Secret behind the old money color fashion palette! The old money aesthetic is all about timeless elegance, understated luxury, and a sense of heritage. The color palette plays a key role in achieving this look, and its “secret” lies in a deliberate combination of hues that exude sophistication and restraint rather than flashiness. Here’s the reasoning behind it:
Color and combination
The old money color palette typically revolves around neutral, muted, and classic tones—think navy blue, crisp white, beige, camel, gray, cream, and soft pastels, with occasional deeper shades like burgundy, forest green, or charcoal. These colors are chosen for their versatility, ability to complement one another, and their association with high-quality natural fabrics like wool, cashmere, silk, and cotton, which have long been staples of aristocratic wardrobes.
Historically, this palette reflects practicality and refinement. Before synthetic dyes, bright and saturated colors (like reds or purples) were expensive and harder to maintain, often signaling “new money” or ostentatious wealth. In contrast, the old money crowd favored subtle, earthy tones that didn’t fade as noticeably and aged gracefully—colors that suggested inherited wealth didn’t need to shout. Navy and white, for example, nod to nautical traditions and the leisure activities of the elite (yachting, anyone?), while camel and beige evoke the understated luxury of tailored coats and equestrian style.
Balance and layering
The secret also lies in balance and layering. These colors aren’t just thrown together—they’re curated to create a cohesive, polished look. A navy blazer with cream trousers and a white shirt, or a gray suit with a burgundy tie, feels effortless yet deliberate. The muted tones avoid trendiness, ensuring the wearer looks timeless rather than tied to a specific season or fad.
Summery
In short, the old money color palette’s power is in its restraint and heritage—it whispers wealth and confidence without trying too hard. It’s less about the colors themselves and more about how they embody a lifestyle of quiet luxury and enduring style.
By Isaac S. Miyim
Buy yourself an Old money aesthetic today. visit our shop page here..
