Searching for inspiration on how to dress old money in 2025? My guide on how to dress old money will help you achieve the quiet luxury aesthetic you desire!
How To Look Old Money in 2025
In 2025, the old money aesthetic remains atop the list of favorite fashion trends. This classic style, characterized by timeless beauty and understated elegance, focuses on simple yet high-quality pieces that exude quiet luxury.
This aesthetic is ideal for anyone who appreciates simple sophistication and styles that will stand the test of time and trends. And as we see new trend after new trend emerges on social media and from fast fashion brands, we see more and more people flocking to this timeless aesthetic.
While old money pieces tend to be investment pieces you can still create an old money wardrobe with a thoughtful selection from affordable brands. Below, I’ve broken down what you need to know about how to dress old money. This guide will help you find pieces for stunning, quiet luxury ensembles in 2025 – no matter your budget!
Build Your Foundation: Muted & Neutral Tones
When curating a wardrobe that embodies the old money aesthetic, your palette is important. Quiet luxury pieces gravitate towards muted or classic neutral shades that look simple yet sophisticated.
Timeless neutrals like ivory, cream, beige, camel, taupe, black, or grey work as versatile base colors that can easily be mixed and matched for a cohesive look. Muted or earthy tones like olive green, forest green, navy blue, and deep burgundy also work for a more colorful but still elegant aesthetic.
Often, a combination of both neutrals and muted shades will give you plenty of options to work with.
Perfect the Basics: Timeless Outfits
An old money wardrobe is full of timeless and versatile staples. This includes simple pieces like:
- classic tees– perfect for layering
- button-up shirts– white and navy are great choices
- silk blouses– classic and timeless
- tailored trousers– versatile bestsellers in an array of luxe-looking neutral tones
- tailored shorts– a bestseller
- silk slip skirts – affordable silk option in so many colors
- high-quality cardigans– these are cashmere but only $50!
- high-quality sweaters– another excellent affordable choice with an old-money look
- blazers – elevated and timeless
- long coats – luxe-looking and great for layering during cold or transitional months
You should also incorporate chic accessories like loafers (these ones are leather, luxurious looking, but affordable!) or ballet flats, scarves, leather belts, high-quality handbags, and minimalist jewelry. These pieces are essential for giving your old money outfit a polished finish.
Search for pieces that will remain just as stunning and classic a decade from now as they are today. These staples should also feature simple designs since an old money wardrobe should be versatile and easily elevated by your accessories.
10 Staple Pieces to Add to Your Closet
shop the pieces:
Above, I’ve featured an example of quiet luxury pieces to include in your collection. Classic white and black trousers can easily be paired with any top – including the button-up, cardigan, or sweater – for a simple yet stylish base.
Each top is beautiful and timeless while providing plenty of options to dress, depending on the weather and occasion. A trench coat is timeless and great for layering, while the long white wool coat will work for colder days.
The chic and neutral accessories can pair with each piece for a cohesive and elegant finish to your outfits
Simplicity is Key
Simplicity is key for achieving an old money aesthetic, as less is truly more for this style. By avoiding flashy styles or trends, the focus remains on clean, minimalist pieces that exude sophistication.
Instead of selecting trendy or statement pieces, choose well-made clothing and accessories. Opt for high-quality fabrics, such as cashmere, linen, and silk, which not only look and feel luxurious but are also long-lasting.
Superior tailoring and craftsmanship are also essential, impacting the look and feel of each piece and lending to the luxurious aesthetic.
Avoid Logos, Except These
In the world of old money fashion, overt branding is something to avoid as you want to select simple and refined pieces.
However, some brands – like Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Lacoste – are known for their timeless elegance and are an exception to this rule. These logos tend to be subtle and complement old money fashion because of their association with luxury and sophistication.
The button-up above has a distinct brand logo but it’s small and subtle enough to not distract from the overall aesthetic.
Silk Scarves: A Versatile Accent
shop silk scarves:
A silk scarf can be the cherry on top when it comes to how to dress old money, adding a subtle luxurious touch that elevates the ensemble.
It’s sleek and versatile, so it can be worn in multiple ways – draped around the neck for a classic charm or over your head for a chic, vintage-inspired look. You can also knot the scarf around the strap of your handbag for a simple but impactful accessory that adds a refined touch.
Select a scarf with a simple pattern and in classic colors that match the rest of your wardrobe. Above, @lisoneb displays how to wear beautiful, minimalist black-and-white silk scarves with a variety of outfits. However, you can also choose understated shades, like soft or muted hues, to add a subtle touch of color to your old money outfit.
Monochromatic Elegance
Monochromatic outfits are a hallmark of the old money aesthetic.
An all-white or all-black ensemble embodies simplicity and sophisticated tones, showcasing a timeless and chic aesthetic. You don’t have to stick to just black and white here, all-camel or beige are gorgeous and warm neutrals that work well for this, while navy or soft blue are perfect for colors with a simple and elegant old money appeal.
When you dress in one tone, it allows the quality of the pieces to be the focus. High-end fabrics, craftsmanship, and details elevate the outfit and create a stunning, stylish finish even with one color.
When In Doubt, Drape A Sweater
old-money look sweaters:
Draping a sweater over your shoulders is classic styling technique in the old money aesthetic. This adds effortless style and a sophisticated finish.
I love this look for the transition between seasons, providing a layer of warmth and versatility without sacrificing style and elegance. You can add a sweater over your shoulders to casual outfits to lend a refined and more formal look to these relaxed ensembles.
This method works beautifully with a crisp button-down or a simple and sleek tank top, and it can work with both tailored shorts and pants.
Adorn Yourself Sparingly with Sleek Jewelry
shop jewelry:
Minimal but classic gold or silver jewelry is essential for elevating an old money outfit. My favorite affordable brands with an old-money aesthetic include Mejuri, Jenny Bird, and Quince.
Key pieces include simple tennis necklaces or bracelets, dainty hoops, timeless watches, and pearls. These pieces easily lend a refined feel to your look, adding a chic touch without overwhelming the outfit.
This is another area where you want to choose quality over quantity, thoughtfully choosing minimalist pieces that showcase quality craftsmanship and materials and are versatile enough to be worn with any outfit you put together.
Carry Yourself with Style: Bags That Matter
Handbags featuring a timeless design and superior attention to detail are best for the old money aesthetic.
Purses with clean lines and a structured shape, such as satchels or top-handle bags, are excellent for this style. Crossbody bags made with high-quality leather also work well for old money looks. Opt for shades like black, camel, rich browns, or cream. These colors will easily pair with your wardrobe and reflect the understated elegance you’re going for.
You should avoid handbags with excessive embellishments, patterns, or logos. Instead, focus on subtle detailing like quilted patterns, delicate stitching, or simple, metallic accents.
Purses from Cuyana and Polène will give you an old money look without breaking the bank, while my favorite mid-range options include Tory Burch and Coach. If you’re looking to splurge, you can never go wrong with brands like Celine and Chanel for gorgeous old money accessories.
Keep Hair Sleek & Clean
Another important detail when it comes to how to dress old money – hairstyles that are clean, neat, and timeless. Soft, loose waves offer a relaxed yet polished look, perfect for anything from date nights to casual gatherings. Sleek ponytails are another top choice, creating an elegant look suitable for work and formal events.
Low buns are a gorgeous old money hairstyle that’s classic and sophisticated, ideal for weddings or intimate events. These hairstyles enhance the luxurious look of your outfits and add to the refined aesthetic.
Attention to Detail
Clean and neatly manicured fingernails and toes are a subtle detail that makes a big impact on an old money look.
Choose classic and simple designs, such as nude or soft pink nails or elegant French tips. If you prefer something a little bolder, crimson or burgundy polish will make a statement while maintaining the quiet luxury aesthetic.
The Final Touch: Confidence is Key
Above all, carry yourself with confidence.
Confidence is an invisible accessory that is key to embodying the old money aesthetic. This style, all about understated luxury and elegance, is enhanced when you project confidence and grace, allowing you to transform a collection of well-selected and quality pieces and turn them into a stunning and refined outfit.
Knowing how to dress old money is about choosing classic and quality pieces and knowing how to accessorize so you look elegant and put-together. I hope this guide on how to create the quiet luxury look has been helpful and you can step into 2025 with a new and effortlessly elegant style!
If you loved this article, don’t miss How To Get The Old Money Aesthetic + Outfit Ideas To Recreate and 19+ Old Money Nails That Are Giving Quiet Luxury.
