Old-Money Style | Styling Guide | Joe Browns (2024)

If you’re a fabulous fashionista and you’ve scrolled TikTok and Instagram reels in 2024 – chances are you’ve seen the old-money style cropping up all over the place.

Let’s crack the code on Old Money Styling – of course, with a little Joe Browns flair in tow.

“Old money” styling in the modern day refers to a classic and timeless approach to fashion (and interior design!) that reflects the elegance and sophistication associated with wealthy, established families and traditions. It’s a style that evokes a sense of refinement and subtlety, often characterised by its simplicity, quality and timelessness.

Now that’s out of the way, read on to find out all about the 8 key elements of old money styling in the modern era.

Old money style often involves a wardrobe filled with well-tailored, high-end and high-quality clothing. This includes items like tailored suits, structured dresses cashmere sweaters, pearl necklaces and understated luxury brands. The focus is on quality over quantity, with a preference for enduring pieces that never go out of style.

Joe’s Top Tip: Naturally, we can’t all afford to splurge out on these designer items, but you can find high-quality tailoring in our women’s tailoring section and all over the high street – be sure to check out Joe Browns blazers and waistcoats.

Neutral and muted colours are favoured in old money styling. Think navy blues, beige, grey, white and tan. The idea is to create a timeless and elegant look that doesn’t rely on flashy or bold colours.

Joe’s Top Tip: With this in mind, the spring and summer months allow for lighter, fresher colours – so don’t be afraid to mix it up. If you want to wear something bright or bold, aim to build your outfit around the colourful piece.

Old money styling tends to favour conservative and modest fashion choices. The hemlines are often longer, necklines are higher and there’s a preference for clothing that is both elegant and understated.

Joe’s Top Tip: The trick here is timelessness. Longer boxy blazers give off that timeless Parisian vibe. Don’t worry about looking plain, as old money styling and its simplicity speaks for itself. It’s that age-old rule, less is more.

Quality is paramount – fabrics like silk, wool, cashmere and linen are common in old money wardrobes. These materials not only look and feel luxurious, but also stand the test of time.

Joe’s Top Tip: Consider swapping out certain materials, like silk for satin and linen for cotton to keep within your budget. With cashmere, opt for our knitwear – this can give off the old money vibe without the old money price tag!

Jewellery choices in old money styling are typically subtle and refined. Think classic pieces like pearl studs, simple gold or silver chains and elegant watches. The focus is on timeless elegance rather than flashy accessories. Chances are you probably have these in your own jewellery box, so experiment with pairing options to see which combinations you like the most.

Joe’s Top Tip: Less is more when it comes to jewellery. Consider a necklace, earrings, two rings and one bracelet. If one accessory is particularly flashy, lose another. For instance, if you have a pearl necklace with three strings, consider losing a bracelet or the earrings.

If the homeware side of old money styling is what you seek, this style features classic and traditional décor elements. This includes antique furniture, rich wood finishes, fine art and heirloom pieces. The goal is to create a sense of history and timeless beauty within your space.

Joe’s Top Tip: These antique pieces can be new – look for vintage-inspired homeware furniture and décor that’ll really make your home pop. Vintage-inspired newer pieces will create the same effect – without the price tag. Check our Victorian Garden Room homeware collection for inspiration.

Old money styling is characterised by meticulous attention to detail. This can be seen in the careful selection of fabrics, precise tailoring of clothing and the thoughtful placement of décor items in the home.

Joe’s Top Tip: Consider experimenting with mixing textures to find what you love to wear the most. Texture mixing satin and knits is a dynamic and elegant way to put a little extra thought into your ensemble, showing that you’ve taken careful consideration of how your outfit will look – that's the old money way, dah-ling.

The Joe Browns way of wearing clothes applies here. One of the most important aspects of old money styling is the attitude and demeanour. Confidence, grace and a sense of ease in your surroundings are essential elements of this style. More than carrying yourself with poise and dignity, wear the items you love and your confidence will do all the talking.

Joe’s Top Tip: Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Style is all about experimenting and having fun, so wear these ensembles your own unique way to embrace the old money style. After all, socialites do have more fun!

In this modern day and age, old money styling has evolved to incorporate the contemporary elements while still maintaining its core principles of quality, timelessness and sophistication. Many individuals and designers draw inspiration from this style to create fashion and interiors that exude a sense of enduring elegance and class.

How will you style yours? Be sure to share your old money styles with us on Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on our Inspiration page for new style guides!