A New Obsession: Old Money

After endlessly scrolling on TikTok, you come across the latest aesthetic and style trend on the platform called “Old Money.” As Gen-Z gets captivated by this appealing trend, where does the “Old Money” trend come from, and what does it exactly signify?

When looked back upon, ‘Old Money’ is not a new concept at all. Originating from the United States, this term helps distinguish the upper class from the lower class. In the 1930s in America, as the gap between the upper and lower classes widened, the lower class could earn money through investments or business rather than relying on inheritance. At this very point, ‘Old Money’ is used to describe those who have wealth through inheritance, maintaining this wealth through generations within the family.

Recently, terms such as ‘quiet luxury’ or ‘stealth wealth’ have emerged, parallel to the Old Money style, across platforms like Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram. These terms are used to showcase how affluent individuals dress over generations. The ‘Old Money’ style, which has been prevalent in recent times, is exemplified not only by the Roy family from the TV series Succession but also by the Waldorf and Van Der Woodsen families in the last decade’s Gossip Girl, demonstrating that this style is continually making its presence felt in popular media.

In addition to popular culture, the wealthy individuals’ styles, from Princess Diana to Catherine, Princess Charlotte Casiragh to David Beckham, shapes our idea of how to dress in this trend. Key pieces of this style include polo shirts, satin dresses, cashmere sweaters, suits, and stylish satin shirts often seen in Ralph Lauren’s runway shows. The combination of classic and simple pieces embodies timelessness and elegance in the Old Money style, showcasing a timeless and elegant look.

On the other hand, as Gen-Z grows and their interest in sustainable fashion strengthens, it prompts us to consider how enduring Old Money can be for the future of sustainable fashion. Yes, Old Money is ultimately a trend. However, the essence of this style lies in conscious shopping rather than merely appearing wealthy.

Therefore, the allure of timelessness, when combined with elegance, leads us to the ‘Old Money’ style, where all signs point to pieces that will never go out of style or succumb to the variability of trends.