Build The Best Old Money Wardrobe With 20 Classy Pieces

Old Money Aesthetic — Authorized use of photo by Vadim Sherbakov via Unsplash

Old Money is one of the latest aesthetics to trend on TikTok and Pinterest. Sweater vests, collared shirts, and pleated skirts are everywhere now, thanks to this trend. The timeless preppy style is back, but with a strong focus on neutrals and luxury fashion. If you can picture Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, and ’90s Ralph Lauren advertisements, then you’ll have an idea of how this style looks. Even if you don’t own a yacht or a membership to a fancy country club in New England, the old money aesthetic makes you wish you did.

The preppy style is known for being expensive and unobtainable, but it doesn’t have to be. Read this post for affordable ways To Build The Best Old Money Wardrobe With 20 Classy Pieces.

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What Is Old Money?

Merriam-Webster defines old money as “people whose families have been rich for a long time.” It’s nostalgic of the wealthy country club and prep school days filled with tennis matches, vintage cars, and shopping at Ralph Lauren that most people can’t afford. The old money aesthetic is an updated version of the preppy style that takes on a sophisticated and elegant approach. There are no loud patterns or bold colors with this version of the preppy style but neutral tones and the occasional soft pastel.

Where Can I Buy Old Money Clothing?

Old money clothing is easy to find, so it’s up to you if you want to splurge on designer pieces, thrift, or purchase from affordable fashion stores. Popular brands to shop from are Burberry, Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, Brooks Brothers, Zara, H&M, Mango, Banana Republic, J.ING, Urban Revivo, Ledin, and more.

Old Money Aesthetic Essentials

1. Preppy Cardigans

Start your old money wardrobe off with preppy cardigans. You can pick up simple, neutral cardigans or opt for argyle print and stripes. Cardigans are great to layer with blouses and collared shirts and always look put together for school, work, and events.

2. Cable-Knit Sweaters

Cable-knit sweaters are a classic piece to have in your wardrobe. They’re comfortable and cozy for everyday casual or dressy looks. Pair them with your favorite trousers or pleated skirts to get the old money look!

3. V-Neck Cardigans

V-neck cardigans are another staple in any preppy and old money wardrobe. They’re as comfortable as cable-knit sweaters but with a little more style, thanks to the low neckline and striped detail.

4. Sweater Vests

Sweater vests may be a trend right now, but these tops have been around for years and are typically associated with the preppy style. Old money outfits look best with sweater vests in neutral beige, white, black, brown, gray, or navy.

5. Collared Shirts

Collared shirts are a staple piece to have in your wardrobe, no matter what your style is. Collared shirts match with everything, and they’re easy to layer with many different tops.

6. Blouses

The old money aesthetic relies heavily on layering, so owning a few blouses is a good idea too. You can style them with most sweaters, blazers, and jackets. These are perfect for elegant or dressy office and event outfits to add an element of sophistication to any look.

7. Knit Tops

Knit short sleeve tops are a classy style to wear with skirts and pants during the fall and winter. If you want the turtleneck look without feeling too warm, opt for a short-sleeve style. The sweetheart neckline tops are fun to accessorize with neck scarves and dainty jewelry.

8. Blazers

Layer a blazer over your favorite blouse or collared shirt, or wear it as a jacket during the fall and winter. You can style it casually with trousers or dress it up with a matching skirt. Either way, blazers are timeless and appropriate for any occasion.

9. Trench Coats

If you only invest in one coat for the old money aesthetic, then make sure it is a trench coat. Most trench coats are waterproof and stylish to wear with preppy outfits. You won’t have to sacrifice comfort for style with this coat style.

10. Matching Sets

Matching sets are the ultimate old money aesthetic look. If you want to feel and look put together and stylish, then you might want to try out a matching set style. They’re elegant and classy for business meetings, brunch with the girls, or shopping trips in a city.

11. Pleated Skirts

Pleated skirts are THE skirt to own for the old money and preppy aesthetics. It’s a classic style that matches everything and never goes out of style. Wear your pleated skirts to play tennis or go shopping with the girls. Either way, you’ll never tire of this piece.

12. Tweed Skirts

Tweed skirts scream wealth and old money. If you want to look and feel like a rich person, then tweed is the material to wear! The best part is that you can find tweed pieces secondhand because it’s a classic material that has been around for years.

13. Trousers

For casual looks, pick up a pair of trousers to style with your favorite sweaters and blouses. Trousers give off an element of sophistication without compromising style in the process.

14. Tights

You’ll be doing a lot of skirts wearing with the old money aesthetic, so tights are a must-have for this style. Wear a classic black or white pair, or mix it up with plaid and patterned tights for fun!

15. Frilly Socks

Frilly socks are the perfect socks to wear with loafers, oxfords, Mary Janes, and more! They add an element of cuteness to any look and are just as comfortable as they are cute.

16. Oxfords

Oxfords are the most classic and timeless shoe to own for the old money aesthetic. Oxfords are available in chunky platforms styles, feminine ballet flat styles, and more.

17. Loafers

You can easily dress like a character from Gossip Girl with a pair of loafers. Loafers are trendy and stylish now, and they come in as many different styles as oxfords do. The most popular styles are the platform chunky loafer and the leather heeled loafer.

18. Mary Janes

If you’re searching for elegant styles shoe to wear with the old money aesthetic, then Mary Janes are for you. Mary Janes are classic and timeless, with an aura of elegance. You can purchase them with a kitten heel, a chunky platform, or a flat bottom. They also come in many colors and shades.

19. Berets

Accessorize your old money outfits with a classic beret. Your timeless outfits will be complete with a neutral beret to add an element of sophistication to any look.

20. Headbands

Dress like Blair Waldorf by adding a chic headband to accessorize your outfits. If you want to achieve the ultimate preppy, old money look, then you can’t forget the headbands. From pearls to plaid, the headband options are endless.

21. Gloves

Gloves instantly make any outfit look more chic and vintage. You can easily look like you just stepped out of an old Hollywood movie by adding a pair of lace gloves to your outfit, or you can channel your wealthy Russian ski aesthetic with a pair of leather gloves fit for a winter day.

22. Pearl Jewelry

Pearl jewelry is classic, beautiful, and never goes out of style. You can wear it with any outfit, and it will look sophisticated and elegant. Add a pearl jewelry piece to feel wealthy.

23. Gold Jewelry

You can layer simple, dainty gold necklaces with your outfits or style a classy pair of subtle gold hoops for a classic look. A touch of gold never fails to look like old money.

24. Mini Bags

Don’t forget to add a mini bag to your classy old money outfits. Carry around all of your essentials in style with a designer tote, a quilted crossbody, or a mini handbag.

Have fun building your old money wardrobe! I hope this post was helpful. 🙂