Old Money Outfits & Purses

Key Takeaways

• The old money aesthetic favors timeless styling, featuring neutral colors, high-quality fabrics, and classic silhouettes.
• Prioritize tailored fits and keep hair and makeup minimal for elegance. Reach for understated accessories and old money-style purses.
• For old money purses, turn to tweed handbags, sleek shoulder bags, top-handle handbags, and Hamptons-style straw totes.

At the heart of old money purses and outfits is the Ivy League university, the Hamptons during the summer season, and the classic luxury of those who wear their wealth without fanfare.

A quick review of designer Ralph Lauren’s collections since 1967 tells the story of the old money look and his indelible influence in creating it. Icons of the old money aesthetic include luminaries like Jackie Onassis, Princess Diana, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Grace Kelly. All were sleekly coiffed, minimally made up, and dressed in subtle, neutral classics.

Let’s take a quick tour of different outfit ideas and purse recommendations that exude old money.

Elements of the Old Money Aesthetic

The old money aesthetic follows Ralph Lauren’s fascination with the styles and behaviors favored by wealthy Americans. Creating a look based on what he observed, he effectively launched the old money aesthetic with his 1967 Polo tie and the collections that followed.

Quality materials are prominently featured in old money handbags and outfits. Prints are subdued, if present at all. Colors are neutral, with the most important color palette being:

• White
• Black
• Camel
• Olive
• Navy
• Cream
• Grey
• Taupe
• Brown

One non-negotiable for the old money aesthetic is tailoring. Pants, jackets, suits, dresses, skirts (whatever you have in your closet that slots into this look) should be well-tailored to render a classic fit.

You’ll find that good tailoring fused with old money bags gives your wardrobe the look of luxury you’re seeking.

Jewelry and Purses

Old money purses and jewelry focus on subtle refinement over excess. Earrings are sophisticated studs or small hoops. Event dressing follows this pattern, letting the superb gowns and statement purses take center stage.

Overall, quiet luxury keeps the volume low and tuned to the classics, day or night.

Just Add Tweed

Associated with timeless quality and elegance, tweed was made for the old money style. Purses in heritage tweed whisper of the highlands of Scotland, where this fabric has been hand-loomed for centuries.

Italian Melton wool is a gorgeous fabric that lends itself readily to the old money look, so a blazer is where you start:

• Wear a camel wool blazer that’s been tailored to fit perfectly.
• Choose cream-colored, tailored trousers.
• Tuck a white button-up shirt into the trousers, and add a slim black belt with a simple gold buckle.
• Choose penny loafers and stud earrings to match your belt’s hardware.
• Pair an old money tweed bag in houndstooth or muted checkered print as the final flourish.

Boardroom Power Dressing

Old money is managed in the wood-paneled halls of fiscal power. Around large, heavy tables of polished, burled wood, quiet luxury is at its most subtly potent.

For this outfit, you’ll need a tailored suit that’s flexible, with both skirt and trouser options, tailored to fit seamlessly at the ideal length. Under your suit jacket, you’ll be wearing the classic white button-up shirt that’s so central to this aesthetic.

You’ll also need a chic little old money handbag, such as a classic shoulder bag or top-handle purse. Key points to keep in mind when shopping for old money purses for this look are:

• Minimalism
• Material quality
• Craftsmanship

Avoid anything too “trendy” (oversized is out of the question for this look) and stick to the old money color palette to wield power from a place of refinement and elegance. 

Casual Summer Chic

You’re off on a jaunt to the Hamptons. What do you wear? Start with the ubiquitous vacation bag. A roomy, summer straw tote is a chic and casual old money purse for packing a book to bring down to the beach, or for holding some produce as you hit the farmer’s market.

Your next move:

• A simple white top in an airy fabric, like silk. Wear it fitted loosely over a pair of trim linen cropped pants, also in white.
• Next, toss a white sweater accented by navy stripes over your shoulders and tie the arms around your neck.
• Navy slip-on mules and massive Jackie O. shades complement your old money purse, completing your summer Hamptons look.

Ethical Fashion for Old Money Aesthetics

Come to Urban Expressions to add timeless accessories to all your old money looks. Working with only animal-friendly materials, we update old money with new ethics for the 21st century. 

Discover old money handbags that honor the earth and animal welfare while keeping you on-trend with well-constructed, luxury purses. 

FAQs

Which purses fit the old money aesthetic?

Any bag that looks classy and timeless at first glance is a perfect fit. Think structured satchels, belted handbags, flap-top shoulder bags, and elegant evening clutches.

How to make your bag look more expensive?

Clean your bag regularly and store it properly between wears to maintain its shape. Wear it with sharp, tailored clothing and keep other accessories minimal to allow a few high-quality pieces to shine.

How to style old money purses with casual outfits?

Wear your old money bag with smart casual attire, such as a white button-up shirt tucked into dark-wash jeans, or soft knit tops, trousers, and loafers. Pair neutral hues or classic black and white palettes for timeless looks that always work.