How to Look Old Money
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Readers had a great discussion a while back about how to look old money or, more broadly, how to look upper class, polished, and chic. There were a ton of interesting suggestions, ranging from the practical (take care of your shoes!) to the debatable (avoid trends entirely). Alas, throwing money around while wearing a feather boa wasn’t among the recommendations.
First, here was the original ask:
If you wanted to look, not necessarily “old money” but upper class or chic what are the main do’s and don’ts? I am trying to upgrade my overall vibe.
No logos? no patterns? stripes yes polka dots no? I am so confused.
Thanks.
Of course, looking polished, looking wealthy, and looking like you come from old money are three very different things… and none of them necessarily has much to do with how much money you actually have. Still, it’s interesting to think about the little details that make someone look effortlessly chic or put together. Readers chimed in with a ton of great advice.
How to Look Old Money: Readers Share Their Best Tips
Focus on Personal Care Details
A number of people noted that it’s all in the personal care details… no split ends! No roots! Neutral but healthy nails! Beautiful skin! As one commenter said, “moisturize, … have glossy hair, keep your nails from being a focal point, don’t show your toes unless they are ready for prime time.”
Have Tailored, Clean Clothes in Good Repair
Tailoring is one thing a lot of commenters emphasized… your trousers shouldn’t be dragging on the ground or have a hole in the pocket.
Take Care of Your Shoes
One commenter hilariously said, “I hate to sound like Hannibal Lechter, but don’t wear cheap shoes.” People noted this doesn’t mean you have to buy expensive shoes… but the shoes should also be in good repair. Polished, conditioned, and well maintained.
Start with Solid Colors
A number of people noted the trend for neutrals… the general consensus was that you don’t HAVE to stick to neutrals and solid colors, but it’s a great starting place and better allows you to focus on fit and tailoring. Think understated.
Avoid Trends
A number of readers suggested avoiding anything too trendy or conspicuous, whether that’s obvious logos, elaborate nail art, or statement jewelry. Others recommended sticking with classic jewelry and silhouettes — although, of course, plenty of wealthy women love trends.
Generally, I’d say: No logos. Stick to a palette that involves beige, white, cream, tan, brown, navy. Go luxe with your fabrics. Go classic in your cuts and your jewelry. Avoid anything too on-trend. Keep the makeup and hair simple–nothing a Kardashian would ever do, that’s your guidance.
How to ACT Old Money
One commenter even had some suggestions for mannerisms, although I’m not sure how much of this is specific to old money versus generally good advice:
Re mannerisms, avoid filler words—be silent when thinking, avoid ummm, whaaat?, uhh. Shut your mouth and breathe through your nose. Check your posture—farmers walks can help, brush and floss regularly so you can smile easily at people, if you choose to.
But Do Rich People Really Dress Like This?
Of course, dressing rich and being rich can be totally different things. A number of people noted that this can even be hyperlocal… and the richest people they know don’t necessarily look rich. One commenter noted,
Where I live the rich ladies are perpetually in Pilates outfits and tennis skirts and occasionally riding gear. Theyre wearing tennis necklaces and tennis bracelets and their hair and skin look extremely natural although they are almost certainly the result of a ton of intervention. I’m seeing less carrier and van cleef branded Jewelry than I used to but it’s still worn.
Another one commented,
I live in an area with a LOT of money, and folks don’t care and wear whatever they want. I can think of one billionaire that would regularly wear a frayed button down. Another billionaire that wears jeans and sneakers. And another billionaire who wears what you would expect— lots of understated cashmere.
A third reiterated the emphasis on athleisure: “I live in a very wealthy area and the weekend clothes tend to be the tennis outfits, or linen sets. One of my good friends is a multi multi millionaire and lives in Vuori on the weekend.”
Readers, what are your thoughts? Is there a difference between looking polished, looking expensive, and looking like “old money”? Have you noticed any particular style details that signal wealth where you live — or do the wealthiest people you know dress however they please?
Stock photo via Pexels / Paul Espinoza.
I have worked for the two wealthiest families in my state. They are names you would recognize. One family makes it obvious that they spend money on their appearance: lots of skincare in evidence, luxe fabrics, tailored garments, designer shoes and bags, teeth very whitened and straightened, etc. The other family you could not pick out of a crowd at the local 4H fair or little league audience. They dress in outfits put together from the local supermarket clothing aisles (and the items are not all brand new), they get their hair cut at the local walk in barbershops, they have dirt under their nails and grease on their knuckles, and they have laugh lines, crows feet, and age spots. It’s a night and day difference.
Generally, old money is more subdued: good quality fabrics; hair, skin, and makeup are tasteful and understated; car is quite clean and in excellent working order, regardless of age and brand.
A lot of new money is more obvious: expensive personal maintenance that doesn’t create all that much lasting value (fancy haircuts, obvious salon highlighting, manicures that must be redone every week, trendy clothes).
Being old money, I don’t much care if I dress as old money. :)