The “Old Money” Aesthetic Is A LARP

Pearls. Tennis sweaters. Tailoring. The “old money” aesthetic, from clothes to makeup, is the new version of “preppy,” and everyone wants to look like they’re about to inherit their grandfather’s polo ponies. The trend has taken hold of social media in recent years, and it’s as much about fashion as it is about lifestyle influencing. The “old money” lifestyle has been distilled down to a personal and background aesthetic that you’re meant to be seen both in and around, with quiet luxury clothing and not-so-quiet luxury destinations. The only problem? It’s all a LARP.

While the fashion is undeniably cute, there’s an undercurrent in the trend about how to look more convincingly “old money” that’s about more than just an aesthetic. Unlike other aesthetics that are purely for the vibes, like the vanilla girl aesthetic or clean girl aesthetic, there’s something deeper going on with the trend of trying to convince people you’re actually rich, that’s too often accomplished by turning what should be a timeless aesthetic into tinier and tinier microtrends of fast fashion pieces. The old money aesthetic has recently been criticized for being classist and pushing a “racial and socioeconomic bias,” but the real issue lies in something far less dramatic: Being fake doesn’t look good on anyone.

From Prep to Pricey

Old money is the Gen Z younger sister of what older generations just called preppy. Many of the fashion elements are functionally identical, with a continued emphasis on tailored styles, collared and button-up shirts, pearls and other classic jewelry, and pieces that look vaguely like they were warm-ups from your boarding school’s squash club. It’s professional yet playful, allowing you to look polished while still young enough to be going to brunch instead of a board meeting. 

When prep became old money, a few things changed. Some were subtle, like the increased preference for vintage-inspired jewelry and neutrals. Whereas prep in the ‘90s or 2000s would have been pro-pink, and the next decade’s prep was even more pastel-toned with Lily Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines leading the charge, the old money prep of the 2020s is more likely to opt for tweed than teal and beige than bright pink. Other changes were more noticeable, with the 2020s opting far more for suiting, tailoring, and headbands, almost in homage to earlier ‘80s preppy trends.

The video-focus of 2020s social media has had an impact too. It’s no longer just about your outfit – our TikTok-centric media means there’s a greater emphasis on where you’re seen and not just what you’re seen wearing. It doesn’t matter if the pics are just sourced from a Pinterest board; a true old money look demands champagne towers, European courtyards, and the occasional yacht to truly feel at home. Accounts called things like “Dear Aristocrat” and “Old Money Guide” now offer a kind of lifestyle inspiration to help interpret old money for the masses, no longer just aesthetically but even down to specific jobs, vacation destinations, and baby names.

What used to be about self-presentation is now actually about convincing people you have cash, and it’s a recipe for insecurity. A healthy relationship with fashion is one that uses an aesthetic to enhance, not erase, your personality and natural beauty. Letting a cute trend encroach on your lifestyle is not only unnecessary, but can actually bring you down by making you feel less secure in your own skin. You shouldn’t have to convince people you vacation in Cannes to feel classy and refined because being polished isn’t about a price point.

Fast Fashion

Of course, you can’t address the old money trend without talking about fast fashion. Since old money advocates are often trying to live champagne lives on beer budgets, fast fashion companies are all too happy to account for the discrepancy between taste and budget. Companies like Shein and Romwe, which thrive on producing plastic clothes that barely outlast the microtrends they were created for, have taken notice of the old money obsession and have been reliably pushing out clothes that look like what TikTokers think wealth dresses like. The only problem? It’s not even close.

The old money looks sold by fast fashion companies are effectively just Halloween costumes for daily wear. Since they’re made from low quality materials, it’s obvious they’re basically just plastic, and features like tailoring and metal buttons that should contribute to the elevated look of pieces end up making them look even cheaper. You often wouldn’t know this from social media, since it’s tough to see the low quality of these clothes when they’re on heavily-filtered influencers’ feeds, but it becomes painfully obvious in person.

What To Wear Instead

The good news is, there’s plenty of room for dressing classily without LARPing as something you’re not. It girls like Sophia Richie are proving that there’s room for everyone’s wardrobe to look mature, refined, and beautiful and usher in your classy era without trying to be someone you’re not with clothes and a sense of self that are paper-thin.

If the look you’re going for is a mix of prep and class, consider opting for classic staples and well-made clothes, and thrifting for higher quality pieces. If you do have your eye on certain statement pieces (like tennis sweaters or tweed suit sets) that may be microtrends you don’t wear for very long, look for better quality versions secondhand on sites like Mercari and Poshmark rather than caving and getting the Shein version. Choosing clothes that provide ample coverage will make you feel comfortable, and not like you’re constantly needing to pull down your skirt or adjust your crop top all night. Finally, the essence (and the benefit) of prep is its longevity in your wardrobe, so aim for neutrals, minimal patterns, and simple silhouettes that will be flattering for years to come.

Closing Thoughts

While there’s nothing wrong with loving a good trend, the old money aesthetic has crept in scope from a fashion aesthetic to a full-on lifestyle LARP. Don’t allow TikTok trends to dictate what you wear, drink, or God forbid, name your baby, all for the sake of convincing others you come from wealth. There are plenty of ways to elevate your aesthetic and look more mature without cosplaying as someone you’re not, and our obsession with putting on a show for social media only leads to more insecurity. Embrace the prep, but don’t lose yourself in the process, because the only true old money can’t be faked, and the only true class can’t be bought.

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