How To Dress Like You’re Rich (Even When You’re Not)
Trends are a great way to experiment with style and find what you personally love. But the old money aesthetic has been a constant over the years for a reason!
The old money aesthetic is exactly what it sounds like – dressing as if you’ve had money for a while (none of that flashy stuff). It’s classy, it’s gorgeous, and it requires effort on your part, especially if you plan to do it on a budget. But not to fear, the old money aesthetic doesn’t require actual old money.
It’s all about taste. And lucky for you, taste can be acquired with a bit of shopping and Instagram scrolling! Choose a color palette and build a basic wardrobe that invites the old money aesthetic into your personal style.
Ready to find out how to dress like you’re rich, even when you’re not? Let’s get into it!
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Don’t Buy Trendy Items
If your entire closet could be described as a trend, then the old money aesthetic would not apply to your current wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is one of the easiest ways to dress like you’re rich, even if you aren’t. You can put together dozens of coordinating outfits with just a few basic pieces, and you can invest in higher-quality basics to wear as the foundation of your style.
To get you started, here are some of the essential items you’ll need to dress like you’re rich, regardless of where you live:
A silk blouse is the perfect shirt. You can dress it up for a night out, wear it to the office, or wear it casually with denim. Investing in a nice quality silk top is a worthy investment for your wardrobe, and instantly upgrades your style to resemble a woman of wealth.
Everlane The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt, $150
A black dress is a classic for a reason. Choose an A-line or shift cut for a flattering, timeless fit. This dress will be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe, and you’ll reach for it more often than you might think.
Banana Republic Siena Wool Mini Dress, $160
Trench coats made a major comeback as a trend this fall, but they’re actually one of those classic pieces that just happened to reach trend status this year. Investing in a trench coat is a worthy investment in your wardrobe, and you’ll wear it a ton during the fall and winter seasons.
Everlane The Gathered Drape Trench, $198
A solid pair of denim jeans is a closet essential. Avoid low-rise styles, which come and go as a trend, and stick with a mid to high-rise fit instead.
Abercrombie Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean, $89
If your wardrobe consists of only cotton and denim, you will struggle to achieve your desired old money look. Tweed is the perfect casual daytime fabric that looks bougie (even when it's budget-friendly).
April Ivory Button Up Jacket, $80
Emry Black Tweed Short-Sleeve Mini Dress, $75
Put Yourself Together
Rich women always look put together. This could simply mean finding and mastering an easy hairstyle you can recreate multiple times a week, like a slick bun or soft curls. Or try your hand at an at-home blowout, without the overpriced Dyson Airwrap.
Keep some lipgloss on you at all times, and keep your makeup as natural as possible. And don’t neglect your nails (and toes!). A fresh mani-pedi can easily be done at home. These little things matter, and they add up to a classy look perfect for an old money aesthetic and attitude.
Don’t Show Too Much Skin
Put away your shortest crop tops! There’s a classiness associated with the old money aesthetic, and showing too much skin instantly cheapens your look. Make sure your bra straps are covered and check for panty lines before heading out the door. These little things can take away from your overall look, so pay attention to the little details.
Buy Classy Shoes
A consistent and versatile shoe wardrobe can add that wealthy touch to your look, even if you don’t have a ton of money to spend on multiple styles. A pair of loafers, chic sneakers, a classic pair of black pumps, and a pair of everyday sandals – you can pair these four pairs of shoes with any outfit, for almost any season, and it’s easy to put together outfits with each pair.
Also, avoid wearing dirty shoes. Take good care of your shoes, especially your white sneakers, and that will instantly elevate your look.
Accessorize Well
The right accessories can be your ticket to achieving the old money aesthetic on a little-money budget. Avoid obvious designer dupes (like the Gucci belt) and instead opt for classic versions of everyday accessories. Choose your metal (gold or silver) and stick with it until you’ve built up a collection of wearable pieces. Gorjana is a great one-stop shop for classy jewelry that won’t break the bank, and they have tons of styles depending on what you like to wear.
Closing Thoughts
The old money aesthetic is one of our favorites, and a great style for any girl looking to elevate her wardrobe without following fleeting trends. Dressing rich without a large wallet is possible!
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