How to get the Old Money look on a budget?

Have you ever heard of the "old money" trend? You've probably already seen these super simple yet ultra-elegant and feminine looks inspired by this trend. While these looks may seem like they came straight from the finest luxury boutiques, we're going to show you that elegance doesn't always rhyme with luxury!

How to create an "old money" look on a budget? We'll reveal all our tips and tricks and give you plenty of advice for looking ultra-chic without spending too much.

What is the "old money" trend?

In recent years, the preppy and chic looks, inspired by the style of wealthy families in the 19th century, are very trendy. As its name suggests, the "old money" style reflects the style of people from wealthy old families with perfect manners.

Always elegant but never boring, the "old money" trend encourages us to favor simple cuts and quality materials. Forget big, ostentatious logos; we're dusting off the classics and highlighting the notion of heritage.

The cardigan, once considered boring, is sexy and trendy when worn well. Pencil skirts, white shirts, and palazzo pants are also in, often borrowed from our ancestors' wardrobes. Flashy styles are giving way to simplicity and understated style, so old money invites you to shine with its elegance.

What pieces for an old money look? Our essentials

The key to a successful old-money look is simplicity. Forget the frills and overly elaborate, overly fancy pieces, which you'll swap for tailored, structured cuts.

Here are the must-have pieces for a chic and effortless look:

- The cotton shirt: Whether white or blue, or even gray or pink, a nice, perfectly fitted shirt is the foundation. You can wear it open over a cotton tank top or closed under a cashmere sweater.

- The cardigan: A pretty cardigan with metal or wooden buttons is a must-have. Choose pretty natural knits like wool, cashmere, or alpaca. You can own several, in a fitted or loose version, preferably cropped and not too long to stay on trend.

- The polo shirt: both casual and elegant, it's the chic version of the t-shirt to have because it goes with everything and can be worn in all seasons.

- A beige trench coat: a must-have for any elegant and modern wardrobe, you absolutely must have the perfect trench coat. Wear it mid-season or on cool summer evenings.

- The blazer: perfectly tailored and slightly oversized, it's a must-have for office style. Discover our blazer collection.

- Raw jeans: an absolute must-have in your wardrobe, the perfect raw straight jeans , ideally mid-rise to always be elegant.

- Suit pants: Straight-leg pants in chiffon or cotton are perfect for both work and leisure days. Choose them in an elegant material and neutral colors like black, gray, blue, or navy.

- Flowing pants/palazzo pants: Ultra-elegant and feminine, flowing pants have been a must-have for years. They move beautifully and blend perfectly with more fitted tops. Wear them with a belt to finish off the look.

- The satin skirt: whether made of silk or polyester, it's the height of chic. It can be worn in both winter and summer, with or without tights.

- Shorts / Bermuda shorts: wear them with a shirt and a sweater over your shoulders for a great old money look! Choose them fairly thick in a pretty white or beige cotton.

- Loafers/derbies: Shoes are also very important, so choose elegant models, in leather or suede. Remember to take good care of them so they don't look sloppy.

- A belt: To complete your look, a beige or black belt is essential. Choose the color of the buckle according to the other pieces: silver if you prefer cool colors and gold if you wear more warm colors.

- A scarf: Nothing beats a pretty silk scarf to add that extra touch of elegance. Tie it in your hair, around your waist, or around the handle of your handbag.

With all these tips, you can create your dream old money wardrobe!

What colors should you wear to look chic?

Choosing the right color is crucial for successfully achieving your "old money" look. Say goodbye to flashy, flashy colors; we recommend sticking to soft, natural shades.

Navy blue or pastel blue, gray, white, black, beige, brown, fir green, red and burgundy are ideal. Forget pastels (apart from blue) and artificial colors.

When it comes to patterns, stripes, whether vertical or horizontal, are perfect, as are polka dots, which are very feminine. Checks, tartan effects, or houndstooth patterns are also very chic.

However, forget about animal prints and large, visible logos, which can look vulgar. Floral and geometric prints are tolerated, but sparingly: the simpler the better.

The do's and don'ts of the old money look

- Forget synthetic materials, favor natural ones. For example, choose cotton over polyester. The same goes for satin materials: choose silk over viscose.

- Don't confuse simplicity with sloppiness: beautiful materials, perfectly fitted cuts and neutral colors can be ultra chic if they are well mixed and worn well.

- Avoid the logo trap, be chic yes, but not like a billboard! "Quiet luxury" was largely inspired by this old money trend. So there's no need to spend a fortune on pieces flocked with big logos; opt for beautiful materials and beautiful cuts.

- Not taking care of your appearance: A beautiful outfit wouldn't be complete without a perfect manicure, nice makeup, and a neat hairstyle. Always remember to take care of your overall appearance.

- Not taking care of your clothes. If you wear beautiful pieces, you must care for them properly, so equip yourself with pilling removers and remember to sew on buttons properly for perfect style. Discover all our tips for taking care of your clothes.

- Being rude and lacking manners. The "old money" style doesn't stop at clothing, quite the opposite. It encourages us to demonstrate good manners and class in all circumstances. Proper decorum and etiquette are essential for achieving a successful look!

The "old money" look is therefore much more than a clothing trend; it is an art of living and thinking that invites us to demonstrate modesty, simplicity and elegance in our daily lives.

Our tips for looking chic on a budget

Adopting the "old money" look doesn't necessarily mean having an unlimited or expandable budget—quite the opposite. We'll show you how to achieve a chic and elegant look, even on a budget:

- Shop thrift stores and second-hand shops : You'll often find quality pieces at affordable prices. Vintage clothing is often of better quality in terms of cuts and fabrics.

- Take advantage of sales and private sales : Take advantage of sales to buy quality pieces at a lower cost, whether at Gualap or from premium or even luxury brands.

- Invest in timeless basics : Rather than spending your entire budget on trendy pieces, opt for classic, timeless pieces in beautiful materials (they will last longer).

- Customize and care for your clothes : A small alteration at the tailor's can transform an ordinary garment into a perfectly fitting piece. Likewise, taking care of your clothes prolongs their lifespan and appearance.

- Mix expensive and affordable pieces : Pair quality accessories (like a beautiful belt or silk scarf) with simpler pieces to elevate your outfit without blowing your budget.

Adopting the old money look is therefore accessible to all budgets. No need to invest in expensive pieces, you just need to choose beautiful materials and the right colors! Ultra-elegant and chic looks are yours :)