach, blurring the lines between casualwear and formalwear. Shoulder pads were shunned in favour of relaxed cuts and almost floppy fabric, with the new – but now vintage – Giorgio Armani epitomising effortless elegance. An apt fit for wannabe nepotism babies.
8. The Row
Founded by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, The Row has developed a cult following in well-heeled circles thanks to its focus on sumptuous fabrics and minute details. Pared-back styling serves to highlight its impeccable tailoring; while pieces are simple at first glance, there’s often an interplay of texture and proportions to keep things interesting.
9. Brooks Brothers
With over two centuries of heritage, Brooks Brothers has played an integral role in shaping American style. Its preppy aesthetic is ideally suited to channelling an Ivy League collegian. Its Oxford shirts are a failsafe wardrobe staple, however its cable knit sweaters and sport coats exude true old money style.
10. Kiton
Founded in 1968 by Ciro Paone, Kiton is revered for its bold approach to Neapolitan tailoring. While today many heritage brands have moved towards more industrialised production methods, Kiton still does things the traditional way: with skilled tailors. Each Kiton garment can pass through the hands of over a hundred multi-skilled tailors, making them the ultimate investment pieces. Naturally, the brand’s suiting is iconic, but its use of patterns across its tailored separates and knitwear also hits the mark.
11. Aimé Leon Dore
While a streetwear brand may seem like an off-kilter choice, Aimé Leon Dore’s incorporation of classic menswear influences in its collection showcases a contemporary approach to the old money aesthetic. Plus, of late, the brand has been eschewing loud logos and graphics in favour of a quieter approach — though don’t worry, there’s still an interplay of patterns and textures at hand, along with a healthy supply of idgaf insouciance (a quality it seems money can buy). Cut from luxurious fabrics and utilising vintage-inspired silhouettes, Aimé Leon Dore showcases heritage style with a twist.
12. Drake’s
Founded by Michael Drake as a haberdasher in 1977, British brand Drake’s has gone from being predominantly known for its ties and pocket squares to becoming an icon in the world of prep. Under the guidance of creative director Michael Hill, Drake’s is producing decidedly unstuffy menswear staples that marry the best of traditional and contemporary; look to the brand’s chore coats, pleated trousers, denim, and printed sweater vests.
Old money style for men: the key pieces
Still confused as to what to actually shop for? Using the brand above, look to add these old money staples for men to your wardrobe:
- Woollen suiting in grey and tawny or camel brown
- Linen suiting in cream and beige
- Patterned silk shirts (Cuban collar styles work well here) in vibrant colours like orange, rust, yellow, and green
- Fine knit polo shirts in solid colours
- Cream, baby blue, or baby pink Oxford shirt
- Herringbone or checked blazer
- Pleated trousers in black or charcoal, cream, grey, and camel; either wide or straight leg depending on your preference. Steer clear of too-tight chinos
- A Barbour jacket if you live in a cold, wet climate
- A rugby shirt and straight cut jeans is a good casual old money style outfit for men
- A good woollen overcoat
- Leather loafers in black and brown
- Black leather Oxford shoes for formal occasions
- Chelsea boots in black or brown; perhaps a pair of derbies or brogues shoes
- An elegant stainless steel or gold dress watch; think Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse or Rolex Perpetual 1908
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Old money style for women: the essentials and investment pieces
Women wishing to channel the old money aesthetic should consider the following wardrobe additions:
- Wide leg pleated trousers in black, cream, grey, and camel
- Fine knit polo shirts (short and long sleeved)
- Silk blouses (not camisole tops; look for something with sleeves)
- Silk button down shirts in colours like hunter green, rust orange, and chocolate brown
- Cotton button down shirts in white, baby blue, and baby pink
- Cashmere crew or mock neck sweaters
- Knee-high brown leather boots
- Straight or bootcut jeans (look for full-length styles and avoid cropped silhouettes and distressed details)
- Tissue thin, finely knit turtleneck skivvies in neutral shades for layering
- Suiting with matching waistcoats that can be worn together or on their own
- Bouclé or tweed skirt suit sets
- Cable knit cardigans
- Black slingback heels
- Leather loafers in black and brown
- Logoless/anti-trend handbag
- Timeless watches like the Rolex Lady-Datejust or Cartier Tank Française, or something more statement-making like the Bulgari Serpenti
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Words by T. Angel
