So, You Want to Look Rich…. Old money rich.

Then get rid of your prized clothing with logos prominently featured.

The no-money-old-money look. Knocked off a Chanel jacket (as we do) back in the 1997 season; I can still wear it and not look outdated. Read more about it below.

Quiet Luxury: The buzzword may be newish in the high fashion world, and pertains to the idea that some wealthy (old money rich) and well-dressed people just do not care for putting design house logos and overt signals of a design house aesthetic on their person. They would rather wear a deceptively plain and polished look, and only they know what or who they’re wearing.

The character of Shiv in HBO Max’s “Succession”. In the last episodes I noticed that the fit of her beige blazer left much to be desired (not pictured in this montage) — maybe because the character (maybe the actress too) was pregnant? The person in the topmost photo on the right is actually the old-money character in the show.

You know what? It is the most copyable aesthetic ever. Some experts have broken down this aesthetic for us plebeians. First, let’s call it what it is. This is merely a return of Timeless Classics. These garments have:

1. Perfect fit: very achievable in a sewist’s entire wardrobe.

2. Exceptional construction: this is what I go for in my epic sewn projects anyway.

3. Exquisite fabric: silks, cashmeres, et al.

4. Neutral color palette: Minimalist, much? Except, the old-money people probably own multiples of each piece. For us regular people one of each of the above pieces will take us through many fashion seasons. That is, until we decide to break out that ruffled red blouse to wear with our one black pant or skirt.

5. Timeless design with no visible logos and no overt hints of one particular designer’s aesthetic. I wonder why all available examples have a menswear look? Does the iconic, overtly recognizable Chanel style jacket fall into this old-money style category? It is a timeless classic, after all.

6. Understated and minimal accessories. Well, the ultra rich old-money women supposedly do not carry a purse anyway. Huh?

My not so old-money look:

What do you think of the jacket I’m wearing in the photo? I made it 26 years ago, haven’t worn it much and will never let it go. It fits the above criteria, in my humble opinion, but leaves a bit of the no-money vibe intact. A top to toe “classically wealthy look” is just not me. The turned-back sleeves and hands in pocket gives an informal, I-really-don’t-care vibe.

It’s quite shapely when buttoned up. Under Nancy Erickson’s guidance couple of decades ago, I did a bang up job on the welt pockets and the triple topstitching.

Jacket Specs:

Pattern by Nancy Erickson’s The Fashion Sewing Group Pattern Collection, #1945, circa 1996 or 97. She was inspired by a current Chanel collection. That year the complete pant suit was upwardly trending, so I made a pair of matching pants. But the pants are long gone since I always ended up wearing them separately anyway — there was no occasion for me to wear a suit. Pant suits are trending again, if that is your thing.

Fabric is dark gray wool crepe — a delight to sew with. I put in a contrast Bemberg Rayon lining in magenta.

As with many of my long saved self-made clothing, this jacket will have a second coming this Fall.

Other garments in the photo that complete my self sewn version of Timeless Classics include a navy-white striped long-sleeved tee with the plastic sequin trim at neck, and black ponte knit pull on pants, and a pair of strappy wedges. Gold hoops complete the look; I’ll never look old-money rich, but that’s never the goal. By the way, I tried a scarf, but it gave me a look that says, “she’s trying too hard”.

Happy 247th Birthday to my favorite girl — America!!

Samina

9 thoughts on “So, You Want to Look Rich…. Old money rich.”

  1. I absolutely love your jacket, the casual rolled back sleeves (on the classic striped top), the pants, the minimal jewelry, and the hands in pocket. You look fabulous! I think the classic look is very becoming on you. It fits your hair, face and figure. For some reason: the classic look seems to shed years & has a youthful, playful vibe to it as well! I have a similar jacket, I am going to try styling with the rolled back sleeves!!

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  3. Interesting that you made that lovely Chanelesque jacket with Nancy Erickson! I think you look terrific in your mixed textiles ensemble and I think I see a bit of a pleased smile, too ;-}

    I took a weeklong class with Nancy in November 2000 (voted absentee for that memorable election!). The class nearly killed me because I had not been sewing much in many years and her patterns were classic tailored styles. I loved her fabrics and newsletters. Then we moved to SoCal and fashion was so casual there that I moved away from classic tailoring…

    This recent conversation about old-money style is partly, at least, bc young people may need “informing”. I’m always surprised buy the questions I find on Google asking about whether this or that brand is high quality or fashionable, or… Perhaps people who grew up with the Kardashians as fashion guides aren’t yet aware of “old money” style and its classic, understated (yet plush) look!

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    1. Thank you, Joan! Yeah, I worked hard to conjure up a smile for the photo. It is amazing but I do laugh and smile in real life. I think facing a camera wipes off all my smiles. Go figure.
      Wow — Nancy Erickson’s class now will be forever forged with the fact that you voted absentee for the epic 2000 election. Lol! Great that you did vote.

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      1. To be truthful, I have the same problem smiling for the camera! But it def. enhances a photo and we are sharing things we are pleased with, so a smile is warranted 😉

        And YES: I easily recall sitting in my Chicago hotel room after class, glued to election news!

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  4. Samina, I think you look quite a bit like Nemat “Minouche” Shafik. She will be the 20th President of Columbia University in NYC. She seems to like the classic style, in clothes and jewelry, too.

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