Old Money Style represents an enduring fashion trend deeply rooted in heritage, class, and refinement. Recently highlighted in the Netflix series The Gentlemen, this style captures the essence of aristocratic leisure and country estate living, epitomizing a lifestyle that values quality over trends and subtlety over ostentation. Here's how you can elevate your wardrobe with the timeless sophistication of the old money aesthetic.
Defining Old Money Style
At its core, Old Money Style originates from the attire of European aristocracy, where clothing symbolized not just personal wealth but lineage and status. The key principles—quality, conservatism, and subtle elegance—have allowed this style to remain relevant, even as fashion has evolved. Today, old money style continues to serve as a counterpoint to fast fashion, celebrating timeless garments that speak to durability and craftsmanship.
Unlike trends that come and go, Old Money Style focuses on longevity, with classic pieces that often last for decades. It’s more than just fashion—it’s a lifestyle that values heritage, understated wealth, and an appreciation for the finest materials.
Key Elements of Old Money Style
The old money aesthetic is defined by several timeless principles, each reflecting the values of traditional wealth. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, well-made pieces that stand the test of time. This approach is sustainable and ensures each item is a testament to craftsmanship and endurance.
- Classic and Timeless Designs: Rather than chasing fleeting trends, Old Money Style emphasizes designs that have remained stylish for generations. The focus is on clean lines and elegant cuts.
- Subdued Color Palette: Colors like navy, beige, dark green, and brown dominate the Old Money wardrobe, reflecting a connection to nature and an air of understated elegance.
- Natural Fabrics: Wool, cotton, silk, and linen are preferred for their quality, comfort, and how gracefully they age.
- Tailored Fit: A tailored fit is essential in this style. While not necessarily tight-fitting, the clothes should drape neatly, flattering the body’s natural shape.
- Understated Luxury: The luxury of Old Money Style lies in the details, not in conspicuous logos. The materials, craftsmanship, and history of each piece speak volumes without overt branding.
- Heritage Pieces: Vintage items, family heirlooms, and classic designs add depth to the Old Money wardrobe. These pieces reflect a legacy of thoughtful consumption and an appreciation for history.
- Functional Elegance: Clothes are practical and comfortable, reflecting a lifestyle where activity and leisure coexist seamlessly.
- Layering and Accessories: Accessories like scarves, vests, and jackets are used to add refinement to an outfit. These items are chosen for their quality and subtle charm, rather than making a bold statement.
- Cultural and Educational Symbolism: Items such as college scarves, club ties, or family crests add cultural depth, symbolizing a connection to esteemed traditions and institutions.
Timeless Pieces Inspired by The Gentlemen
The style showcased in The Gentlemen highlights several timeless pieces, each embodying the essence of the old money aesthetic. These garments and accessories blend refinement with practicality, offering an enduring sense of sophistication.
- Silk Scarves: Crafted from luxurious materials, silk scarves are a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Available in rich colors, they add a vibrant yet refined touch to any outfit, while staying true to the understated charm of old money style.
- Leather Handbags: A high-quality leather handbag with a structured design and antique-style hardware speaks to refined craftsmanship and classic sophistication. Functional yet stylish, such a bag easily transitions from day to evening wear.
- Wool Jackets: With velvet accents or similar luxurious details, wool jackets are timeless pieces that complement a variety of outfits, offering warmth and style that transcends seasonal trends.
- Classic White Shirts: A staple in the old money wardrobe, white shirts offer both comfort and elegance. Intricate detailing adds a feminine touch, making them ideal for layering under jackets or pairing with skirts and trousers.
- Wax Jackets and Caps: Practical outerwear like waxed jackets and newsboy caps embody the outdoorsy, aristocratic lifestyle. These items combine functionality with a sense of tradition, aligning with the old money approach to dressing for both leisure and activity.
- Wool Caps: A wool newsboy cap, with its classic and casual elegance, is a versatile accessory that can elevate a simple outfit while maintaining the understated charm central to the old money aesthetic.
Why Old Money Style is Resonating Today
The resurgence of Old Money Style, especially through its depiction in The Gentlemen, speaks to a broader desire for fashion that emphasizes sustainability, quality, and meaning. As more people move away from the transient nature of fast fashion, Old Money Style offers a wardrobe built on durability and timeless appeal.
With a focus on quality craftsmanship, understated elegance, and heritage, old money aesthetic is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a reflection of values. Whether you’re adding to your wardrobe or starting anew, choosing pieces that embody these qualities offers a deeper connection to your sartorial choices.
Conclusion
Old Money Style, as presented in The Gentlemen, is a masterclass in timeless elegance. This style’s enduring appeal lies in its balance of quality, heritage, and sophistication—an approach to fashion that transcends trends and celebrates longevity. Whether you’re embracing this aesthetic fully or incorporating a few key pieces, the message is clear: fashion should tell a story of lasting value.
By focusing on these timeless elements, you can curate a wardrobe that reflects the enduring charm and subtlety of old money style. Each piece you select is not just an item of clothing, but an investment in a philosophy of style that will stand the test of time.
