We’re all quite familiar with the notion of the “old money aesthetic,” whether it’s through exposure on social media, iconic shows like Gossip Girl, or simply admiring elegant formal wear and pondering its essence.
Some may see this aesthetic as inherited wealth or the high society that parties at the French Riviera or has a business meeting every hour to maintain their families’ wealth. But what is it?
Definition of old money
Old money, via definition, is money that was inherited over many generations and by that is considered ‘old’.
This expression was initially used to describe wealthy families in Manhattan during the 1930s. No matter if they made their money on Wall Street or trough their family businesses, old money has made some serious money early on.
In England on the other hand, old money was an expression to describe nobles and in general people of royal peerage or landed gentry.
Old money aesthetic in the present time
Nowadays old money is described as wealth that has been passed over to the younger generations leaving behind a legacy.
‘Old money is quiet’, meaning that thesey people don’t have to show everybody their wealth, unlike the stereotype of new money. Also, traditions play a huge role in old-money families, because they are not willing to change their looks or behavior suddenly.
Furthermore, owe their ancestors a lot, only being rich because they inherited the money. So old money people praise the traditions and will have a strong bond in the family. Also, people who represent this old money vibe are associated with a certain style of living. This includes great mansions, rare cars, and exclusive travel.
Find out more about old money’s travel destinations here.
Old money activities
Having a big mansion with lots of property offers opportunities for some great activities. Hunting is one of them. Old money people go after traditional activities, which hunting very much is. It may not feel luxurious as much as with other activities but trust me, you will need some serious wealth to do this often.
Riding and horse racing are other activities old money loves to compete in or bet on. It may not come as a surprise that the effortlessly chic riding boots featuring clean lines suit old money very well. Other activities include sailing, tennis, golf, and polo.
To get some more insights, check out my article about 18 old money activities.
Old money Cars
Not only on the water but on the road too, old money likes to travel fancy. Coming to my mind when thinking of old money are certainly two kinds of cars. Old sports cars and old luxury SUVs. Porsche and Mercedes are two of the most iconic brands and their Oldtimers still are better than most modern cars.
Luxury cars like the Porsche Cayenne, a Mercedes G-Wagon, a Land Rover 1, and many other cars represent the old money aesthetic perfectly. Again, the principle of quality over quantity applies here.
I wrote an entire blog post about old money cars. Check it out to learn more about them.
Old money way of living
In general, the life of old money people is exclusive. Living in the Hamptons, and going to one of the Ivy-league universities, their life has been exclusive and extravagant. Like many other wealthy people, they opt to surround themselves with like-minded people. Having champagne parties and being in certain groups you cannot apply for are one of the many privileges, old money enjoys.
Old money circles and societies
These clubs won’t discuss the latest football game or any other sports event; furthermore, they will decide how to invest their money or how to fund a new project they are thinking of.
If you want to get to know these exclusive groups and societies, check out my article about old money clubs and circles.
Old money generally doesn’t like to talk about other people with their friends. They know how to spend their time more efficiently, forming a group of like-minded people with the same wealth. Nevertheless, that gossip about that fast fashion outfit Angela wore may also occur.
Old money houses
What comes to your mind when thinking of wealth that has been inherited over many generations? You are right! Big beautiful mansions.
One reason is that in the 20th century, the property was way more affordable than it is today. You might say: ‘Well this is due to inflation’, but certainly you are wrong. Even without inflation, property prices skyrocketed in comparison to 1960.
Typically, old money owns, because of previously mentioned reasons, big, beautiful mansions with a lot of land surrounding it.
For some more inspiration on old money houses, check out my article about them here.
Old money values
The Old money aesthetic comes with a lot of values and education. In general, they raise their kids to be well-behaved and have good etiquette. No wonder considering their children might be on the table when their parents discuss a multi million-dollar deal.
If you want to know more about how old money likes their children to be educated, check out my article about renowned old money schools.
Networking and socialising
Old money people are always well-informed and more importantly well connected. Networking is a very important part of old money as they want to form valuable connections and profit from each other. However, they like to stay in their circle when it comes to close friends. They might be friends with everybody but when it is about important things, they will turn to other old-money people.
Old money etiquette
Did you talk with old money people and never ran out of things to say? Let me tell you that they are very good communicators, mastering the art of small talk so it will never get uncomfortable.
Also, because of its bright history, old money honor their ancestors by following strict traditions every family member has to adhere to. Additionally, the like to maintain a great image by donating and doing philanthropy work.
Old money style
As previously mentioned, old money is quiet and so is their old money wardrobe. This not only contributes to their behavior but old-money people tend to dress rather plainly and without shiny brand logos.
As with everything else, the principle of quality over quantity also shows when it comes to their style. Whilst not having those shiny big logos, the brand’s old money wears aren’t cheap either. The quality and fit of the neutral sweater are just ways better than the ones of other brands, justifying a higher price. Check out my article about designer and affordable old money brands.
Old money opts to go for more relaxed, wide, sophisticated looks. This look is called the WASP look (White Anglo Saxon Protestants). Typical pieces of clothing for men are:
- An oversized white shirt
- Chinos
- Linen shirts
- Polo shirts
- Knit sweaters
- Dress shoes
Or on the feminine side:
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Blouses
- Linen pants
- Turtleneck sweaters
- Sweater vests
- Polo shirts
Color-wise you should be looking for beige, black, khaki, green, or blue. Tennis whites are very common with quiet luxury when it comes to dressing for a sporty occasion or a casual day.
For some more insights in the old money style, check out my dedicated article here.
Old money celebrities
Now that we have talked a lot about old money and old money people, you will surely ask yourself: ‘Who are these old money people?’ In this following article, I will name a couple of prominent examples of old money people.
Commonly known as the most prominent old-money family in the UK and perhaps the whole world is the royal family. The Windsor’s, reigning today, was officially founded in 1917, making them a perfect example of old money. The most prominent old money-person from that family has been Princess Diana.
Get to know everything about 17 of the wealthiest old money families in my recent article.
Coming to the USA side of things, there are many more prominent examples of old-money families.
The Kennedy family is one of the well-known examples. John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States of America along with his parents are great examples of an old-money family as well as Jackie Kennedy, one of the style icons of old money. Arriving in America almost 180 years ago, many members of the family had a political career and made a lot of money. The Kennedys are a great example of an old-money family and fulfill every criterion noted in this article.
Coming from a politically involved family we now portray a very different business.
In 1919 the Hilton family founded the famous Hilton hotel. Nowadays being spread all over the world, Hilton Hotels are one of the most luxurious ones.
Since its founding, the Hotels made the Hiltons billions of dollars leading to a huge fortune. The Hilton family is perhaps one of the richest representatives of old money. In recent times Paris Hilton might be the most well-known offspring from this old money family.
Final thoughts on the old money aesthetic
As you can tell from the article, there is more to old money than a nice outfit or rich parents. Old money aesthetic is a way of life for people with a certain background.
The previously mentioned things and features of the old money aesthetic can be adapted by almost everyone. Besides that, the way of dressing, in my opinion, is a timeless and formal style that is somehow refreshing considering the previously trending fashion of the last couple of years.
In general, the old money aesthetic is a result of traditions and wealth inherited over generations. The old money people are living the traditions and values of the former generations.
FAQ
What is the quiet luxury aesthetic
The quiet luxury aesthetic consists of a luxurious lifestyle with exclusive travel, a great house, exclusive communities, and unique activities.
How to become the old money aesthetic
First of all, dress old money. Then, join exclusive clubs and participate in activities like tennis or golf. Then you will find those like-minded people and start to enjoy the old money lifestyle.
What is the old money aesthetic called?
The old money aesthetic is also called old money lifestyle, quiet luxury, and inherited wealth.
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