What the Old Money Crowd Would Never Wear in the Summer – FORD LA FEMME

What the Old Money Crowd Would Never Wear in the Summer

The old money aesthetic isn’t about being flashy. It’s about looking polished without trying too hard, staying timeless even when trends are screaming for attention, and choosing quality that whispers instead of shouts. You know that “quiet luxury” trend where people were looking into stylish yet super sustainable pieces? That strongly ties in! Sure, the summer might tempt people into wild prints, barely-there fabrics, and festival chaos, but those who live in the world of quiet luxury have a different approach.

Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those; it’s more of the fact that if you’re trying to achieve the quiet luxury or old money aesthetic, something bold just isn’t going to cut it. If it looks like it belongs at Coachella or glows in the dark, it’s not making the cut. So here’s fashion pieces that are not part of the old money aesthetic. 

Neon isn’t Making an Appearance

Do you remember the trend from the early 2010s? The neon green? Fluorescent pink? Electric blue? Well, that kind of colour palette might work for a nightclub flyer, but it’s not exactly something you’re going to expect to see on a linen co-ord. Basically, the old money style leans into creamy neutrals, soft pastels, and rich earth tones.

Essentially, everything you see from a Ralph Lauren ad is going to be a good example of the colour plalette you’re usually going to see. But isn’t that boring though? Well, understated doesn’t mean boring; it means elegant without effort. They even mix in bright colours with neutrals and it works. 

Big Logos are Out

Remember logo mania back in the early 2000s? Well, it’s made a comeback (but take of that what you will). But if the brand name is taking up half of the outfit, it’s already doing too much. The old money wardrobe doesn’t rely on shouting about labels. It’s more about the cut, the fabric, and the way the piece just works without needing an introduction.

For the most part, you won’t find bold monograms plastered across polo shirts or handbags the size of a billboard. Instead, it’s clean tailoring, heritage brands that don’t need an ad campaign, and maybe a pair of classic designer sunglasses that tie it all together without saying a word. Basically, the outfits you see on Succession are a good example. Bold logos are garish. 

Anything that Belongs at a Festival

Festival fashion has its time and place, and it’s not at a coastal country club. Basically, the old money summer wardrobe skips the crochet crop tops, glittery cowboy boots, and fringed minis. Instead, you’ll see flowing midi dresses, high-waisted trousers in natural fibres, and crisp shirting with subtle structure. To sum it up, the silhouettes are clean, not outlandish.

Even though festival fashion is fun and all about creativity, it’s too wild and out there for the neutral aesthetic. Plus, it often contains shorts and skirts that are too short, and tops that are see through, which is nowhere near old money status.

Anything Trendy

Want to know something else? Well, the old money crowd isn’t here for microtrends that feel like a TikTok dare. Some examples you usually see online would be those jelly sandals, novelty prints, and Y2K revival pieces with rhinestones (these are just a few examples). Bluntly put; if it looks like it’s meant to go viral, it’s staying in the wardrobe. 

Go ahead and look at old summer fashion magazines. You’re usually going to see white dresses, silk scarves, boat shoes, those sorts of things. If it looked good ten years ago, and still does, that’s basically a good rule of thumb.

Even though the ‘Quiet Luxury’ moment was a trend last year, it’s just the lifestyle that old money has been living all this time. It became a trend for the masses, but was always a staple for everyone else in the old money world.

If you love the old money aesthetic, you can roll this into the coming seasons too. Layering a neutral, fitted coat over your nice knitwear and high waisted trousers is the perfect look. Make sure nothing is too tight and on the ‘super sexy fitting’ side!

I hope this helps if you’re going for that aesthetic! I tend to mix various elements together. I love a neutral base, nice fabrics, and a beige colour palette, but I will always add in a pop of something, just to brighten it up. 

P.S. Obviously nothing revealing, short, or low cut is suitable for this look either. Anything you would find at a club at 2am, like spandex, polyester, it’s riding up short, or hanging too low in the chest etc. is out. This is not classy.