Old Money is a vintage style, focusing on clothes that convey an air of elegance and sophistication that was previously restricted to the richest.
O Old Money It’s a super old style that’s making a comeback in autumn/winter fashion trends, especially on social media.
Taking the term Old Money and translating it into Portuguese we have “old money” or “old money”. That which is basically the principle of this style that is directly linked to the way of dressing of the bourgeoisie of the 20th century. In other words, a rich vintage aesthetic, with a focus on very high quality clothes, which convey an air of elegance and sophistication that only the richest had or could have.
Want a clear example of what the Old Money aesthetic is? The Gossip Girl character, Blair Waldorf, played by actress Leighton Meester is the embodiment of what this trend is. She always looks clean, impeccable and elegant.
Below we will learn more about the Old Money style, its origins and the problems surrounding this trend that is becoming increasingly popular.
Origin of the Old Money style
It is not known exactly where this style originated, What is known is that Old Money was more common in countries without a strong influence from the aristocracy or monarchy. In other words, regions in which money was accumulated by the rich of the time, the bourgeoisie, who emerged during and after the Industrial Revolution.
When talking about Old Money we are talking about the oldest families in the United States and some European countries. Families where ancestors were powerful names, most often linked to the founding of cities, large companies and politics.
A clear example of the beginnings of Old Money were the traditional families of New York during the Gilded Age, which to this day maintain a more refined lifestyle.
Trendy Old Money Aesthetic
So, basically Old Money is a style directly linked to rich families, with high standards and social prestige. In other words, the ruling class. Furthermore, this aesthetic is also very similar to the dominant style of the 1950s and 1960s. In this way, silk and cashmere clothing pieces are just one detail of the aesthetic that is based on elegance and sophistication.
The looks are mainly inspired by high society sports, such as tennis, golf and horse riding. Visualize a group of people watching a polo match and drinking champagne, all of whom will be dressed according to Old Money.
Therefore, what we see today with the return of this trend, at least on social networks, such as TikTok, is that it comes as close as possible to the style of clothing worn by the most prestigious heirs in the world.
Therefore, expensive and exclusive brands such as Chanel, Ralph Laureen and Hermès are used to define the standard of clothing worn by those who are wearing this style.
Popularization of the Old Money style
As seen so far, Old Money is a very restricted and exclusive style, but recently it has become a very strong and popular trend on social media. TAll of this is thanks to the internet and social networks, especially TikTok, where you can find thousands of videos every day of fashion influencers with looks in this style.
Which may be a little ironic, given that Old Money is a form of elegant fashion aesthetic conservatism. So, who could have imagined that among so many trends from the past, what would come back with them would be a style that counters all the trends of the 2000s.
However, another factor may have a connection, even if small, with the popularization of the style today. Very popular television series such as The Crown and Bridgerton that exalt the style of aristocracy and monarchy may also have influenced the return of the style.
Why is it on the rise?
This is a great question, considering the current situation, where the richest are a minority. However, the dream of having financial stability and even the desire to escape reality may be linked to the peak of the Old Money style in 2022.
But, even though many people find this fashion comeback something positive and chic, others point out that this aesthetic reinforces retrogressive thoughts that are completely out of line with the reality of most people in the world.
Old Money Style Key Items
For those who want to embark on the Old Money style, know that you don’t need many pieces to build your wardrobe. Especially because this style exalts discreet elegance based on quality pieces instead of quantity, always looking for neutral tones and wild pieces such as:
Blazers
This is essential for creating an Old Money look. Therefore, opt for blazers with oversized shapes and cuts, as well as options with shoulders and structured fabrics.
Dress shirts
You can’t miss dress shirts in your wardrobe, which are great for creating a variety of different looks. The difference in this case is to give preference to shirts in neutral colors, such as black, white, gray, straw, etc.
Wool shirts
Nothing gives the image of elegance and sophistication more than wool. So, bet on wool items, such as blouses and cardigans.
Tailoring
Bet on tailoring that you can’t go wrong at Old Money. The tailored pieces come with everything and convey an unparalleled air of elegance. Suits, trousers, tailored blazer skirts cannot be missing from your wardrobe, as well as being timeless pieces.
Oxfords
On the feet, a classic look calls for dress shoes, and the most popular in this sense is the oxford model, which is super versatile and works with various looks.
Accessories
Everything that invokes wealth fits in this style. So, hats, brooches, scarves, gloves go well with style. And as we know, accessories are an essential part of any look, in any style, it would be no different here.
How to wear the Old Money style
If you want to start using the Old Money style, some tips are crucial:
1. Look for quality of the parts
Always choose clothes with quality fabric. As well as the other materials used in the pieces, which will guarantee the long-lasting durability of your clothes and accessories.
2. Few but versatile items
This is a trend that focuses on quality rather than quantity. Therefore, you don’t need to have dozens of clothes. But yes, wild pieces that can be used in different looks.
3. Choose a neutral color palette
No vivid, saturated colors. At Old Money, less is more. Therefore, opt for pieces with a discreet palette, rich in colors such as beige, gray, white, and of course, the usual little black dress. The ideal here is to create clean and delicate looks that exude sophistication.
4. Make elegant combinations
The neutral color palette is no reason to put together boring and lifeless looks. At Old Money the aim is to make key productions, creating combinations full of style.it. So keep in mind that it needs to be elegant, not lukewarm.
Old Money look inspirations
So, below we’ll check out some of Old Money’s looks to inspire you:
Controversies regarding this style
Finally, I couldn’t help but mention that despite being very beautiful, the Old Money style can be considered somewhat problematic from some points of view.
And it is very clear that this trend is exclusionary, in several ways, whether financially or by default. If you do a quick search for the trend on TikTok, for example, you will see that the vast majority if not all of the audience that uses and displays the style is predominantly white. Exactly like the heirs of the style in the past.
Therefore, in essence the trend is very exclusive. In addition to the fact that those who are really part of it know exactly when other people outside the environment are trying to fit in with the style, simply because they don’t look “high standard”, regardless of the clothes they are wearing.
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