Let’s be real, it’s not hard to look expensive by putting on the big logos and taking a photo in front of a Porsche.
But when it comes to dressing like the old money, it’s all about subtleness.
As the saying goes “Money talks, but wealth whispers.”
For me, dressing like old money is more of a lifestyle.
It’s all about nurturing elegance, taste, and femininity in a lifetime. In a world full of trends, old money remains classic.
So ladies and gents, below are the 15 tips and iconic looks (updated this year!) on how to dress like old money.
I will also share what my Burberry friend told me about the fashion industry, so stay tuned!
Elevate your overall aura, in no time!
Check out my LTK account 💖
I’ve included some specific outfit collages for this topic, check out my LTK account after reading the article, enjoy!
1. Maintain healthy skin and body
Fun fact:
The most popular old money nail design is, you guessed it, french nails.
Simple, classy, and sophisticated.
Before talking about the iconic looks, let’s take the fundamental thing RIGHT.
The truth is, that old money realizes how health plays an important role in their quality of life.
And guess what, a lady in Ralph Lauren but with rough hair and bad skin just doesn’t convey the old money vibes at all.
Agree?
Here are some quick tips on that:
- Maintain thick and shining hair with bi-weekly deep conditioning and sulfate-free shampoo
- Nurture your body skin by applying the body lotion and hand cream
- Take good care of your teeth, make sure they are structured and clean (Teeth bracing is always a worthwhile investment)
- Get your eyebrows trimmed to look put together
- keep your nails clean (Many ladies overlook this point)
If you are fond of clean beauty like me, here’s my iHerb recommending list.
- Acure : Brightening Facial Scrub (Bestseller on iherb)
- Cetaphil, Daily Facial Cleanser (iHerb)
- Detox Massage Brush to improve the cellulite on the back of the leg (Tried it, noticed the improvement, and loved it)
Here are just a few tips but I’m sure you get my point!
Trust me, people can spot that!
Old money element 1:
Wrap the tie sweater around the shoulder (Oh so preppy)
I just can’t help but include this pin below, the sweater around-the-shoulder all-white look is another level.
*Obsessed*
2. Have a good posture
As the saying goes “A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind”.
Ladies, posture matters when it comes to dressing like old money or simply looking high class.
Let’s imagine, with a hunched back and an arched spine, how can we carry the dress elegantly and confidently?
So always keep your head up and tummy sucked in, walk at a moderate pace and this is how we boost our confidence instantly!
My weird tip:
There are tons of ways to fix hunchback and for me, one of the easiest ways is simply carrying a handle bag.
Trust me, it is ridiculously simple yet effective!
Old money elements 2:
V-neck sweater *WITH STRIPES*
3. Avoid BIG brand labels
Obviously, old money avoids designer labels.
They run as fast as they can when it comes to the big, flashy designer logo.
Storytime:
When I was a teen girl, I always wondered why some of the designer brands’ products just don’t show the logo.
Not until this year, my friend (As a SA in Blueberry) told me those products catered to the old money’s needs while big logo products are targeted to the younger group of customers.
So obviously, the oh-so-lucrative-and-smart designer brands have two lines of products targeting different groups of customers in order to maximize revenue.
SAME BRAND, DIFFERENT STYLE
Admittedly, I still own some brand logo bags but I do try to a minimum. (I mean, it’s hard to buy a Chanel bag without the classic double C right?!)
As for the big logo products, it’s a BIG NO-NO.
It can easily look flashy and it appears to others that you are trying to seek validation through the clothes you wear.
For some people, not throwing all big logos over the body can be hard.
But I can almost guarantee you, that once you take this tip into practice, you will be amazed at how free you feel.
A Fendi logo monogram sweater and a big H belt?
No, you are good.
Example 2: 2 different styles from Tory Burch
Big logo:
VS small logo.
If you are looking for my old money bag list: Save this article & read this article down below later! Now continue reading 💗
They don’t have to prove they are rich by showing the brand logo all around.
Instead, they just want to keep things low profile and private and THAT’S how they differentiate their group from the rest of the crowd.
Here are some of the essentials if you want to dress preppy ♡ Enjoy!
Iconic old money elements 3:
Double-breasted dress with a modern twist
Casual Iconic old money elements 4: POLO
A preppy kid essential under the sun: Polo
The bodycon type of silhouette just gives the classic polo dress look a new update – preppy & ultra feminine.
4. Wear natural fiber instead of polyester
When it comes to clothing, we always pay attention to the design instead of the materials.
And that’s a trap.
If you have ever wondered why your big fluffy coat still can’t keep you warm in the winter, probably the material is mostly polyester instead of warm fiber like wool.
Not only natural fiber is more functional, but it also makes your clothes look more structured and sturdy.
Here are some of the natural fiber that makes your clothes look more classy and elegant:
- Wool
- Silk (Truly flattering & feminine! )
- Camel hair
- Cashmere (Best for winter!)
- Organic cotton and bamboo
- Make sure you smell good with natural deodorants and perfume
So ladies, you now have many other choices instead of wearing polyester!
Let’s not forget natural fiber is a more sustainable way to support fashion as well!
Old money aesthetic 5: Cashmere cardigan
The classy zipper design, the mock neck, and the material – clothes from Lilysilk are truly unbeatable in this price range.
Obsessed.
Another not-related but wanna-share fashion industry facts:
97% of profits in the global fashion industry are earned by only 20 companies. (Source – McKinsey Report)
Insane right? I know sis.
If you find this article legit, can I borrow you 1 minute to share this pin below?
I will also add some discount codes from the old money brands so pin it for later!!
5. Dress in low-saturation colors
Instead of vivid saturated bright colors, they tend to wear natural colors.
Need I say more? This silk blue shirt is to die for.
OLD MONEY AESTHETIC HUES:
- Black
- Beige
- Khaki
- Creamy white (Obviously)
- Dusty green
- Sky blue
If you want to wear bright colors, think of the muted version of the hue and you’re good to go.
Not only do these colors look more natural and closer to the earth’s tone, but they are also less noticeable than bright colors like shocking pink.
That means you can wear that sweater many times without people remembering it.
After all, old money dresses for comfort instead of secretly hoping people pay attention to their clothes… and practicality.
If you wear old money, I’m sure you will still look in style when you look at the photo ten years later!
Old money elements 6:
Belted blazer with midi pleated dress
Seriously ladies, try this combo out as this look has not yet been discovered by TikTok. (Finger cross)
If this dress is not classy, I truly don’t know what is. Simple but unique sleeve design to layer with a blazer.
The asymmetrical hemline is so leg forgiving.
6. Wear Tailor-made clothes
I know many of you may think tailor-made clothes are something luxury and only the flirty rich people can afford.
Well, not really.
To begin with, wearing fitted clothes is basic etiquette.
Unless you have a model figure, at some point in time, we just have to visit the tailor.
As a pear-shaped girl, my trousers are always too long if I want to fit my thick thighs.
Storytime:
For the longest time, I tried to cuff the trousers.
It’s not super good, but at least it works!
Last year, I finally visited the tailor and tried to see if there were better options.
Turns out, my trousers look perfect and it hugs the curves of my leg so well!
It makes my leg appear longer and I always feel so smart and confident in wearing them.
When it comes to tailor-made clothes, it’s just another level.
Visiting a tailor doesn’t mean you have to spend a few thousand bucks, instead, you can pay for some little amendment to make your clothes more flattering!
I don’t know how to convince you but all I can see is, it’s worth it.
Iconic look: Wear a scarf in not some common way
You wear scarves not because it is fall season, you wear them because they polish your outfit tenfold without screaming the brand names.
At the end of the day, an old money outfit is ALL ABOUT DETAILS.
7. Make sure your clothes are structured and crease-free
Using a steamer is probably the easiest way to look expensive on a budget.
As my mum always said, “A $20 H&M top can look better than a $110 designer top with just a steamer.”
I just can’t agree more.
The wrinkled shirt just tells people:
A. you are in a rush
B. You just don’t care about the presentation of your clothes and you are probably the “get away with it” type of gal.
If you are reading this till now, I’m sure you don’t want either of them.
In the days that many people are just too lazy to iron their clothes, a crease-free shirt can already make you set apart from others!
PRO TIP:
Always use the mini iron for a hassle-free life.
This one from Amazon is compact yet powerful.
2024 Update❤️ :
3 of you e-mailed me for some cheaper “old money”alternatives.
Well, it’s really hard…
I’ve picked some $50 below dresses – check out my LTK post (dresses) & LTK post (tops) here! ❤️
Disclaimer: I have to be honest, the quality aren’t the best given that price range, but if “Looking” classy is what you want, those dresses work! ❤️
8. Sporty classy old-money outfits
I think the video explains more here.
Obsessed with the yacht with the family look.
9. Old money shoes
If you don’t have a budget, at least invest in your shoes.
Old money values quality more than quantity.
Instead of buying 10 different pairs of heels, one or two pairs of high-quality heels are more than enough.
Yes, those shoes may cost you more than the average, but let’s remember how many shoes we wear once and dare not to wear them anymore.
We’ve all been there ladies!
To get IT shoes, you should always pay close attention to the fabric and the sturdiness.
We all know the ladies who dress gorgeously but barely walk in their Valentino heels.
That’s not elegant at all.
Investing in your shoes and even getting them custom-made is so worth it, you feel confident and comfy and that’s the foundation for you to conquer your day!
SUMMER OLD MONEY SHOES
While many people aren’t aware of it, old money does love wearing espadrilles wedges.
Summery yet elegant.
If you have a higher budget, the aesthetic brand Castañer is for you bougie girl.
I think they will raise the price in the near future, so check them out now! It’s not that expensive yet.
WINTER OLD MONEY SHOES
For winter, Sperry’s boots are as high quality as they look feminine and aesthetic. love it.
I’ve owned 2 pairs and I wear them e.v.e.r.y. y.e.a.r.
Riding boots that scream quiet luxury.
ALL YEAR LONG
All kinds of Mary Janes and I mean it.
Of course, the classic loafers.
This is so random… BUT
hey ladies, why not quickly do an affirmation and feel instantly better?
This new year, I’m trying not only to share fashion tips but come up with ways to instill body positivity in all women who are reading my articles – aka YOU!
Instead of just reading it, say it loud or murmur the quotes (if you are in public) to maximize the effect.
Ready? Here we go.
I love my body. She is my forever home and sanctuary.
Sassy isn’t a shape, it’s an attitude.
Work out because I love my body – not because I hate it.
I can love myself and change my body at the same time. No guilt about that.
It is completely normal to have tummy rolls. I come to realize that social media isn’t showing the reality… at all.
My happiest moments in life had nothing to do with the way my body looked.
I don’t have to be pretty like her, I can be pretty like …ME.
I AM perfect imperfection.
What are your thoughts on that? I hope that makes you feel better (as you deserved).
Please help me pass the body positivity message in your community. #womenhelpwomen
Alright, now keep on reading!
9. Never underdress or overdress on the occasion
Yes, the dress code this year is still a thing.
Dress according to the occasion in a manner that will never go out of trend.
Surprise surprise, with the bombard of Instagram fashion bloggers, we sometimes can overdress.
We can for sure dress in a cute little black dress with heels during date night, but when it comes to family gatherings and hiking, let’s do sneakers or other more comfortable wear like a loafer.
As a petite girl, it takes me a long time for me to realize I always wear heels for the wrong occasions.
The worst part?
The painful high heels truly ruin my mood for an outdoorsy day under the sun!
All in all, following a dress code, is a sign of sophistication.
It’s subtle but again, the people can tell.
( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ MY APRIL PICKS !! ʕ•̬͡•ʔ
(Continue scrolling for the article!)
10. Wear delicate accessories instead of the chunky one
Last but not least, let’s not forget accessories.
As Michael Kors said, “I’ve always thought of accessories as the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit.”
Accessories do play a huge role in completing our look but should that mean we should wear as much as we want? Not really.
To your surprise, despite the fact that old money collects lots of high jewelry, they just don’t showcase them all around.
Instead of wearing those big diamond jewelry, they wear delicate earrings or necklaces and that’s it. If you don’t pay close attention, you don’t even aware!
When it comes to accessories, less is always more.
If you read till now, here’s the Chapter 2 of looking old money! Check the post out
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So ladies, here are the 15 tips when it comes to how to dress like old money, let’s have a little checklist first.
- Maintain healthy skin and body
- Have a good posture
- Avoid brand labels
- Wear natural fiber instead of polyester
- Dress in low-saturation colors
- Wear Tailor-made clothes
- Make sure your clothes are structured and crease-free
- Invest in your shoes
- Never underdress or overdress on the occasion
- Wear delicate accessories instead of the chunky one
“Classy is when a woman has everything to flaunt but chooses not to show it”.
To your surprise, dressing old money doesn’t necessarily have to dress up like a queen or princess every day.
Rather, it’s about being subtle yet captivating.
So ladies, let’s free ourselves from the brand name logos, cause we deserve more.
If you are interested in classy styling, you may be interested in the following reads! See you there!
- How to dress feminine in winter? 10 tips that you’ve never thought of!
- 11 actionable tips & 30 looks on how to dress like a preppy girl on a budget
- How to wear a lace dress in winter? 6 tips to level up your outfit!
- WHAT TO WEAR WITH EMERALD GREEN PANTS? 5 STUPID EASY TIPS TO LOOK REFRESHED!
- *13 tested way!*How to find rich & successful friends (Must read)
- *10 unknown swaps!*How to dress richly casual?
Enjoy!
organic bamboo is the real deal x bought one bamboo dress this summer and l love it