While the phrase “old money outfits” might have peaked last year, there are a few traits of stealth wealth dressing that will endure forever. After all, the essence of the movement was never about stockpiling as many beige Zara items as possible, but rather investing in timeless staples that can be worn and treasured for years and years to come. Items like a classic pair of loafers by The Row or an expertly crafted designer bag from Loewe instantly come to mind, but the list isn’t only relegated to high-ticket finds. Smart buys like an organic linen tunic by Eileen Fisher or handmade sandals from emerging label A.Emery will help you exude understated elegance for less than $200.
If you’re looking for ways to truly embody rich girl energy, we’ve gathered seven old-money outfits that deliver major inspiration below.
The Monochromatic Moment
When in doubt, look for interesting staples that don’t skimp on the details—like the contrasting ribbed stitching on Flore Flore’s tank top, the puddle finish on Helsa’s jeans, or the strappy silhouette on Simkhai’s sandals.
The Power LBD
Sometimes, all you need is a little black dress in your closet that can fit any and every occasion. It’ll feel brand new when you mix and match it with different accessories like a waist-cinching belt and different shoes. Here, Elsa Hosk shows us how it’s done with ballet flats, but white sneakers would be just as chic for casual moments.
The Best Blues
Shades of blue will add a touch of excitement to timeless outfits without feeling too jarring. Follow Jennifer Lawrence’s lead and pair various shades together for instant chicness.
The Smart Layers
Pairing a sweater with matching jeans is nice, but layering the knit with a contrasting striped shirt is even better. But don’t stop there; infuse a bit of color with a merlot-colored bag and stark white shoes—à la Julianne Moore.
The Coastal Chic
As we prepare to transition from summer to fall, having a versatile outfit in your wardrobe arsenal will be essential. Kelly Rutherford shows us how it’s done with a knit vest paired with breezy white trousers. If temperatures begin to dip in the evening, she even has a classic blazer in hand.
The Everyday Elegance
One of the easiest ways to ensure your outfits are always on point is by adopting uniform dressing. A cashmere polo plus linen pants always equals sartorial success.
The Elevated Casual Ease
Lean into pristine white pieces to turn even the most casual moments into a chic work of art. The simple hue takes all of the guesswork out of getting dressed but still feels undeniably chic.
Alexis Bennett Parker is the Commerce Content Lead at ELLE.com. In this newly created role, she oversees all shopping-related stories online, from fashion-forward trend pieces to the most coveted beauty buys on the market right now. Alexis has worked in the publishing space for 11 years, and seven of those years have been dedicated to helping shoppers make informed purchases—no buyer’s remorse here! Before joining the team at ELLE.com, she worked in the editorial departments of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle, to name a few magazines. Not only has Alexis worked closely with several brands and tested hundreds of products over the course of her career, but she’s also won awards for her work as a shopping journalist. Namely, she was an honoree at the Pynk Magazine Gala in 2023, received the Condé Nast Commerce Content Award for Best Article by a New Hire in 2021, and was included on the Top 40 Under 40 Heir’s List in 2018.