The modern old money aesthetic has completely blown up on social media, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. This style takes all the best parts of classic sophistication and makes it actually wearable for real life. You’re not walking around looking like you stepped out of a country club from 1950 – instead, you get that effortlessly expensive vibe that just works.
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What Makes Modern Old Money Different
Here’s the thing about modern old money style: it’s all about looking like you have money without trying too hard to prove it. The whole point is that relaxed, “I just threw this on” energy that somehow still looks incredibly put-together. It’s sophisticated enough for nice occasions but casual enough that you won’t feel overdressed grabbing coffee or hanging out with friends.
The Color Game
When it comes to colors, neutral tones are absolutely everything in this aesthetic. Think of it like building a wardrobe around the colors you’d see in an expensive minimalist apartment – lots of cream, beige, soft grays, and white. These aren’t boring colors when done right; they’re the foundation of that expensive, understated look.
Brown has become huge in the old money world too. Not just any brown – we’re talking about those rich, warm tones like coffee, camel, and chocolate that make everything look more expensive. And blue, especially navy and those softer powder blues, just screams old money in the best way possible.
The Shirt Situation
For shirts, linen button-downs are absolutely essential, especially for warmer weather. There’s something about a white linen shirt that just screams effortless luxury. They’re comfortable, they look expensive, and they work with basically everything in your wardrobe.
Getting the Bottoms Right
Your pants can make or break an old money outfit. Well-tailored slacks are the gold standard – they should fit you perfectly through the waist and have a clean, straight line down to your shoes. You want them to look like they were made for you, not like you grabbed whatever was on sale.
Quality chinos are more casual but just as important. The difference between regular chinos and old money chinos is all in the fabric quality and fit. You want ones that hold their shape, don’t wrinkle easily, and have that slight structure that makes them look intentional.
Shoes and Small Details
Loafers are basically the unofficial shoe of the old money aesthetic. They’re comfortable, versatile, and have that timeless appeal that works with almost everything. Brown leather loafers with some texture or contrast detailing can really make an outfit pop without being too flashy.
When it comes to accessories, less is definitely more. A classic watch is really all you need – it doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should have clean lines and a timeless design. Think leather straps or simple metal bands rather than anything too sporty or flashy.
The Hair Game
Your hairstyle is just as important as what you’re wearing when it comes to nailing the old money aesthetic. The good news is that the hair trends that work with this style are actually pretty timeless and relatively low-maintenance once you get them right.
The classic side part is probably the most foolproof old money hairstyle. It’s clean, sophisticated, and works with most face shapes and hair textures.
Slicked-back styles work really well too, especially if you have thicker hair. Not the super-slick, wet look from the ’80s, but more of a natural, swept-back style that looks intentional but not overdone.
For guys with curly hair, the old money aesthetic is all about embracing your natural texture while keeping it well-groomed. Think controlled curls that are shaped and defined rather than wild and untamed.
The biggest thing to remember with old money hair is that it should look expensive and well-maintained without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Making It Modern
The beauty of this aesthetic is that you can mix in contemporary elements without losing that old money feel. Maybe it’s a pair of clean, minimalist sneakers with an otherwise classic outfit, or modern eyewear that updates your whole look. The trick is adding just one modern element to keep things feeling current.
Old Money Brands
Want to get the modern old money look? Here are the brands we recommend.
Seasonal Styling
Summer old money is all about those lighter fabrics and breathable pieces. A knit sweater over chino shorts for evening, linen shirts during the day, and always keeping those colors in that neutral palette. It’s about looking polished even when it’s hot outside.
Fall and winter are when this aesthetic really shines. This is sweater vest season, cardigan weather, and the perfect time for all that layering that makes old money style so interesting. You can play with different textures and weights while staying in that same neutral color family.
The Mindset Behind the Look
At the end of the day, the modern old money aesthetic isn’t really about the clothes – it’s about the confidence. It’s about looking like you don’t have anything to prove, like getting dressed well is just second nature to you. When you nail this style, people notice, but they can’t quite put their finger on why you look so put-together.