Channel Your Inner Rockefeller: An Old Money Aesthetic Guide on a Budget

There’s always something elegant about old-money aesthetics, right? The colours, patterns, and just how amazingly luxurious and put together one looks!

But that je ne sais quoi style often feels expensive, out of reach, and, most of the time, impossible to recreate!

Fret not, my friends—it is pretty straightforward and does not require a whole lot of investment—only if you follow our guidelines!

Let’s take a look at how to curate the perfect old-money wardrobe without emptying your pockets and, most importantly, how to embrace this sophisticated style beyond clothes!

What are the Characteristics of Old Money Aesthetics?

It’s not that hard to spot old money aesthetics because you will quickly realise that there are ‘rules of thumb’, so to speak, in achieving these aesthetics.

Firstly, quality. Old money style often focuses on high-quality materials instead of the kind often used for fast fashion. Fabrics that fit this category are usually silk, tweed, or cashmere.

These high-quality fabrics are also durable and offer the wearer a sleek look when worn.

Next, timelessness. Old money aesthetics are always about showcasing pieces that fit together well in terms of patterns and proportions.

You will often find patterns like tweed, subtle detailing on garments, and a neutral colour palette—all of which exist within the fashion world regardless of what is trending!

This is why the old money style is often timeless!

Last but not least, the old money style is always subtle. No, that does not mean there are no colours or accessories, but even if there are, they are not flashy.

This aesthetic focuses on minimalistic designs like delicate embroideries or fine stitching, for example. They also feature a lot of clean lines which offer a refined and classy look.

(Check out our minimalist wardrobe guide)

Your Strategy for Old Money Aesthetic Foundation on Budget

Now that you know what characteristics to include when creating your old money aesthetics, let’s look at some of the best ways to create this without breaking the bank!

Invest in Fabrics, Not Trends

If there’s one thing about the old money style, it’s that it’s never out of trend! That said, you should focus on fabrics rather than what is trending.

Fabrics like linen, wool, cotton, and cashmere are the basis of old-money aesthetics. While you may not wear cashmere and wool due to the Singaporean weather, linen and cotton are breathable and are a great option!

These materials not only help you look classy and refined, but they are also comfortable and tend to last longer!

Look for these fabrics in specific patterns like stripes, subtle checks or even houndstooth (also known as jacquard).

The mix of these specific fabrics with these particular patterns, for example, can really deliver a sophisticated look aside from helping you dress up or down accordingly.

Thriving on Thrifting

Since you want to stick to a budget (a smart move!), you should consider thrifting to curate your old money wardrobe!

You would definitely find some interesting pieces in vintage shops, as long as they have some characteristics of the old money aesthetics.

If vintage shops aren’t delivering, turn to social media (e.g., Facebook Marketplace) or weekend preloved markets, which can be other helpful sources of thrift.

While thrifted pieces may not fit you like a glove, you can transform those pieces by doing a little tailoring.

A good tailor can help your thrifted pieces fit you better, and they would also make a huge difference in adding to the overall old-money style that you are trying to create.

You can also consider picking up easy tailoring techniques too!

Investment Pieces: Building for the Long Haul

Another strategy you can quickly implement is always thinking about creating a wardrobe that will stand the test of time.

Luckily, the old-money aesthetic rarely goes out of style, but if you invest strategically in pieces that can act as the foundation of your whole look, you will only need a few clothes! (talk about minimalism!)

For example, look for a classic, well-fitted blazer—it is versatile enough for formal events and casual evenings. You can also add a beautiful trench coat—although it may not be very suitable for our weather, this piece will come a long way when travelling!

Treat accessories as a part of your long-term strategy too.

By keeping the smaller items easily blendable with all your outfits, you’ll never have to keep buying different ones to match.

For example, a leather belt can be worn with pants, shirts, dresses, or a quality watch that can be worn throughout the day.

Remember, these pieces do not have to be expensive. You can still get them during a sale or even while thrifting! This will ensure that you don’t overspend unnecessarily.

Mixing High and Low

The key to keeping your old-money aesthetics affordable is to mix up your high-end pieces and your budget-friendly items to deliver a cohesive look.

For example, mix up your thrifted vintage blazer with high-quality fitted jeans and a simple plain tee. This will balance your look and deliver the old-money aesthetics you’re after simply by mixing your elegant pieces with the simple ones.

By mixing your high- and low-end pieces, you can achieve the look you desire while staying within your means.

Styling Tips: Putting It All Together

Now that you have a few strategies for creating an old-money style let’s look at a few styling tips that will help you put the whole look together.

Colour Coordination

Colour is key in helping this aesthetic come to life. The rule is to always use a neutral colour palette.

Tones like navy, beige, white and khaki can help deliver a sophisticated and timeless look.

Does that mean you can’t wear colour at all? Of course not!

While you may not see flashy pink or neon green in this style, you can always add pops of colour to some of your pieces or even your accessories!

For example, pair a red and white striped shirt with neutral or white coloured shorts. Throw a red sweater on and add neutral (like gold earrings) accessories to finish the look.

Pops of colours paired with neutral pieces can still deliver the old-money look while not making it look too muted but still sophisticated!

(Read about our colour mixing tips in fashion)

Layering Techniques

Don’t shun off layering just because we are in Singapore! You can still layer your outfits to create depth and sophistication in achieving the old-money style and keeping up with the weather.

For example, use a neutral-coloured, cotton-base tank top and add a lightweight blazer and free-flowing linen skirt or pants to finish the look. This way, you can showcase different fabrics and patterns while still dressing appropriately for the weather.

Layering can also mean adding accessories like hats or caps and a pair of vintage sunglasses!

Seasonal Adjustments

The great thing about old-money aesthetics is that they are definitely timeless. However, knowing how to adapt to different seasons to appear polished all year round is essential!

For summer, go for lighter and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. Look for airy pieces in neutral colours.

Alternatively, embrace cooler weather by going for heavier materials like wool and cashmere. Although you might not do so in Singapore, you can always use these types of fabrics when you are travelling.

Adjusting your wardrobe according to seasons will help you keep your wardrobe practical while also keeping your look sophisticated.

The Old Money Aesthetic Essentials

A few essential items in your wardrobe can go a long way! Let’s look at some of the pieces we recommend so that you can quickly build old-money aesthetics for men and women.

Men’s Must-Haves

• The Crisp White Shirt: A crisp white shirt can serve as the foundation for many looks for men. Go for something well-fitted and made of versatile fabric, such as linen or cotton, that can be dressed up or down. Wear a blazer to dress up or casually with chinos.
• Navy Chinos or Tailored Trousers: Another piece that can be easily worn for formal or casual outings, navy chinos or tailored trousers can be paired with almost any top. The choice of navy colour also exudes sophistication!
• Polo Shirts and Cardigans: For something relaxed but giving off old-money vibes, definitely polo shirts and cardigans! Layer with a cardigan to elevate the refined look of your simple polo shirts. We recommend sticking to colours like beige, navy, or grey for this one.
• Loafers or Derbies: Don’t forget your shoes, as they are as crucial as all the other elements in your look. Opt for loafers or derbies that can complement formal and casual outfits. To get the best bang for your buck, invest in leather ones for superior comfort and longevity!

Women’s Wardrobe Staples

• The Little Black Dress: The one trusted piece you must have in the old-money aesthetic for women is the LBD! While there isn’t a rule of thumb for fit, choose something that will accentuate your figure.
• A-Line Skirts and Midi Dresses: Either one of these two pieces can always be dressed up or down according to your needs. A-line skirts and midi dresses are the epitome of femininity, so go for classic colours like navy or black. You can also look for ones that have stripe patterns or even polka dots.
• Silk Blouses and Cashmere Sweaters: To add a luxurious touch, have a few silk blouses and cashmere sweaters in your wardrobe! Both can be a staple, especially for work or formal events.
• Kitten Heels or Ballet Flats: Shoes are always meant to be remembered and can make or break the look. For maximum comfort, go for kitten heels or ballet flats. Both these shoes are timeless options that can be worn with almost any piece from your wardrobe, and that’s going to save you money, too!

These are all the items necessary for every woman’s capsule wardrobe.

Beyond the Outfit: Cultivating the Aesthetic

While you can definitely nail your style by getting the right outfit, sometimes it highly depends on how you carry yourself to complement the overall look. Let’s take a look at some of the things to keep in mind aside from your old money style.

Posture & Confidence: Owning Your Presence

Confidence is a crucial element in nailing this look, and so is your posture! Walk with your head held up high, shoulders thrown back and stand tall! This will elevate your entire look as it exudes confidence – as they say, confidence is the key to success!

Minimalist Accessories: Quality Over Quantity

Less is always more! A few timeless pieces, like a beautiful watch or simple gold earrings, can significantly impact your look. They can add a touch of elegance without overbearing your entire look.

The Power of Grooming: Taking Care of Yourself

Well-maintained hygiene, hair, skin, and nails will take over any good wardrobe. Therefore, it is far more important to ensure that you are well-groomed before deciding to elevate your style to match the old money aesthetics.

Conclusion: Timeless Style on a Budget

Last but not least, remember that old-money aesthetics is all about delivering elegance, which can definitely be done without breaking the bank.

Although this guide is meant to introduce you to the old money style, it is only a foundation that you can build on by adding your own personal touches.

Invest in quality pieces that can be used for a long time. Most importantly, pair your style with confidence—no one can steal your zest!

Hopefully, this guide will help you achieve the old-money aesthetics that you’re after!

Au revoir!