Fellow German here, and you are absolutely right. Some of them have also cousins living in Argentina. Those moved after 1945 from Germany and continued to be rich in South America.
As I say, these conversations are people arguing about the virtues of “new money” versus “old money” who have virtually no money. You’re not going to be able to fool most affluent people simply via fashion choices of your class status.
It is known there are already very rich people who have been very discreet with their wealth before this fascination. But as for the lower classes emulating the rich in general to appear rich, well that's a story as old as time
I love dressing classy, so I’m not understanding why fashion choices have to be under attack. Regardless, I do not understand why people worship old money. I find them so far removed from the average person.
Honestly, as a person who went to a private school in one of the top 4 most affluent school districts in America (I was on scholarship) and had a lot of very affluent classmates, the biggest marker of old money is not the way they dress or what they own but is actually “phd in random thing that wouldn’t usually be paid for by a company with no student debt” or “sent all 6 kids to expensive private colleges and none of them have student debt”, or “gap year where they paid no expenses to find their passions” and stuff like that. And even that’s a broad generalization
I also went to a very affluent school and was friends with some. The little stress they have over certain failures in life such as failing classes, extreme politeness and choosing to not drive their limited edition car to school to show off is what I've noticed. In addition, their "family events" are much more mandatory than usual.
Yep like PHD in art history and traveling the world to volunteer at different museums and attend art events and never actually have an income (aside from the family Trust)
Similar experience, agreed. The private schools/"Christian" universities/top schools in the country & showing a specific degree and career. Education within the successful crowd is louder than just "fashion". Some of wealthy I know (including some film producers, writers, etc... wear a mix of luxury brands and just simple clothes from Target)
I hate branded products, but my reasoning is not that they're tacky or "gauche" but simply that after I paid good money to own something, the company that made it doesn't also get to use me as a free walking advertisement for their shit.
I do like logos and prints a lot if them made well,but I agree with your point. And my main point and reason I don't buy logos anymore is that clothes with logos are NOT practical on a daily base, it's hard to style them and combine them with other clothing. I have few sets of Fendi(tops,sweaters,dresses) and Dior pajama style logo pants and shirts. They are now useless, I can't combine them with other my stuff. I'd like to buy clothes that will last longer for that prices and not hanging in my closet for years.
I'd say aspirationist middle class; because poor & working class people are busy working two or three jobs to survive, they don't have time to try to impress others, their main focus is how to pay the bills.
Indeed. I pulled my white Lacoste pleated tennis skirt out to take advantage of it 🤷🏾♀️ Edit - they would prob call it “vintage” but I bought it myself mid00s 🥴
I like the style, it’s timeless and if you keep the pieces you have simple it’ll be easy to mix and match rather than the flashy ‘new money’ style that is Logo obsessed. Old money keeps it discreet. You’d be surprised that some of the old money or just wealthy in general hide in with the crowd; may volunteer at organizations etc, shop at Marshall’s. I think it’s better than the ‘new money’ because new money typically can get more attitude, good example is The Roy family in succession that are new money and the Pierces are old money
It’s like the Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, DKNY, Coach, Dooney & Burke, Fossil, Anne Taylor, Gantt, Brooks Bros. Todd’s, Cole Hann alumni got together and said, “let’s flip this!” 😅
Another reason old money people do not wear logos: personal safety and security. Logos attract unwanted attention, and can be an invitation to thieves.
Exactly. Rich people don't want people to think they are rich. It puts a target on your back to be robbed or people treat you better only bc they think about your money, not bc they are true friends.
I’ve work for extremely wealthy people. I dress just like they do and they can still recognize I’m a regular ass person- no matter my exterior- due to how I behave. I find that the wealthy have an out-of-touch view without realizing it and can immediately zero in on people who are in touch with reality. They normally seem to have a weird sense of “they don’t get it” because I can’t fathom just booking a flight to Greece on a days notice, for example. I just find it all comes down to your behavior and they can tell just like we can. 😅 We are NOT alike haha
One of my best friends from college was actually old money. Like his ancestors were on the mayflower. Parents had homes in different states. A literal coastal elite haha, and he didn't dress like the old money aesthetic at all lol. He kinda wore the normal 2010s street style aesthetic. The only thing he had that I knew was expensive was this Canada Goose jacket. I only figured that out cause I borrowed it once and googled it later cause I liked it so much, and my jaw dropped when I saw the price lmao. I met his mom once and she was really nice and friendly, but I did get the vibe that internally she was thinking "Oooh the ghetto" being around regular ppl 😅.
Yes my friends at university went to school at the same place as Kate Middleton, and another had loads of horses and lived in a massive house. They usually wore Primark (£5) leggings that had holes in them, and sweatshirts. Then they would do things like go on a night out and book a same day flight to the Mediterranean, and turn up there. Then you’d notice they were rich 😂
Absolutely! Another type of old-money person is the quirky yet elegant eccentric, the Florence Welch genus or the ladies with that fantastic vintage cooking show titled "Two Fat Ladies" ( Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson).
ah, good old St Andrews. we Scottish people love to joke about how it's basically a town rich American and English students come to for a prolonged holiday lol
i will NEVER understand how "new money" is an insult and "old money" is a compliment. its not only cooler to have money that you yourself have earned due to formal education or entrepreneurship, than having it handed to you from your parents or grandparents or spouse - and i BET it also feels much better spending it.
Agree, BUT I believe this only applies when money are earned "the right way". I cannot imagine an influencer / drug dealer / only fan creator / youtuber who brings no value, etc to actually feel proud about their accomplishments.
@@nikin4311 i agree with you, with entrepreneurship i mean either inventing or manufacturing things of value, or employing people in a good manner that is of value to society...but i think most people are not proud of HOW they made their money, they are proud of what they can afford with it and how they can flaunt it :(
I think the negative view towards “new money” is held and perpetuated by those with old money because of their ties to true power and politics with the aristocracies and monarchies of Europe. For old money, money is a consequence of their position, for new money their position is a consequence of their money. Industrialisation made it possible for non aristocrats to become rich but then they spent that money lavishly and - according to those with old money - tastelessly. New money feels the need to show off that money to earn respect from society whereas old money often hides and disguises its wealth to try and blend in. This is why new money is somewhat of an insult, because it implies tasteless, flashy, reckless, money-minded, and to be honest that is exactly what’s reflected in popular culture today. And technically all the big names people would consider old money today, like Vanderbilt, Rothschild etc, are the original new money because they were the first wave of ultra wealthy, non aristocratic, industrialists. Many of the actual old money have long lost their fortunes, and those that haven’t are very much hidden out of sight.
@@REDnBLACKnRED ah okay. if the terms of old and new money refer to how its spent and showcased, then i might agree with that. if its used to refer to how it was earned, i would prefer to be new money.
I've had a startling view of the profit gap between the working class people at my company and the investing class, and honestly, I don't think the ways that people become "new" money is all that self-earned. They usually have something inherited going on too, just not as much or as prestiged as "old" money, and work their way up to the big boy table by milking people with less for all they have. Becoming any kind of "money" only happens via exploitation of people, resources, and loopholes. I don't admire any of it. (To be clear here; I'm not talking about people who make enough money to live comfortably. Both old and new money alike refers to the sort of people who could afford and arrange to take a vacation in Paris next week. The actual difference between the two is in how that wealth is displayed and codified; their family history with it. It is possible to be "new" money even if you inherited everything from your daddy.)
I have another theory: With economic instability, people long for durability etc. and that'll be reflected in aesthetics. You add fast fashion and the fact that most people walk around with bad looking shein clothes, many want to distance themselves from that. It's not individuality and trendiness that counts anymore but more a sense of class, quality and durability. At least that's what I see happening around me.
Yesssss. Punk Rock and Socialism. This channel really exposes the NeoLiberal ignorance of the masses. The way they use the words "we" and "us." News Flash: not everyone fell for Kardashian bullshit and materialistic aesthetic-obsessed shallow lives. Time for yall to take some personal responsibility and stop blaming Instagram.
Make no mistake, the old money and quiet luxury media trending topic is about trends and consumerism. It is not about buying thrift. It is about getting folks to buy more items or switch out their style. I’m not young and have seen the cycle repeatedly. Every so many years we see the no logo or label talk trend again, with a different name. In the 90s it was all about minimalism for example. Through it all both minimal and classic logo styles continue to exist, are purchased and are carried. What is especially insidious this time around is the classicism and racism that is part of the conversation. Also the promoting that everyone needs to fit into a sanitized mold rather than being their own unique selves that may include a different style due to culture, body type and creativity. I for one can’t wait for this topic to stop trending.
It's the most stupid and ignorant pseudo-trend I've ever seen. Those old money people will just laugh in contempt at all these tiktokkers thinking that they know what their style is about and they've literally got no clue.
Minimalism? I remember all the girls in my high school wearing t-shirts with big-a$$ logos of Guess and Calvin Klein all over... oh I craved so much for a guess item, when I finally could afford it, I found them tacky as hell.
Just buy buy buying is what capitalism wants, what mega corporations and corporate America thrives on to keep us within a cycle of poverty, always chasing brands and specific items to allegedly make our lives better.
I think that the glorification of old money has to do with wanting to have wealth due to the gap widening but also looking down on wealthy, “new” money people as classless, show offy etc. I put new in quotes because I’m sure actual old money people aren’t somehow the exceptions of human nature and inherently better than new money. Basically, the glorification of old money by people who will never encounter them is dripping with envy, in which you want to live like the rich but also indicate that you’re better than that. As much as logomania as an aesthetic was annoying, I can’t help but feel the bland beiges and lack of ornamentation or self expression has its roots in Protestantism mixed with capitalism. You look down on what you consider gaudy as self indulgent while still associating wealth with virtue.
Playing the lower earning class’ advocate: Glorification of old money can also be by people who are simply angry. Ranging from insults towards the rich - to “steal from the rich” even as far as “eat the rich” mindsets. Side note: Not necessarily condoning the aforementioned as acted out behaviors, rather thoughts - depending on the extremity. Tbh, it’d be nice if that extreme wealth could get Robin Hood-ed into places society needs like infrastructure, housing, higher education debt forgiveness, medical care for all, access to basic human needs like in other developed nations (that don’t include the USA - as it doesn’t give said access in comparison; people get shafted in stuff that’s accessible too lamentably by design), etc. Most know the ultra rich can fleece masses via inflation, &/or by their insane profits ≈ unpaid employee wages, etc, etc, etc. Why stop at being envious, when one is barely middle class, or was but their money got obliterated in the last/Great Recession, & likely a victim of the ultra rich? Maybe the person has been on the bottom fringes of the classes their whole lives? It’s at least mostly harmless to steal the style, & dress like old money. Though it likely won’t solve the problems of the furlough laid off individual to dress like old money unless it’ll serve them in the next job/bottom of the next capitalist pyramid scheme. So the rage festers on…😅 Oh, & some just manifest the hard truth thru their fashion styles via Metal, Punk, &/or Goth for example.
@@PriHL It’s proverbial here in the video. There’s folks I’ve met who‘ve gone hungry when in dire straights, & are that t’d off that cannibalism isn’t off the menu for them if given the chance at the ultra rich.😅 Hence why I made a distinction on certain thoughts. I’m much more for proverbially eating the rich to reclaim what they’ve stolen… given the “Tahoe Donner” alternative.😅
I agree with you. Everyone dreamt of spending lockdown a couple of years ago in their summer residence. Most were at home and couldn’t even go out because they had no garden. You escape into some reality that is not yours.
Old money generally exists because of compounding, vile acts of human atrocities throughout history that allowed a few people to obtain obscene wealth and keep it familial. This should be unattainable and uninspiring as we progress in society. Hopefully, we'll collectively evolve past the moral gymnastics necessary to allow for the creation of that kind of wealth in the first place...aspire for better!
Eh, they are likely just using the vocabulary they see describing a certain style that resonates with them. To me, it just seems like the newest lingo, rather than tone deafness.
Yes, I thought it was kind of weird that the lingo describing this style of dress had changed. This style of dress use to just be called conservative\classic\preppy.
The real old money people will only cringe very hard at such statements. It shows a lack of knowledge about what old money actually is. No one from inside these circles would ever use this term as understatement is a way of life, not an "aesthetic".
This is so true and also applies to British upper class people - they'll wear the most battered clothes, not caring about its appearance at all, they've got absolutely nothing to prove and it shows. And it confirms that fashion is to a large part a product of the unspoken pressures of society. In the snubbing of anything flashy and with logos safety concerns play also a huge role. The Loro Piana coat is the fashion equivalent of a panic room.
@@gametri-eq6lj I live somewhere adjacent to multi million mansions in a low key but expensive part of the uk, what I've noticed during my night strolls is that many of these people don't have big flashy new cars, some do of course, but most of them have practical cars, nice but by no means showy, the kind of cars that many middle class have on finance. I (legally) stalk the mansions on rightmove for fun, the interiors are mostly quite low key but well maintained. what sets it apart from our humble middle class neighbourhood is that they all have huge hedges that are ALWAYS super well trimmed, I'm talking about 10 feet tall 6 feet deep hedges that kept perfect sharp cornors at all times, and you don't even know when were they trimmed, you just know that it's eight cornors sharp every second of the day. every bit of the front garden that you can peek through those big thick hedges are perfect at all times, with exotic plants and trees that I can only describe as 'ancient', and of course they are kept perfect at all times as well, can't imagine what that must have cost
@@Sophie-kk3st yeah many rich people live very humbly and you wouldn't know until they invite you over for the most part they tend to live like a normal person and just don't mind spending more on things that are actually important like school and healthcare
I think another aspect of the popularity of "old money" aesthetic makes it okay to wear unbranded clothes. A person does not need to spend buckets of money on a flashy logo'ed piece to keep up appearances; you can wear a neutral sweater, or a hand-me-down from your parent or nana without feeling self-conscious or "less than". Yes, a true denizen of the "old money" crowd might be able to tell the difference (if they care to), but noone will care enough to call you out on it. Besides, neutrals are timeless and wear better. Even cashmere looks a little less quality in strong colors.
Of course old $$ will know the difference b/c they know each other and know when someone is cosplaying. They won't say anything bc it would be impolite.
I think that the idea of buying fewer, well-made clothes is lovely and ethically better- but one of the things I've struggled with is caring for them. It's easy to make your clothes last generations if, yes, they're well-made, but you also have a staff in charge of making sure all of your garments are laundered properly. As someone who doesn't have laundry in my building, I'm probably not going to buy clothes that require dry-cleaning or special laundry instructions because I simply don't have time or brain space to take care of them. This really cuts down on being able to buy high quality garments in natural fibres because they need special care to last and look good. That's a problem I rarely see talked about in the debate about ethical fashion
The special care natural fibers need feels *more* accessible to me. Wool, for instance, does best when washed by hand and laid out to dry. You can even use (small amounts of) human hair conditioner on it because it's just hair. It's an extra step when you're used to mechanical laundry, but almost everyone has a sink or a bucket, and because wool takes a long time to actually get dirty, the time investment is probably on par with cotton. Artificial fibers needing dry-cleaning is on the other end - expensive, requires a paid staff, not easy to DIY, usually not long-lasting or compatible with active lifestyles. Picking the stuff that'll hold up over time, though, is a learned or trained skill. Price doesn't correlate with value like it used to and shopping online compounds that when you can't inspect seams, especially when formerly reliable labels lower their standards to compete.
I was baffled at how Instagram and TikTok went crazy over Sofia Richie's (supposedly) old-money-looking wedding. Firstly, sorry, but it screamed Hollywood to almost everyone in Europe where, as some people are commenting here, old money aesthetics are different and the whole thing means a bunch of other - generally bad - things. Secondly, why is it "better" to look old money vs. new money? I just don't get it.
Meh, old money is putting a name on dressing more formal or elegant, it’s trying to be Blair Waldorf in daily style. When GG started the Blair Waldorf look was only copied at bridal showers and other daytime events. The old money trend thing is just the desire to look everyday like Kate Middleton. Just that. I honestly prefer the street style or Serena style hehe. I have Blair Waldorf pieces but my dressing style is more Serena. Im a Jeans and boots kind of Girl or if it comes to flats I’m going with sneakers. While the Blair’s love their shirts, skirts dresses and ballet flats or when it comes to heels sandals. It’s a silly name the old money look. As many pointed there is no Old money fashion aesthetic. that’s bullshit It’s just preppy look or elegant daily look. Just tik tokers and influencers liked better the name of old money.
@@bamafencer12 actually I’ve always lived in a city, more precisely Mexico City, which is a very casual city unless, you have a wedding, daytime event or going to a night club or planning to going party. But here we all are jeans, a nice top or t shirts and sneakers or boots. We love to look nice but the dressing style in Mexico City is very casual.
I think young generations are obsessed with this aesthetics mainly because it represents a chance to belong. Kind of a "fake it 'til you make it", especially in scarcity scenarios like the ones we live nowadays.
I came of age in the 70s in a Northeast preppy environment with old and new money, although I was outside both. I did notice a certain group of kids who wore plain but quality clothes, wore cool hand-me-downs from their grandparents and spent summers barefoot at their family shacks in Maine, then went to Ivy League schools etc. Back then my theory was that their parents grew up in the depression and really did have to tighten their belts in order to maintain their privileged lifestyle. I even to this day know a few trust fund kids who don't need to work, or work low-paying artsy jobs, but have to live a frugal lifestyle to manage it. Even the English old money shabbiness I believe comes from the depression and not being able to fund a gilded age lifestyle anymore, even if you were an aristocrat. It's a stock them of 30s movies. I don't think this is true anymore, though, now that inequality is back to where it was in the gilded age, and I have been equally baffled to suddenly see so many youtube videos about how to get the old money look.
My family was reasonably wealthy, mainly I think in the 19th century. (My great grandpa was a congressman.) I have a joke that I tell people. "I come from old money." "Oh?" "Yeah. Money's so old, ain't none left! " 🤣🤣 It came down from my grandma to my mom and her siblings to us kids. I inherited my mom's house, sold it, and bought a farm. My home is my family's legacy, but my husband and I are far from wealthy. (Cash poor, land rich, I think it's called.) Anyway, thanks, Chelsea! Great video, as always!
Soooo true. I dated a man of generational wealth (Family wing at a museum and hospital)who had tennis shoes no self respecting hourly worker would be seen in and drove a RAV4. A RAV4 lol. A quote from the Chicken Chronicles…”If you’re rich why are you drinking champagne out of paper cups?“ Answer: “How do you think we stay rich?”
Old money aesthetic in terms of fashion mostly means classic outfits that don't particularly follow the trends. The older i get the more i've come to appreciate it. It is much easier to maintain and it rejects the over-consumerism trends. I don't think it's a bad thing.
one should ask HOW that old money was gained and one would discover that the origin of this money are as "dark" as new money and that the ancestors were sharks; the money have simply got enough time to clean itself and to get some education. Same as for noble families in Europe: they were - basically - plunderers and thieves in their origins.
I think there’s a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes people have about old money. This isn’t necessarily surprising because most people will never spend significant time around these well-heeled individuals. I’m a young man, come from a solidly middle-class (minority) family in the US. I’ve worked with and for old money individuals, and although many do dress like this, many also dress very regularly, almost mediocre, wearing regular t-shirts and jeans from Old Navy, and these are people that can easily afford exclusive, expensive brands like Hermes, the Row, Loro Piana, etc. Many old money families don’t sail, don’t wear boat shoes, don’t shop only designer, and go to elite and Ivy League schools. Also, being old money is much more than surface-level; it’s more about how you behave. I constantly see average people wearing old money “costumes” (i.e. dressed as though they come from generations of wealth/your stereotypical old money person), but it’s clear as day that they’re not wealthy because of how they behave. Elegance is key.
Money costumes lol I love it 🤣. But your right it’s really about access. Even rich celebrities can’t enter certain circles. Capitalism has folks thinking they can jump classes 🫠
@@HUeducator2011 That's what I don't get -- When celebrities hawk luxury goods, who is the target market? I assume that those in the same tax bracket aren't as impressed by actors, singers, etc., and regular folks can't afford the items (without saving for a while or getting a windfall). Maybe those who are the working rich? The high-earning professional class who looks up to the glitz and glamour? The USC enrollment scandal showed that you are right about rich celebrities.
I was with you until you got to the “elegance” part. What is elegant behavior? I don’t buy that some of these folks can’t be entitled, demanding asshats.
From my experience with yacht clubs, your best option is Patagonia. You’ll blend right in, the company makes all efforts towards ethical manufacturing, the clothing lasts forever, and there’s a vigorous second-hand market. At least on the west coast, Pata-Gucci reigns supreme.
My favorite video yet. I’m an English teacher at my former high school. It’s hard to know if you’re making a difference in combatting the harmful rhetoric my kids we see online, rhetoric that makes us feel small and worthless. Your ideas about solidarity and community are so meaningful and affirming. Thank you for all you do!
I love that Chelsea schedules her emails... I do the same! Sometimes i like answering emails at 9pm but i dont want to set the standard for clients to think I'm available at 9pm.
Omg same. I commented something like this on another youtuber's video. Also, it's weird. I should have kept all my grandmothers clothes and I would have been set. She had a quiet luxuriousness about herself.
@@chidenisee I actually have a lot of my grandma's clothes/ jewels but i'm too sentimental to sell them and i still think it's uncool to wear them lol
Okay same lol but my "old money" is from my Japanese side so I'm used to a lot of fancy scarves and slacks, which I thought was so old looking when I was little. I can't even bring myself to see the appeal now because I have moth ball scented memories of being given it as a gift at like age 13 and wanting nothing of it.
I have a book from the 90s call WASP Fashion- it’s a catalog of what they deem “timeless and elegant” down to the most casual styles. Everything should look very clean, muted, and like you’d blend in to a Ralph Lauren Interiors ad… I agree it’s a great look but it excludes SO many different styles that are NEW and not necessarily that pricey compared to a $3000 Burberry coat
@@seabreeze4559 ill try and find my copy!! I bought it when I was 14 at a goodwill in La Jolla. I’ve loved the hilarious commentary about “looking luxurious”
Whatever people say, people always look up to others who are 'lucky', ie people born into wealth, the aristocracy and the royals. And even if you say spiteful things about these lucky people, in your deepest heart you want to BE them. That's why even when people cut off the head of the nobles and royals, the head cutters just replace the previous high class people. There's no such thing as class solidarity. If you have the chance to go up, you go up.
This is the absolute truth. Historically we've seen the top 1% being overturned, but just to be replaced by another 1%. Or like they used to say in my country (which is former socialist) - we're all equal, but some of us are more equal than others.
The only people who are rich are those who have enough money that they can quit their employment, only have good debt (debt for appreciable assets at a low interest rate, things like education, property, etc.), people who have people around them who love them, people who are happy with themselves, and people who are grateful for what they have :). Going into debt to appear rich to others is the dumbest financial decision you will ever make. The people I admire most have control of their finances, have a healthy relationship with money, and are happy with their life for the most part. :)
Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future. Putting our time and effort in activities and investments that will yield a profitable return in the future is what we should be aiming for. Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. "You're not going to remember those expensive shoes you bought ten years ago, but you will remember every single morning when you look at your bank account that extra 0 in there. I promise, that's going to be way more fun to look at everyday", I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life
@jamiejanny6725I agree with you. Investment is the key to sustaining your financial longevity. And not just any investment but an investment with guaranteed return.
Many American salaried jobs are non-exempt, which means that while they are salaried, they are for a standard 40-hour work week. Anything above that and overtime is owed. Technically only exempt salaried positions don’t pay overtime. Failing to classify employees correctly is a frequent source of lawsuits. Just because you’re a secretary or administrative assistant on a salary doesn’t mean you aren’t owed overtime. Exempt salaried positions are supposed to be managerial. This is something a new hire should clarify with an employer.
I live in an area that has a lot of wealthy people who socialize with us "normally budgeted" individuals and they're usually dressed very low key, if not like straight up bums when they go to their favorite tiki bar or to the grocery store. A lot of the ones with "old money" are also super self-conscious of their wealth and when their family start getting out of hand with service industry workers.
Regarding the viewer Q around salaried work and overtime... One thing I have come to learn in my 15 year career is that you are entitled to Clear Communication about the expectations around this. If it has not been not clearly requested of me that I stay back late to get a task completed (with a compelling explanation as to why) I just leave when my day is done. Yesterday a "situation" came up at 10 minutes to 5pm but nobody told me this was "critical" and had to be attended to that evening. I left at 5 minutes past 5. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I get into "flow" and happily work away without realising. I don't have kids (or any real "life" for that matter!) but this is not the point. It is sadly easy to get taken advantage of if you don't set those boundaries. I have learned the hard way.
We shouldn't idolize anyone, but I really like this style (I think). I can't tell if I love it or if I've been programmed to respect it. It's hard to distinguish. :(
Right? It's almost like, when I see this style I have to ask my brain, "is this a humble chic masterpiece or a threat?" It's that quiet mystery of the aesthetic of almost being too clean, but ultra relaxed at the same time that rings alarm bells in my head. Like "this is how rich psychopaths dress. Everything is nice and they couldn't care less."
What’s wrong with dressing classy? I understand the old money trend is pretty ridiculous, but I feel like I receive a lot more respect since updating my wardrobe. What I can’t understand is worshipping the wealthy. The majority I’ve met are not good people.
Your topic today is a multifaceted idea, which has social, economic, and racial implications. But I agree that the one positive take away is being aware of what you are buying and using it till it wears out. I’m 64 and not wealthy but the buying less but better is what most people did ”Back in the Day” regardless of where you were socioeconomically. If nothing else the popularity of old money/quiet luxury aesthetic has prompted me to buck trends and return to my tried and true standbys. I for one I’m glad to see logos disappear and clothing that isn’t an attempt to yell look at me.
The preppy style keeps coming up again and again. It happened in the late 70s and 80’s, hell even in the mid -1950’s and early 60’s. It all means nothing. Buy good clothes that last at thrift stores, develop your own style and live within your means. Money doesn’t buy happiness.
Get yourself a copy of The Preppy Handbook from the mid-80s if you want to really want to understand the old money elite. Also, Chelsea’s sense of fashion is definitely old money adjacent.
The first image that popped into my mind for 'old money' was Thurston Howell III and Lovey from Gilligan's Isle (because I'm THAT old now). When I was in public school, we moved from a working class neighbourhood to an upper class neighbourhood. It was, as you say, gauche to parade wealth, and you couldn't tell from one house to the next who was very wealthy and who was ordinary wealthy (we were neither). It was also not in the spirit of being Canadian to parade wealth, but I still associate it with the preppy look of LL Bean.
I always find it interesting when this old money style makes it to other countries as well. Like there's no historical basis for this style in certain countries, so it becomes its own phenomenon.
This is true for most US culture. It becomes a backdoor for political ideas too. Blue jeans, fast food, rap especially now- they all allow for more indirect influence.
In India we have handmade fabrics and several traditional crafts which take days to make and are very expensive to create..Clothes are handed down through generations .That might be an equivalent to the old money aesthetic you have in the west ...From what I see ,current old money aesthetic doesn't seem to have any influence over here ..Maybe for a handful few , but since there's no point of reference , it isn't really a trend
There’s this brand I found called Akris. The designs are super plain and simple. An emphasis to material quality and how the clothes fit the person. The women’s section reminds me of what Claire Underwood would wear in House of Cards.
Thank you for answering my question at the end! Hoping for the best at my new job, but it just being a stepping stone wouldn't be the worst thing either.
Oh wow. Please make more videos like this. I would personally love your economic take on the Clean Girl! Now it’s as if even health itself is a status symbol (and still entirely unattainable for many, especially without wealth)
There are a lot of aspects of this particular aesthetic that I do like, it has nothing to do with trying to convince people that I’m Old Money, or Any Money! I like the quietness of this style, its classic timelessness, and most of all, its emphasis on buying high-quality wardrobe items, rather than lots of cheap, trendy things. I’m 63, I don’t want to buy new clothes all the time, I want clothes and accessories that I’ll wear for life. I heard a quote on YT the other day that I love “I can’t afford to buy cheap clothes!” (Sorry, it was an indirect quote, I don’t know who to credit for it). I think we can and should focus on buying fewer, but better items that won’t quickly date, and just ignore all those crappy polyester, acrylic, etc. clothing and plastic accessory “trends”. If people stop buying them, we’ll stop stuffing new landfills with them. This season’s trends have been mostly awful, sheers, mesh, and more, all specifically designed to convince us to buy more polyester garbage. The only thing such items do is maximize the profits of clothing brands.
I just watched a TFD video where Chelsea talked about wanting to collaborate with someone with ADHD and how they handle their money. I can’t find that video again so I came here to recommend one of the hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast! Honestly, I would love for you to collaborate with both of them! But one is open about their adhd and she is not flaky. She has a background in writing and has a lot of responsibility for a very punctual and popular podcast. The other host has a background in social work and has great perspectives on money and mental health. Their podcast and this channel are where I’ve learned everything about money and personal finance! One quick note, I saw a lot of comments on the video I previously mentioned that said that adhd content creators were being flaky because they had adhd. I just want to say that people with adhd can be very dependable, reliable, and responsible. I am getting my adhd diagnoses right now and I am not flaky. In fact, people know that I will be dependable and so they take advantage of that. Even without medication, I’m able to be very responsible and dependable with buckets of anxiety, alarms, digital reminders, and planning. So it’s not adhd that makes people flaky alone.
This was also talked about in the Jazz Age book "The Great Gatsby." Nick talks about how much more stylish the Buchanans were (Old Money) over Jay Gatsby's tacky pink shirts (New Money). Both were rich, just expressed it differently.
I was a prep in the 80's and did wear sperrys and bass sandals, I still have a Ralph Lauren prep aestethic today at 55 and prefer to call it cultured classic. I don't think in any way, shape or form I am better than anyone else, I just love that style. I am a single mom who has a medium income (under 60K a year) and rent my apt. I have no boat, no Chanel lambskin quilted bag, no country club membership, don't do erewhon. I hope people see beyond what I wear to understand you can be classic and still be happy with your diet coke, a quiet night in with a Netflix binge of The First 48 as much as attending a charity fashion show at Neiman Marcus, the member's seasonal galas at Dr. Phillips Center for Arts, and a new exhibit party at the Dali museum. #ForeverAPrep #NotOldMoney
There also is a peer reviewed study that shows that increased wealth breeds increased entitlement and less charitable giving. As generational wealth removes heirs from work, they lose the understanding that, even in the case of working for dad, of what it’s like to _really_ have it on the line wrt livelihood. Just a day ago the board of Berkshire Hathaway voted down climate and diversity proposals. Poor people greatly benefit, rich ppl can insulate themselves in a myriad of ways. And for the billionaire-identifying middle class, it affects you a great deal more than you believe. So the idolatry of the wealthy is akin to the idolatry of gun culture: senseless. I follow none of those emulators. I suggest bird photogs, national parks, art, and music.
I like the style, it’s timeless and if you keep the pieces you have simple it’ll be easy to mix and match rather than the flashy ‘new money’ style that is Logo obsessed. Old money keeps it discreet. You’d be surprised that some of the old money or just wealthy in general hide in with the crowd; may volunteer at organizations etc, shop at Marshall’s. I think it’s better than the ‘new money’ because new money typically can get more attitude, The Roy family in succession that are new money and the Pierces are old money…..kardashians new money, rockefellers old money
I have no idea if this is related to this video or not, but recently a cousin of mine had visited Paris while I was in California (I live in the Paris region actually by the way and my cousin lives close to California, we weren't thinking of each other when we were planning our trips). Anyways, this cousin contacted me because she had seen this hand bag at the flagship Celine store in Paris and was gonna buy it back in the States except the price was much lower in Paris and wanted me to go pick it up and send it to her. She said she'd wire me the money for it. I'm not from that tax bracket, not even close, so I never go into those stores, ever, and I always assumed that you needed an appointment or wait in a long line to even get in one of those stores. I checked online for the price of the bag............. let's just say that if I had that kind of money I would NOT be spending it on a bag, hahhaha. I really didn't want to do this for her, so I reminded her that the cost of the import tax might even out the cost of just buying the bag in the US (though I didn't find out till later that the US doesn't charge an import tax like France does). I've never had money, like never, my family pretty much always lived below our means to try to stay out of debt, I'm currently finally in a place where I'm comfortable but I would still never dream of these luxury items and such unless I got it at a second hand store (the only "nice" handbag I own is a Coach I bought at a thrift store for 20 bucks, lol, and there are NO logos on it except one small leather tag). So my cousin nonchalantly asking me to do this favor for her of going into a luxury store to buy something that screams "look at me, look what I can afford" really made me uncomfortable and almost kinda disgusted me.
I worked at Denny’s graveyard Friday and Saturday 5pm-5am, for years in college and even after when starting my office life career for the extra $. One summer I decided I’d work at a country club instead. More hours more table running and service requirements like wine sampling and how to serve the table per course. Wayyyyyyy less money and the attitude. I preferred to go back to servicing my regulars, the truckers, the drunks and the then the dancers would come in after the club people left. Way better experience at Denny’s. While the networking at the country club was better the experience I gained at Denny’s I still use more today, than even some of my college work. I was also a personal assistant for an old money woman for a few years. She was the eccentric type that although she had privilege she didn’t stick with a lot of old money norms. She was fun and taught some great lessons too. ❤
I love this overlap of clothing and perceived/projected wealth. Would love more of this kind of content especially as it pertains to showing designer goods with and without logos.
i grew up poor, but my mom taught me the same style principles as you see with old money and it's for very practical reasons - over time you end up spending relatively similar amounts of money and the clothes look better, albeit less flashy, just that you can only get less clothes. Go for natural, high quality materials, well cut, clean, elegant lines, elegant colors and limit how many colors you use in an outfit at a time to 3. Never wear logos or let the brand of the piece be visible, ever ever, because it's tacky and it can hurt people who are struggling if they see it and you don't want to ever, even by mistake, send the message to someone that you think you're better than them or be very obvious when you have more money than a particular group you're mingling with. That said, no need to be homely or boring either, just keep things classy
Hi Chelsea, great point about the fact that many generationally wealthy people do keep it generally to them selfs. I think we would be surprised who in our lives just benefits from those wells of unspoken wealth. It’s not until everyone knows the privileges others are afforded that we realize the class struggle. And I think what that question was getting at is even if we are doing the most, it can feel like it is hard to feel change or still be part of something to make things better. Because all things are tied to global capitalism and it’s exploitation it is overwhelming to think about it all but we should focus on what we can do in our lives and forming that solidarity and making that space to expand the mutual aid.
If you look at the British royals - Princess Anne wears clothes she was pictured in back in the 1970’s. Prince Philip wore the same suits he had made 60 years ago. (The last state dinner he attended he was wearing the same white tie & tails he had purchased around the queens coronation, almost 65 years earlier.) They just take items back to the tailor to get minor wear & tear repaired.
Hummmm... Generational wealth is not an easy task, 70 % of families lose most of their wealth by the end of the second generation,by the third generation the losses goes up to 90%. I'm a third generation who has inherited wealth that has increased but only by smart investing , careful spending and protecting what we have. My Grandfather taught me from an early age as did my parents not to spend thoughtlessly ,we had nothing to prove.
Old money is being normal, complaining about paying too much for bills and shit, and spending an obscene amount on land, dogs, horses, garden, hunting, sports and clothes involving these activities. That’s essentially most royal families.
The fact that most ppl see old money as a _sartorial choice_ is so funny to me. Like. That whole discussions shows you’re not old money and cannot blend or “disguise” yourself as one of them. Old money is embodied - a way of viewing the world that is so far removed actual everyday ppl. It’s aloofness toward the typical things everyday ppl worry about: bills, food prices, climate change, political upheaval. Truly wealthy ppl who come from GENERATIONS of wealth literally can’t fathom the world in those terms because they most likely make money off that turmoil. You can wear that camel color cashmere blend sweater, but “they” can see it pilling and stretching out after years of constant use. And “they” always see that you bring a lunch to work which is so trickling funny to them because they have private chefs who make their meals fresh daily.
The title is hilarious because finally someone said it. So many of them are obsessing over money they don't have. Instead of actively trying to excel financially, they're daydreaming & philosophizing about hypothetical wealth.
I'd also say the old money style is many ways of comfort: thick but breathable fabrics and knits, easily matched colors, not skin tight but rather a more relaxed but elegant fit, and not showing so much skin. It's easier to feel safe and comfortable in these clothes (unless it's not your style ofc) . And you know it won't go out of style as the microtrends do.
I know a lot of people like the “looks” of it, but hopefully they know you can't blend with “old money”. It's a mindset that took generations to cultivate, and if you're a poc don't even try lol. I look out of place in the normal clothes i wear, i can't imagine dressing in any aesthetic let alone one that has purposely excluded poc since time immemorial.
“If you’re a poc don’t even try” Oh my…major cringe. Are you aware that there are poc old money families who exist within and around old money european and white american families and networks? And that poc marry into european and american old money families? Gosh, this internet obsession with old money is just ridiculous. You appear to know so much, yet I promise, you know absolutely nothing. In the last decade, I’ve attended 10 weddings of poc women who have married into european and american families. That may seem like very little, but there aren’t many old families around anymore. Anyways, spend less time on the internet learning about old money and go to places where old money actually live…you’ll find yourself quite surprised. :)
My step dads in laws are Indian American, brown people, old money. My bio dad who I didn’t grow up with, I’ve only met some of his family twice they are multiracial “Louisiana Creole” I get the feeling they might be old money. They put off those vibes strongly. So I’ve been around more poc that i perceived to be “ old money”
The internet is getting extremely weird. It's starting to run outta things to talk about. So I have a friend and her daughter for a 1200 ugly LV purse and said..oh I want this purse because it looks like old money. Mind you..mom,my friend, has been living at home for the past 15yrs. It's getting wild out here.
My opinion on the fascination with old money aesthetic is the longevity of it. Following trends that change all the time is costly and exhausting to keep up with. Old money aesthetic pieces are often crafted well and made with natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool. They’ll be timeless pieces that you can keep for decades if not for a lifetime. All that to say, I don’t think everyone is trying to look rich. I don’t have the money to keep buying the same low quality things over and over. I can afford to spend more on something that may last me forever
At first it was a meme to compare 2020s to the 1920s, but everyday the world proves- with its fascination with wealth and indulgence at any cost- this era is closer to the one that Jay Gatsby lived in than we thought. Am not looking to repeat the 1930s…😕
I know ONE person with extreme generational wealth; she's in her eighties and even though she has money her clothes are quite worn and I always see her in the same 3-4 outfits. This is the kind of 'old money' LOOK I aspire to - a somewhat timeless wardrobe wardrobe that flatters me and is sustainable.
The shien girlies are gonna be mad😂Out here with a duplicate,very low quality chanel blazer,just to look like old money.Peer pressure is something else😂😂😂
16:10 know this is an old video and few people will probably see my comment, but what you say gives me so much „warm fuzzies” and generally a good feeling. It’s rare that we stop and give credit to ourselves in the world that feels like there is so many things to fix in and we can only do so much.
Well, I think it it looks more refined, less flashy, and makes you look less needy to show off your wealth. Ironically, you can get an "old money" look with more affordable and neutral items (and the pricier will last for a lifetime), while you will get broke trying to get the "new money" look, which just follows trends.
Having my kids really helped me see my body in a positive light. It’s like I realised my body was actually there for me to use and not just about how I’m being seen? I still get a little self conscious sometimes but it’s so much less then I had up to 26.
Whats the point of looking rich or old money when some people go home to a crappy house or average house in an average area. Its so tiring to try and impress other people whose opinion shouldn't matter
I honestly don't think you can adopt an aesthetic to fake like you're from a social class when you're not , at best you would look like you have "timeless" style, old money is a mindset, the clothes are just an extension of that
One thing i have noticed in people from generacional wealth, they don't care about brands, they look at Quality, things that last. If things last so they go "clásics", they acumulate and thats how for example a christening gown can be worn by several babies over years.
I don’t know if you know the Pinçon - Charlot couple , or even if their work have been translated in English, but a lot of their work is on this topic. It’s fascinating to hear them talk about the VERY RICH people. (Not your average old money bourgeoise family, which they are a lot in France). I remember them saying the aristocrats are like a closed communist community, where the privileges are handed to anyone who is part of the group. They are not individuals fighting for their privileges, they are a group and therefore they have the financial power of a community. That’s what make it so hard to get to their level of wealth I hope what I say is clear enough 🙃
I grew up in an upper-middle to upper class neighborhood on Long Island. In fact, it was on the North Shore in the exact same communities where the Great Gatsby is set. The old and new money divide was something people always paid attention to. The people who were new money were fairly obvious. It was less so about what they drove and wear, but rather how they acted about it. New moneyed folks were always trying to impress others, they always let you know what kind of car they drove and where they liked to vacation. The people who were in fact old money where much less obvious, so much so that some of their kids didn’t even think they had money. If they drove a Mercedes or BMW it was usually a much older model, occasionally even a Land Rover, Bentley, or Aston Martin. If they wanted something new but still luxurious they’d either go for a fully loaded economy car like Subaru or Toyota, but new luxury cars typically came from more discreet manufacturers like Volvo or Audi. There were a few ‘old moneyed’ folks who were obviously wealthy because of their family names, two of these families I knew were heirs of national/regional companies, and the third was a member of a very prominent political family. But most of these old wealthy families were people you’d never heard of. Typically they owned real estate or were shareholders of an obscure B to B type business. But I would say both old an new moneyed families were hypersensitive about their images, each in their own way. New moneyed folks had a bit of chip on their shoulders and wanted to show that they were “somebody.” Old moneyed folks were keen on not looking like they were new money. I’ve heard people from these families say things like they would never be caught dead wearing something with a logo, or even that they wouldn’t drive a certain vehicles because the didn’t want to look like they were parvenus.
Old money is just a term being used now, again. It's really a reaction to the crass, vulgarness of general society and media offerings, not to mention feckless social movements, politicians and the horrid decline of academics. What this really is is a turn back to timeless values of class, meaning, beauty, taste, serenity, stability, sanity. All of which have been devalued by the current rampage of imbalanced radicalism.
Question 2: Also, look into how much you are being paid, and estimate how much overtime you expect to do. Use that to calculate your new hourly wage, and decide if the job is worth it. Negotiate for higher wages to match, and have a discussion before negotiation on how much work outside of work is normal.
Honestly this" old money style" trend is only so visible and popular now because until now the "fashion crowd" tended to obsess over streetstyle and logos. If you're going to old money cities in Europe such as Paris, Munich, Hamburg, Madrid, London, Rome, etc. it's annoying everyone that this is a "trend" now as people there have been dressing this way for forever. It's basically the go-to aesthetic for the middle to upper classes here. Flashy clothes with lots of logos have always been frowned upon and have usually been assigned to overseas foreigners or ostentatious wannabes.
Money means great skin, hair and figure. My friend went to a Chanel shop holding a rented purse and all dolled up after a wedding. She was ignored. I always had great service in my sweats. I am in my 40s and tired and I will shop in sweats and uggs and I do not wear makeup indoors. This is for Korean shops. Not sure about the rest of the world. My good friend aged naturally and I have monthly laser sessions to prevent skin sagging since I was 25. My hair cuts cost 5 times as much as her hair salon. My friend drinks and smokes and I work out like a fiend and drink about glass of wine in a whole year. My friend works longer hours and does not have the time and energy to take care of herself. Money spent simply shows, and no purse or dress can cover the lack of it or vice versa. Great diction, manners and proper grammar goes a long way too, which are also byproducts of money
thank you for the analysis and also the reassurance at the end. I'm also a person who already does a lot for the bettering of society, be it volunteering, donating or partaking in political organizations. still, i often feel like I'm not doing enough and start feeling bad when I do things just for fun because that isn't productive for society. Note that I'm a full time stutent and a lot of my hobbies is additional work I do voluntarily. Also, I have caught myself judging others for not doing voluntary work etc. I was surprised about myself thinking badly of others for that, when in reality we're all just trying to getnon with our lives in this capitalist society and it's clear that we all need to enjoy our free time after working 40+ hours! So I really need to stop judging myself. And develop a bit of hope because thankfully the tone Gen Z are setting in these conversations is quite progressive!
CNBC just did an article and I was like, "Wait, Chelsea talked about that!" The article is called "At a time when most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, the 'quiet luxury' trend takes over"
I'm German. If you're old money here , it means your great-grandparents did shady stuff between 1933-1945, absolutely zero exceptions.
Best comment ever!!!!
Same for Brits and Americans, imperialism, colonialism snd slavery
Fellow German here, and you are absolutely right. Some of them have also cousins living in Argentina. Those moved after 1945 from Germany and continued to be rich in South America.
I just choke laughed on my drink, thank you for this brilliant addition
Oh please!
As I say, these conversations are people arguing about the virtues of “new money” versus “old money” who have virtually no money. You’re not going to be able to fool most affluent people simply via fashion choices of your class status.
Agreed.
It is known there are already very rich people who have been very discreet with their wealth before this fascination. But as for the lower classes emulating the rich in general to appear rich, well that's a story as old as time
@@arxsyn Right. These folks grew up with each other and have known each other since childhood. Their family connections go back generations.
I love dressing classy, so I’m not understanding why fashion choices have to be under attack. Regardless, I do not understand why people worship old money. I find them so far removed from the average person.
Real
Honestly, as a person who went to a private school in one of the top 4 most affluent school districts in America (I was on scholarship) and had a lot of very affluent classmates, the biggest marker of old money is not the way they dress or what they own but is actually “phd in random thing that wouldn’t usually be paid for by a company with no student debt” or “sent all 6 kids to expensive private colleges and none of them have student debt”, or “gap year where they paid no expenses to find their passions” and stuff like that. And even that’s a broad generalization
They pay more for experiences than they do for items most times
I also went to a very affluent school and was friends with some. The little stress they have over certain failures in life such as failing classes, extreme politeness and choosing to not drive their limited edition car to school to show off is what I've noticed. In addition, their "family events" are much more mandatory than usual.
Very true, all of my wealthy friends could pursue their passion without worrying about food and bills, they have financial safety net
Yep like PHD in art history and traveling the world to volunteer at different museums and attend art events and never actually have an income (aside from the family Trust)
Similar experience, agreed. The private schools/"Christian" universities/top schools in the country & showing a specific degree and career. Education within the successful crowd is louder than just "fashion". Some of wealthy I know (including some film producers, writers, etc... wear a mix of luxury brands and just simple clothes from Target)
I hate branded products, but my reasoning is not that they're tacky or "gauche" but simply that after I paid good money to own something, the company that made it doesn't also get to use me as a free walking advertisement for their shit.
Exactly my thing "no, dude, I paid YOU a lot of cash, you will not get free advertising, take off your ugly logo from my purse"
💯
THIS! LITERALLY THIS!
My grandmother told me that when I was a teen. I didn't understand, that ia until I started making my own money and purchasing my own clothes.
I do like logos and prints a lot if them made well,but I agree with your point. And my main point and reason I don't buy logos anymore is that clothes with logos are NOT practical on a daily base, it's hard to style them and combine them with other clothing. I have few sets of Fendi(tops,sweaters,dresses) and Dior pajama style logo pants and shirts. They are now useless, I can't combine them with other my stuff. I'd like to buy clothes that will last longer for that prices and not hanging in my closet for years.
I love that this proves a personal theory ive had for a long time;
no one focuses on looking rich and impressing others more than poor people.
Absolutely right!!
my grandpa always says this to me!!
I'd say aspirationist middle class; because poor & working class people are busy working two or three jobs to survive, they don't have time to try to impress others, their main focus is how to pay the bills.
True, whenever i see a super loud obnoxious car zoom past you can tell the person driving it is poor asf
😂 hear hear!
I feel like every few years the preppy aesthetic gets popular again. This is basically the same thing
Exactly, a rose by any other name. Young people just renameing an old trend.
Indeed. I pulled my white Lacoste pleated tennis skirt out to take advantage of it 🤷🏾♀️
Edit - they would prob call it “vintage” but I bought it myself mid00s 🥴
I like the style, it’s timeless and if you keep the pieces you have simple it’ll be easy to mix and match rather than the flashy ‘new money’ style that is Logo obsessed. Old money keeps it discreet. You’d be surprised that some of the old money or just wealthy in general hide in with the crowd; may volunteer at organizations etc, shop at Marshall’s. I think it’s better than the ‘new money’ because new money typically can get more attitude, good example is The Roy family in succession that are new money and the Pierces are old money
Anna Bey has been in the chat for decades
It’s like the Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, DKNY, Coach, Dooney & Burke, Fossil, Anne Taylor, Gantt, Brooks Bros. Todd’s, Cole Hann alumni got together and said, “let’s flip this!” 😅
Another reason old money people do not wear logos: personal safety and security. Logos attract unwanted attention, and can be an invitation to thieves.
Exactly!
Exactly. Rich people don't want people to think they are rich. It puts a target on your back to be robbed or people treat you better only bc they think about your money, not bc they are true friends.
This!
That makes sense. I personally don’t like logos because they are often tacky. I’m paying someone to advertise their product 🤦♀️
They are also not advertising for another person to get Rich lol
I’ve work for extremely wealthy people. I dress just like they do and they can still recognize I’m a regular ass person- no matter my exterior- due to how I behave.
I find that the wealthy have an out-of-touch view without realizing it and can immediately zero in on people who are in touch with reality. They normally seem to have a weird sense of “they don’t get it” because I can’t fathom just booking a flight to Greece on a days notice, for example. I just find it all comes down to your behavior and they can tell just like we can. 😅 We are NOT alike haha
Exactly. Honestly, wealthy people should not be seen as aspirational to begin with bc acting “out of touch” is not really a good look 🫣
Yep, basically behave like everything is at your fingertips no matter your circumstances and you are set. Old money mindset!
One of my best friends from college was actually old money. Like his ancestors were on the mayflower. Parents had homes in different states. A literal coastal elite haha, and he didn't dress like the old money aesthetic at all lol. He kinda wore the normal 2010s street style aesthetic. The only thing he had that I knew was expensive was this Canada Goose jacket. I only figured that out cause I borrowed it once and googled it later cause I liked it so much, and my jaw dropped when I saw the price lmao.
I met his mom once and she was really nice and friendly, but I did get the vibe that internally she was thinking "Oooh the ghetto" being around regular ppl 😅.
@@t_ylr YES!! I couldn’t have said it better myself!! Haha it’s like once they see you wearing a Walmart Tshirt they’re internally screaming ahahah
@@Androgynary AGREED! My mouth hangs open at some of the stuff they say 😲
Yes my friends at university went to school at the same place as Kate Middleton, and another had loads of horses and lived in a massive house. They usually wore Primark (£5) leggings that had holes in them, and sweatshirts. Then they would do things like go on a night out and book a same day flight to the Mediterranean, and turn up there. Then you’d notice they were rich 😂
Absolutely! Another type of old-money person is the quirky yet elegant eccentric, the Florence Welch genus or the ladies with that fantastic vintage cooking show titled "Two Fat Ladies" ( Clarissa Dickson Wright and Jennifer Paterson).
Exactly.
They wanted to go incognito
ah, good old St Andrews. we Scottish people love to joke about how it's basically a town rich American and English students come to for a prolonged holiday lol
i will NEVER understand how "new money" is an insult and "old money" is a compliment. its not only cooler to have money that you yourself have earned due to formal education or entrepreneurship, than having it handed to you from your parents or grandparents or spouse - and i BET it also feels much better spending it.
Agree, BUT I believe this only applies when money are earned "the right way". I cannot imagine an influencer / drug dealer / only fan creator / youtuber who brings no value, etc to actually feel proud about their accomplishments.
@@nikin4311 i agree with you, with entrepreneurship i mean either inventing or manufacturing things of value, or employing people in a good manner that is of value to society...but i think most people are not proud of HOW they made their money, they are proud of what they can afford with it and how they can flaunt it :(
I think the negative view towards “new money” is held and perpetuated by those with old money because of their ties to true power and politics with the aristocracies and monarchies of Europe. For old money, money is a consequence of their position, for new money their position is a consequence of their money. Industrialisation made it possible for non aristocrats to become rich but then they spent that money lavishly and - according to those with old money - tastelessly. New money feels the need to show off that money to earn respect from society whereas old money often hides and disguises its wealth to try and blend in. This is why new money is somewhat of an insult, because it implies tasteless, flashy, reckless, money-minded, and to be honest that is exactly what’s reflected in popular culture today. And technically all the big names people would consider old money today, like Vanderbilt, Rothschild etc, are the original new money because they were the first wave of ultra wealthy, non aristocratic, industrialists. Many of the actual old money have long lost their fortunes, and those that haven’t are very much hidden out of sight.
@@REDnBLACKnRED ah okay. if the terms of old and new money refer to how its spent and showcased, then i might agree with that. if its used to refer to how it was earned, i would prefer to be new money.
I've had a startling view of the profit gap between the working class people at my company and the investing class, and honestly, I don't think the ways that people become "new" money is all that self-earned. They usually have something inherited going on too, just not as much or as prestiged as "old" money, and work their way up to the big boy table by milking people with less for all they have.
Becoming any kind of "money" only happens via exploitation of people, resources, and loopholes. I don't admire any of it.
(To be clear here; I'm not talking about people who make enough money to live comfortably. Both old and new money alike refers to the sort of people who could afford and arrange to take a vacation in Paris next week. The actual difference between the two is in how that wealth is displayed and codified; their family history with it.
It is possible to be "new" money even if you inherited everything from your daddy.)
I have another theory: With economic instability, people long for durability etc. and that'll be reflected in aesthetics. You add fast fashion and the fact that most people walk around with bad looking shein clothes, many want to distance themselves from that. It's not individuality and trendiness that counts anymore but more a sense of class, quality and durability. At least that's what I see happening around me.
Yea, it's timeless
This why the kids need punk rock.
Amen! 👏
Completely agree! We got our kids into Rock and they have grown into having a mind of their own and have become their own person.
THIS🙌🏻
So happy this is a top comment! Lol I grew up in the LA scene and am now a union electrician and obsessed with TFD 😅
Yesssss.
Punk Rock and Socialism.
This channel really exposes the NeoLiberal ignorance of the masses.
The way they use the words "we" and "us."
News Flash: not everyone fell for Kardashian bullshit and materialistic aesthetic-obsessed shallow lives.
Time for yall to take some personal responsibility and stop blaming Instagram.
Make no mistake, the old money and quiet luxury media trending topic is about trends and consumerism. It is not about buying thrift. It is about getting folks to buy more items or switch out their style. I’m not young and have seen the cycle repeatedly. Every so many years we see the no logo or label talk trend again, with a different name. In the 90s it was all about minimalism for example. Through it all both minimal and classic logo styles continue to exist, are purchased and are carried. What is especially insidious this time around is the classicism and racism that is part of the conversation. Also the promoting that everyone needs to fit into a sanitized mold rather than being their own unique selves that may include a different style due to culture, body type and creativity. I for one can’t wait for this topic to stop trending.
10 years ago, the term was 'normcore'
It's the most stupid and ignorant pseudo-trend I've ever seen. Those old money people will just laugh in contempt at all these tiktokkers thinking that they know what their style is about and they've literally got no clue.
Minimalism? I remember all the girls in my high school wearing t-shirts with big-a$$ logos of Guess and Calvin Klein all over... oh I craved so much for a guess item, when I finally could afford it, I found them tacky as hell.
Just buy buy buying is what capitalism wants, what mega corporations and corporate America thrives on to keep us within a cycle of poverty, always chasing brands and specific items to allegedly make our lives better.
100% agreed
I think that the glorification of old money has to do with wanting to have wealth due to the gap widening but also looking down on wealthy, “new” money people as classless, show offy etc. I put new in quotes because I’m sure actual old money people aren’t somehow the exceptions of human nature and inherently better than new money. Basically, the glorification of old money by people who will never encounter them is dripping with envy, in which you want to live like the rich but also indicate that you’re better than that.
As much as logomania as an aesthetic was annoying, I can’t help but feel the bland beiges and lack of ornamentation or self expression has its roots in Protestantism mixed with capitalism. You look down on what you consider gaudy as self indulgent while still associating wealth with virtue.
Nobody wants to say they’re envious of rich people, but that’s exactly what it is.
Playing the lower earning class’ advocate:
Glorification of old money can also be by people who are simply angry. Ranging from insults towards the rich - to “steal from the rich” even as far as “eat the rich” mindsets.
Side note: Not necessarily condoning the aforementioned as acted out behaviors, rather thoughts - depending on the extremity.
Tbh, it’d be nice if that extreme wealth could get Robin Hood-ed into places society needs like infrastructure, housing, higher education debt forgiveness, medical care for all, access to basic human needs like in other developed nations (that don’t include the USA - as it doesn’t give said access in comparison; people get shafted in stuff that’s accessible too lamentably by design), etc.
Most know the ultra rich can fleece masses via inflation, &/or by their insane profits ≈ unpaid employee wages, etc, etc, etc.
Why stop at being envious, when one is barely middle class, or was but their money got obliterated in the last/Great Recession, & likely a victim of the ultra rich?
Maybe the person has been on the bottom fringes of the classes their whole lives?
It’s at least mostly harmless to steal the style, & dress like old money. Though it likely won’t solve the problems of the furlough laid off individual to dress like old money unless it’ll serve them in the next job/bottom of the next capitalist pyramid scheme.
So the rage festers on…😅
Oh, & some just manifest the hard truth thru their fashion styles via Metal, Punk, &/or Goth for example.
@@TAHOEkaleidonaut I hate the "eat the rich" expression. And it has even been encouraged in this video.
@@PriHL It’s proverbial here in the video.
There’s folks I’ve met who‘ve gone hungry when in dire straights, & are that t’d off that cannibalism isn’t off the menu for them if given the chance at the ultra rich.😅
Hence why I made a distinction on certain thoughts. I’m much more for proverbially eating the rich to reclaim what they’ve stolen… given the “Tahoe Donner” alternative.😅
I agree with you. Everyone dreamt of spending lockdown a couple of years ago in their summer residence. Most were at home and couldn’t even go out because they had no garden. You escape into some reality that is not yours.
Old money generally exists because of compounding, vile acts of human atrocities throughout history that allowed a few people to obtain obscene wealth and keep it familial. This should be unattainable and uninspiring as we progress in society. Hopefully, we'll collectively evolve past the moral gymnastics necessary to allow for the creation of that kind of wealth in the first place...aspire for better!
Woke
food stamp mentality
A 23 yr old recently told me their ideal aesthetic is old money. Couldn’t exactly contextualize why it sounded very weird & tone deaf. Thank you.
Right. She could have said conservative, glamorous and/or expensive but that one…cringe.
Eh, they are likely just using the vocabulary they see describing a certain style that resonates with them. To me, it just seems like the newest lingo, rather than tone deafness.
Yes, I thought it was kind of weird that the lingo describing this style of dress had changed.
This style of dress use to just be called conservative\classic\preppy.
They might as well say "I want to look like an heiress going incognito."
The real old money people will only cringe very hard at such statements. It shows a lack of knowledge about what old money actually is. No one from inside these circles would ever use this term as understatement is a way of life, not an "aesthetic".
This is so true and also applies to British upper class people - they'll wear the most battered clothes, not caring about its appearance at all, they've got absolutely nothing to prove and it shows. And it confirms that fashion is to a large part a product of the unspoken pressures of society.
In the snubbing of anything flashy and with logos safety concerns play also a huge role. The Loro Piana coat is the fashion equivalent of a panic room.
exactly it's the things that actually matter that they care about like their house and car that shows their wealth
That only works when people is white. POC can't give themselves the luxury of looking raggedy without getting not so good labels.
@@gametri-eq6lj I live somewhere adjacent to multi million mansions in a low key but expensive part of the uk, what I've noticed during my night strolls is that many of these people don't have big flashy new cars, some do of course, but most of them have practical cars, nice but by no means showy, the kind of cars that many middle class have on finance. I (legally) stalk the mansions on rightmove for fun, the interiors are mostly quite low key but well maintained. what sets it apart from our humble middle class neighbourhood is that they all have huge hedges that are ALWAYS super well trimmed, I'm talking about 10 feet tall 6 feet deep hedges that kept perfect sharp cornors at all times, and you don't even know when were they trimmed, you just know that it's eight cornors sharp every second of the day. every bit of the front garden that you can peek through those big thick hedges are perfect at all times, with exotic plants and trees that I can only describe as 'ancient', and of course they are kept perfect at all times as well, can't imagine what that must have cost
@@Sophie-kk3st yeah many rich people live very humbly and you wouldn't know until they invite you over for the most part they tend to live like a normal person and just don't mind spending more on things that are actually important like school and healthcare
Two words: princess Anne.
I think another aspect of the popularity of "old money" aesthetic makes it okay to wear unbranded clothes. A person does not need to spend buckets of money on a flashy logo'ed piece to keep up appearances; you can wear a neutral sweater, or a hand-me-down from your parent or nana without feeling self-conscious or "less than". Yes, a true denizen of the "old money" crowd might be able to tell the difference (if they care to), but noone will care enough to call you out on it. Besides, neutrals are timeless and wear better. Even cashmere looks a little less quality in strong colors.
Of course old $$ will know the difference b/c they know each other and know when someone is cosplaying. They won't say anything bc it would be impolite.
I think that the idea of buying fewer, well-made clothes is lovely and ethically better- but one of the things I've struggled with is caring for them. It's easy to make your clothes last generations if, yes, they're well-made, but you also have a staff in charge of making sure all of your garments are laundered properly. As someone who doesn't have laundry in my building, I'm probably not going to buy clothes that require dry-cleaning or special laundry instructions because I simply don't have time or brain space to take care of them. This really cuts down on being able to buy high quality garments in natural fibres because they need special care to last and look good. That's a problem I rarely see talked about in the debate about ethical fashion
The special care natural fibers need feels *more* accessible to me. Wool, for instance, does best when washed by hand and laid out to dry. You can even use (small amounts of) human hair conditioner on it because it's just hair. It's an extra step when you're used to mechanical laundry, but almost everyone has a sink or a bucket, and because wool takes a long time to actually get dirty, the time investment is probably on par with cotton. Artificial fibers needing dry-cleaning is on the other end - expensive, requires a paid staff, not easy to DIY, usually not long-lasting or compatible with active lifestyles.
Picking the stuff that'll hold up over time, though, is a learned or trained skill. Price doesn't correlate with value like it used to and shopping online compounds that when you can't inspect seams, especially when formerly reliable labels lower their standards to compete.
I was baffled at how Instagram and TikTok went crazy over Sofia Richie's (supposedly) old-money-looking wedding. Firstly, sorry, but it screamed Hollywood to almost everyone in Europe where, as some people are commenting here, old money aesthetics are different and the whole thing means a bunch of other - generally bad - things. Secondly, why is it "better" to look old money vs. new money? I just don't get it.
Meh, old money is putting a name on dressing more formal or elegant, it’s trying to be Blair Waldorf in daily style. When GG started the Blair Waldorf look was only copied at bridal showers and other daytime events.
The old money trend thing is just the desire to look everyday like Kate Middleton. Just that.
I honestly prefer the street style or Serena style hehe. I have Blair Waldorf pieces but my dressing style is more Serena.
Im a Jeans and boots kind of Girl or if it comes to flats I’m going with sneakers. While the Blair’s love their shirts, skirts dresses and ballet flats or when it comes to heels sandals.
It’s a silly name the old money look.
As many pointed there is no Old money fashion aesthetic. that’s bullshit
It’s just preppy look or elegant daily look. Just tik tokers and influencers liked better the name of old money.
@@sarizonana Same here jeans and boots. I grew up in the rural south around rich kids, most dresses pretty casual.
@@bamafencer12 actually I’ve always lived in a city, more precisely Mexico City, which is a very casual city unless, you have a wedding, daytime event or going to a night club or planning to going party.
But here we all are jeans, a nice top or t shirts and sneakers or boots. We love to look nice but the dressing style in Mexico City is very casual.
This. Sofia's wedding is your typical European wedding too. Nothing fancy or out of the ordinary here (in Eastern Europe)
I don't like the new money STYLE, STYLE specifically because of all the logos and obnoxious social media.
I think young generations are obsessed with this aesthetics mainly because it represents a chance to belong. Kind of a "fake it 'til you make it", especially in scarcity scenarios like the ones we live nowadays.
I came of age in the 70s in a Northeast preppy environment with old and new money, although I was outside both. I did notice a certain group of kids who wore plain but quality clothes, wore cool hand-me-downs from their grandparents and spent summers barefoot at their family shacks in Maine, then went to Ivy League schools etc. Back then my theory was that their parents grew up in the depression and really did have to tighten their belts in order to maintain their privileged lifestyle. I even to this day know a few trust fund kids who don't need to work, or work low-paying artsy jobs, but have to live a frugal lifestyle to manage it. Even the English old money shabbiness I believe comes from the depression and not being able to fund a gilded age lifestyle anymore, even if you were an aristocrat. It's a stock them of 30s movies. I don't think this is true anymore, though, now that inequality is back to where it was in the gilded age, and I have been equally baffled to suddenly see so many youtube videos about how to get the old money look.
My family was reasonably wealthy, mainly I think in the 19th century. (My great grandpa was a congressman.)
I have a joke that I tell people.
"I come from old money."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Money's so old, ain't none left! " 🤣🤣
It came down from my grandma to my mom and her siblings to us kids. I inherited my mom's house, sold it, and bought a farm. My home is my family's legacy, but my husband and I are far from wealthy. (Cash poor, land rich, I think it's called.)
Anyway, thanks, Chelsea! Great video, as always!
Lol... I will tell that one. My great-granpa was the city's major, too bad he was an honest man and we didn't inherit anyting.
@@usagi18 🤣🤣 Feel free!
Ditto!
My guess is, escapist fantasy coupled with total abolition of upwards social mobility since at least 2008.
Influencers believe cosplaying is the same as the real thing. 🤣
Soooo true. I dated a man of generational wealth (Family wing at a museum and hospital)who had tennis shoes no self respecting hourly worker would be seen in and drove a RAV4. A RAV4 lol. A quote from the Chicken Chronicles…”If you’re rich why are you drinking champagne out of paper cups?“ Answer: “How do you think we stay rich?”
Nothing wrong with a RAV4.
@@pisceanbeauty2503 but the point being old money knows that. New money rarely does.
Old money aesthetic in terms of fashion mostly means classic outfits that don't particularly follow the trends. The older i get the more i've come to appreciate it. It is much easier to maintain and it rejects the over-consumerism trends. I don't think it's a bad thing.
Yes my style is very classic and I have clothes from 10 years ago that I can wear today and not look old fashioned
@@hautecouture2228 I find it practical and elegant. I don't find anything snobby about it.
Learn how to think critically.
I'd like to normalize wearing cycling gear everywhere because I'm tired of having to change when I get to my destination.
Just do what we do here in Belgium and dress for your destination, not your commute.
@@katrijndekeersmaecker1904 I'm commuting 12 miles. I'm not wearing jeans for a 12 mile ride.
lmao
one should ask HOW that old money was gained and one would discover that the origin of this money are as "dark" as new money and that the ancestors were sharks; the money have simply got enough time to clean itself and to get some education.
Same as for noble families in Europe: they were - basically - plunderers and thieves in their origins.
I think there’s a lot of misconceptions and stereotypes people have about old money. This isn’t necessarily surprising because most people will never spend significant time around these well-heeled individuals. I’m a young man, come from a solidly middle-class (minority) family in the US. I’ve worked with and for old money individuals, and although many do dress like this, many also dress very regularly, almost mediocre, wearing regular t-shirts and jeans from Old Navy, and these are people that can easily afford exclusive, expensive brands like Hermes, the Row, Loro Piana, etc.
Many old money families don’t sail, don’t wear boat shoes, don’t shop only designer, and go to elite and Ivy League schools. Also, being old money is much more than surface-level; it’s more about how you behave. I constantly see average people wearing old money “costumes” (i.e. dressed as though they come from generations of wealth/your stereotypical old money person), but it’s clear as day that they’re not wealthy because of how they behave. Elegance is key.
Money costumes lol I love it 🤣. But your right it’s really about access. Even rich celebrities can’t enter certain circles.
Capitalism has folks thinking they can jump classes 🫠
@@HUeducator2011 That's what I don't get -- When celebrities hawk luxury goods, who is the target market? I assume that those in the same tax bracket aren't as impressed by actors, singers, etc., and regular folks can't afford the items (without saving for a while or getting a windfall). Maybe those who are the working rich? The high-earning professional class who looks up to the glitz and glamour?
The USC enrollment scandal showed that you are right about rich celebrities.
I was with you until you got to the “elegance” part. What is elegant behavior? I don’t buy that some of these folks can’t be entitled, demanding asshats.
From my experience with yacht clubs, your best option is Patagonia. You’ll blend right in, the company makes all efforts towards ethical manufacturing, the clothing lasts forever, and there’s a vigorous second-hand market. At least on the west coast, Pata-Gucci reigns supreme.
My favorite video yet. I’m an English teacher at my former high school. It’s hard to know if you’re making a difference in combatting the harmful rhetoric my kids we see online, rhetoric that makes us feel small and worthless. Your ideas about solidarity and community are so meaningful and affirming. Thank you for all you do!
I love that Chelsea schedules her emails... I do the same! Sometimes i like answering emails at 9pm but i dont want to set the standard for clients to think I'm available at 9pm.
I'm broke af but i come from an old money family and i find it hilarious that young people now want to dress like my grandma and my aunts 😂😂😂
Omg same. I commented something like this on another youtuber's video. Also, it's weird. I should have kept all my grandmothers clothes and I would have been set. She had a quiet luxuriousness about herself.
@@chidenisee I actually have a lot of my grandma's clothes/ jewels but i'm too sentimental to sell them and i still think it's uncool to wear them lol
Okay same lol but my "old money" is from my Japanese side so I'm used to a lot of fancy scarves and slacks, which I thought was so old looking when I was little. I can't even bring myself to see the appeal now because I have moth ball scented memories of being given it as a gift at like age 13 and wanting nothing of it.
Because the items are made well which is why they are still around.
Same, this is so funny to me. In my case it is my parents.
I have a book from the 90s call WASP Fashion- it’s a catalog of what they deem “timeless and elegant” down to the most casual styles. Everything should look very clean, muted, and like you’d blend in to a Ralph Lauren Interiors ad…
I agree it’s a great look but it excludes SO many different styles that are NEW and not necessarily that pricey compared to a $3000 Burberry coat
Reminds me of every time I'd walk by the Brooks Brothers store in downtown Seattle and think "eww republican clothing" 😂
@@Iquey literally 😂🤣😂
@@Iquey laughing sooo hard at this lmfaoooo
author ?
@@seabreeze4559 ill try and find my copy!! I bought it when I was 14 at a goodwill in La Jolla. I’ve loved the hilarious commentary about “looking luxurious”
Whatever people say, people always look up to others who are 'lucky', ie people born into wealth, the aristocracy and the royals. And even if you say spiteful things about these lucky people, in your deepest heart you want to BE them. That's why even when people cut off the head of the nobles and royals, the head cutters just replace the previous high class people. There's no such thing as class solidarity. If you have the chance to go up, you go up.
yes! same thing happened in China, the wealthiet people there are the children of the communist bureaucracy (aristocracy)
This comment is some hard-core projection
This is the absolute truth. Historically we've seen the top 1% being overturned, but just to be replaced by another 1%. Or like they used to say in my country (which is former socialist) - we're all equal, but some of us are more equal than others.
The only people who are rich are those who have enough money that they can quit their employment, only have good debt (debt for appreciable assets at a low interest rate, things like education, property, etc.), people who have people around them who love them, people who are happy with themselves, and people who are grateful for what they have :).
Going into debt to appear rich to others is the dumbest financial decision you will ever make.
The people I admire most have control of their finances, have a healthy relationship with money, and are happy with their life for the most part. :)
Building wealth involves developing good habits like regularly putting money away in intervals for solid investments. Financial management is a crucial topic that most tend to shy away from, and ends up haunting them in the near future. Putting our time and effort in activities and investments that will yield a profitable return in the future is what we should be aiming for. Success depends on the actions or steps you take to achieve it. "You're not going to remember those expensive shoes you bought ten years ago, but you will remember every single morning when you look at your bank account that extra 0 in there. I promise, that's going to be way more fun to look at everyday", I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life
@jamiejanny6725I agree with you. Investment is the key to sustaining your financial longevity. And not just any investment but an investment with guaranteed return.
@jacoblam3028 Obviously talking about been successful, I know I am blessed if not I wouldn't have met someone who is as spectacular as Debra Barton
She helped me recovered all I've lost trading by myself
She had really made name for herself
@donaldojo1640 please I have been hearing about this debra barton. How do I easily reach out to her
Seems wild to me as a Norwegian to not be compensated for overtime on top of your salary. Either in money or time of....
Many American salaried jobs are non-exempt, which means that while they are salaried, they are for a standard 40-hour work week. Anything above that and overtime is owed. Technically only exempt salaried positions don’t pay overtime. Failing to classify employees correctly is a frequent source of lawsuits. Just because you’re a secretary or administrative assistant on a salary doesn’t mean you aren’t owed overtime. Exempt salaried positions are supposed to be managerial. This is something a new hire should clarify with an employer.
I live in an area that has a lot of wealthy people who socialize with us "normally budgeted" individuals and they're usually dressed very low key, if not like straight up bums when they go to their favorite tiki bar or to the grocery store. A lot of the ones with "old money" are also super self-conscious of their wealth and when their family start getting out of hand with service industry workers.
Regarding the viewer Q around salaried work and overtime... One thing I have come to learn in my 15 year career is that you are entitled to Clear Communication about the expectations around this. If it has not been not clearly requested of me that I stay back late to get a task completed (with a compelling explanation as to why) I just leave when my day is done. Yesterday a "situation" came up at 10 minutes to 5pm but nobody told me this was "critical" and had to be attended to that evening. I left at 5 minutes past 5.
Don't get me wrong, sometimes I get into "flow" and happily work away without realising. I don't have kids (or any real "life" for that matter!) but this is not the point. It is sadly easy to get taken advantage of if you don't set those boundaries. I have learned the hard way.
What some people call old money style is just style. This is hilarious. I wish people would wear what they like.
We shouldn't idolize anyone, but I really like this style (I think). I can't tell if I love it or if I've been programmed to respect it. It's hard to distinguish. :(
Right? It's almost like, when I see this style I have to ask my brain, "is this a humble chic masterpiece or a threat?" It's that quiet mystery of the aesthetic of almost being too clean, but ultra relaxed at the same time that rings alarm bells in my head. Like "this is how rich psychopaths dress. Everything is nice and they couldn't care less."
What’s wrong with dressing classy? I understand the old money trend is pretty ridiculous, but I feel like I receive a lot more respect since updating my wardrobe. What I can’t understand is worshipping the wealthy. The majority I’ve met are not good people.
Your topic today is a multifaceted idea, which has social, economic, and racial implications. But I agree that the one positive take away is being aware of what you are buying and using it till it wears out. I’m 64 and not wealthy but the buying less but better is what most people did ”Back in the Day” regardless of where you were socioeconomically. If nothing else the popularity of old money/quiet luxury aesthetic has prompted me to buck trends and return to my tried and true standbys. I for one I’m glad to see logos disappear and clothing that isn’t an attempt to yell look at me.
The preppy style keeps coming up again and again. It happened in the late 70s and 80’s, hell even in the mid -1950’s and early 60’s. It all means nothing. Buy good clothes that last at thrift stores, develop your own style and live within your means. Money doesn’t buy happiness.
Get yourself a copy of The Preppy Handbook from the mid-80s if you want to really want to understand the old money elite. Also, Chelsea’s sense of fashion is definitely old money adjacent.
It could be that people are sick of seeing "new money" constantly shove their ads in our faces.
The first image that popped into my mind for 'old money' was Thurston Howell III and Lovey from Gilligan's Isle (because I'm THAT old now). When I was in public school, we moved from a working class neighbourhood to an upper class neighbourhood. It was, as you say, gauche to parade wealth, and you couldn't tell from one house to the next who was very wealthy and who was ordinary wealthy (we were neither). It was also not in the spirit of being Canadian to parade wealth, but I still associate it with the preppy look of LL Bean.
I always find it interesting when this old money style makes it to other countries as well. Like there's no historical basis for this style in certain countries, so it becomes its own phenomenon.
Yep, colonialism has many forms.
This is true for most US culture. It becomes a backdoor for political ideas too.
Blue jeans, fast food, rap especially now- they all allow for more indirect influence.
looool thats funny
In India we have handmade fabrics and several traditional crafts which take days to make and are very expensive to create..Clothes are handed down through generations .That might be an equivalent to the old money aesthetic you have in the west ...From what I see ,current old money aesthetic doesn't seem to have any influence over here ..Maybe for a handful few , but since there's no point of reference , it isn't really a trend
There’s this brand I found called Akris. The designs are super plain and simple. An emphasis to material quality and how the clothes fit the person. The women’s section reminds me of what Claire Underwood would wear in House of Cards.
I like this style of clothing to a degree. Dig the new vocabulary - Veblen good. I like that outlook about no logos and no posting too.
Thank you for answering my question at the end! Hoping for the best at my new job, but it just being a stepping stone wouldn't be the worst thing either.
Oh wow. Please make more videos like this. I would personally love your economic take on the Clean Girl! Now it’s as if even health itself is a status symbol (and still entirely unattainable for many, especially without wealth)
whats clean girl
There are a lot of aspects of this particular aesthetic that I do like, it has nothing to do with trying to convince people that I’m Old Money, or Any Money! I like the quietness of this style, its classic timelessness, and most of all, its emphasis on buying high-quality wardrobe items, rather than lots of cheap, trendy things. I’m 63, I don’t want to buy new clothes all the time, I want clothes and accessories that I’ll wear for life. I heard a quote on YT the other day that I love “I can’t afford to buy cheap clothes!” (Sorry, it was an indirect quote, I don’t know who to credit for it). I think we can and should focus on buying fewer, but better items that won’t quickly date, and just ignore all those crappy polyester, acrylic, etc. clothing and plastic accessory “trends”. If people stop buying them, we’ll stop stuffing new landfills with them. This season’s trends have been mostly awful, sheers, mesh, and more, all specifically designed to convince us to buy more polyester garbage. The only thing such items do is maximize the profits of clothing brands.
Precisely. I don't see this classic style trending long. Because today's fashion industry is too dependent on volume and novelty
I just watched a TFD video where Chelsea talked about wanting to collaborate with someone with ADHD and how they handle their money. I can’t find that video again so I came here to recommend one of the hosts of the Frugal Friends podcast! Honestly, I would love for you to collaborate with both of them! But one is open about their adhd and she is not flaky. She has a background in writing and has a lot of responsibility for a very punctual and popular podcast. The other host has a background in social work and has great perspectives on money and mental health. Their podcast and this channel are where I’ve learned everything about money and personal finance!
One quick note, I saw a lot of comments on the video I previously mentioned that said that adhd content creators were being flaky because they had adhd. I just want to say that people with adhd can be very dependable, reliable, and responsible. I am getting my adhd diagnoses right now and I am not flaky. In fact, people know that I will be dependable and so they take advantage of that. Even without medication, I’m able to be very responsible and dependable with buckets of anxiety, alarms, digital reminders, and planning. So it’s not adhd that makes people flaky alone.
This was also talked about in the Jazz Age book "The Great Gatsby." Nick talks about how much more stylish the Buchanans were (Old Money) over Jay Gatsby's tacky pink shirts (New Money). Both were rich, just expressed it differently.
But that was meant to show Gatsby's failure.
I was a prep in the 80's and did wear sperrys and bass sandals, I still have a Ralph Lauren prep aestethic today at 55 and prefer to call it cultured classic. I don't think in any way, shape or form I am better than anyone else, I just love that style. I am a single mom who has a medium income (under 60K a year) and rent my apt. I have no boat, no Chanel lambskin quilted bag, no country club membership, don't do erewhon. I hope people see beyond what I wear to understand you can be classic and still be happy with your diet coke, a quiet night in with a Netflix binge of The First 48 as much as attending a charity fashion show at Neiman Marcus, the member's seasonal galas at Dr. Phillips Center for Arts, and a new exhibit party at the Dali museum. #ForeverAPrep #NotOldMoney
I love this comment, nuance is important. I love the preppy style too
There also is a peer reviewed study that shows that increased wealth breeds increased entitlement and less charitable giving.
As generational wealth removes heirs from work, they lose the understanding that, even in the case of working for dad, of what it’s like to _really_ have it on the line wrt livelihood.
Just a day ago the board of Berkshire Hathaway voted down climate and diversity proposals. Poor people greatly benefit, rich ppl can insulate themselves in a myriad of ways.
And for the billionaire-identifying middle class, it affects you a great deal more than you believe.
So the idolatry of the wealthy is akin to the idolatry of gun culture: senseless.
I follow none of those emulators. I suggest bird photogs, national parks, art, and music.
I like the style, it’s timeless and if you keep the pieces you have simple it’ll be easy to mix and match rather than the flashy ‘new money’ style that is Logo obsessed. Old money keeps it discreet. You’d be surprised that some of the old money or just wealthy in general hide in with the crowd; may volunteer at organizations etc, shop at Marshall’s. I think it’s better than the ‘new money’ because new money typically can get more attitude, The Roy family in succession that are new money and the Pierces are old money…..kardashians new money, rockefellers old money
I have no idea if this is related to this video or not, but recently a cousin of mine had visited Paris while I was in California (I live in the Paris region actually by the way and my cousin lives close to California, we weren't thinking of each other when we were planning our trips). Anyways, this cousin contacted me because she had seen this hand bag at the flagship Celine store in Paris and was gonna buy it back in the States except the price was much lower in Paris and wanted me to go pick it up and send it to her. She said she'd wire me the money for it. I'm not from that tax bracket, not even close, so I never go into those stores, ever, and I always assumed that you needed an appointment or wait in a long line to even get in one of those stores. I checked online for the price of the bag............. let's just say that if I had that kind of money I would NOT be spending it on a bag, hahhaha. I really didn't want to do this for her, so I reminded her that the cost of the import tax might even out the cost of just buying the bag in the US (though I didn't find out till later that the US doesn't charge an import tax like France does). I've never had money, like never, my family pretty much always lived below our means to try to stay out of debt, I'm currently finally in a place where I'm comfortable but I would still never dream of these luxury items and such unless I got it at a second hand store (the only "nice" handbag I own is a Coach I bought at a thrift store for 20 bucks, lol, and there are NO logos on it except one small leather tag). So my cousin nonchalantly asking me to do this favor for her of going into a luxury store to buy something that screams "look at me, look what I can afford" really made me uncomfortable and almost kinda disgusted me.
I worked at Denny’s graveyard Friday and Saturday 5pm-5am, for years in college and even after when starting my office life career for the extra $. One summer I decided I’d work at a country club instead. More hours more table running and service requirements like wine sampling and how to serve the table per course. Wayyyyyyy less money and the attitude. I preferred to go back to servicing my regulars, the truckers, the drunks and the then the dancers would come in after the club people left. Way better experience at Denny’s. While the networking at the country club was better the experience I gained at Denny’s I still use more today, than even some of my college work.
I was also a personal assistant for an old money woman for a few years. She was the eccentric type that although she had privilege she didn’t stick with a lot of old money norms. She was fun and taught some great lessons too. ❤
I love this overlap of clothing and perceived/projected wealth. Would love more of this kind of content especially as it pertains to showing designer goods with and without logos.
i grew up poor, but my mom taught me the same style principles as you see with old money and it's for very practical reasons - over time you end up spending relatively similar amounts of money and the clothes look better, albeit less flashy, just that you can only get less clothes. Go for natural, high quality materials, well cut, clean, elegant lines, elegant colors and limit how many colors you use in an outfit at a time to 3. Never wear logos or let the brand of the piece be visible, ever ever, because it's tacky and it can hurt people who are struggling if they see it and you don't want to ever, even by mistake, send the message to someone that you think you're better than them or be very obvious when you have more money than a particular group you're mingling with. That said, no need to be homely or boring either, just keep things classy
Hi Chelsea, great point about the fact that many generationally wealthy people do keep it generally to them selfs. I think we would be surprised who in our lives just benefits from those wells of unspoken wealth. It’s not until everyone knows the privileges others are afforded that we realize the class struggle.
And I think what that question was getting at is even if we are doing the most, it can feel like it is hard to feel change or still be part of something to make things better. Because all things are tied to global capitalism and it’s exploitation it is overwhelming to think about it all but we should focus on what we can do in our lives and forming that solidarity and making that space to expand the mutual aid.
If you look at the British royals - Princess Anne wears clothes she was pictured in back in the 1970’s. Prince Philip wore the same suits he had made 60 years ago. (The last state dinner he attended he was wearing the same white tie & tails he had purchased around the queens coronation, almost 65 years earlier.) They just take items back to the tailor to get minor wear & tear repaired.
Hummmm... Generational wealth is not an easy task, 70 % of families lose most of their wealth by the end of the second generation,by the third generation the losses goes up to 90%.
I'm a third generation who has inherited wealth that has increased but only by smart investing , careful spending and protecting what we have. My Grandfather taught me from an early age as did my parents not to spend thoughtlessly ,we had nothing to prove.
Old money is being normal, complaining about paying too much for bills and shit, and spending an obscene amount on land, dogs, horses, garden, hunting, sports and clothes involving these activities. That’s essentially most royal families.
i had no idea succession chic was a thing
brb thrifting gaudy necklaces so i can look like a middle age billionarie in a crisis. Kendall core ✨
The fact that most ppl see old money as a _sartorial choice_ is so funny to me. Like. That whole discussions shows you’re not old money and cannot blend or “disguise” yourself as one of them. Old money is embodied - a way of viewing the world that is so far removed actual everyday ppl. It’s aloofness toward the typical things everyday ppl worry about: bills, food prices, climate change, political upheaval. Truly wealthy ppl who come from GENERATIONS of wealth literally can’t fathom the world in those terms because they most likely make money off that turmoil. You can wear that camel color cashmere blend sweater, but “they” can see it pilling and stretching out after years of constant use. And “they” always see that you bring a lunch to work which is so trickling funny to them because they have private chefs who make their meals fresh daily.
I think people just appreciate simplicity and quality clothing, it doesn't have to mean 'obsession', that's a reach.
The title is hilarious because finally someone said it. So many of them are obsessing over money they don't have. Instead of actively trying to excel financially, they're daydreaming & philosophizing about hypothetical wealth.
We went from eat the rich vibes right back to idolizing them. Tragic. Brilliant. A sign of the times.
I'd also say the old money style is many ways of comfort: thick but breathable fabrics and knits, easily matched colors, not skin tight but rather a more relaxed but elegant fit, and not showing so much skin. It's easier to feel safe and comfortable in these clothes (unless it's not your style ofc) . And you know it won't go out of style as the microtrends do.
I know a lot of people like the “looks” of it, but hopefully they know you can't blend with “old money”. It's a mindset that took generations to cultivate, and if you're a poc don't even try lol. I look out of place in the normal clothes i wear, i can't imagine dressing in any aesthetic let alone one that has purposely excluded poc since time immemorial.
“If you’re a poc don’t even try” Oh my…major cringe. Are you aware that there are poc old money families who exist within and around old money european and white american families and networks? And that poc marry into european and american old money families? Gosh, this internet obsession with old money is just ridiculous. You appear to know so much, yet I promise, you know absolutely nothing. In the last decade, I’ve attended 10 weddings of poc women who have married into european and american families. That may seem like very little, but there aren’t many old families around anymore. Anyways, spend less time on the internet learning about old money and go to places where old money actually live…you’ll find yourself quite surprised. :)
My step dads in laws are Indian American, brown people, old money. My bio dad who I didn’t grow up with, I’ve only met some of his family twice they are multiracial “Louisiana Creole” I get the feeling they might be old money. They put off those vibes strongly. So I’ve been around more poc that i perceived to be “ old money”
The internet is getting extremely weird. It's starting to run outta things to talk about. So I have a friend and her daughter for a 1200 ugly LV purse and said..oh I want this purse because it looks like old money. Mind you..mom,my friend, has been living at home for the past 15yrs. It's getting wild out here.
I’m re reading Edith Wharton. This was definitely going on in NYC 100 years ago
My opinion on the fascination with old money aesthetic is the longevity of it. Following trends that change all the time is costly and exhausting to keep up with. Old money aesthetic pieces are often crafted well and made with natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool. They’ll be timeless pieces that you can keep for decades if not for a lifetime. All that to say, I don’t think everyone is trying to look rich. I don’t have the money to keep buying the same low quality things over and over. I can afford to spend more on something that may last me forever
this "old money" style just looks like... american sportswear? seems the kids just keep renaming the fashion wheel.
At first it was a meme to compare 2020s to the 1920s, but everyday the world proves- with its fascination with wealth and indulgence at any cost- this era is closer to the one that Jay Gatsby lived in than we thought. Am not looking to repeat the 1930s…😕
lol. Let's hope another world war doesn't happen.
I know ONE person with extreme generational wealth; she's in her eighties and even though she has money her clothes are quite worn and I always see her in the same 3-4 outfits. This is the kind of 'old money' LOOK I aspire to - a somewhat timeless wardrobe wardrobe that flatters me and is sustainable.
Old money style is very similar to classic or timeless wardrobe pieces
The title of this video is hilarious 😂
The shien girlies are gonna be mad😂Out here with a duplicate,very low quality chanel blazer,just to look like old money.Peer pressure is something else😂😂😂
@@isadorascarlett1028 whew 😅 just for that same low quality blazer to be in the back of their closets in a couple of months collecting dust
😆
16:10 know this is an old video and few people will probably see my comment, but what you say gives me so much „warm fuzzies” and generally a good feeling. It’s rare that we stop and give credit to ourselves in the world that feels like there is so many things to fix in and we can only do so much.
Well, I think it it looks more refined, less flashy, and makes you look less needy to show off your wealth. Ironically, you can get an "old money" look with more affordable and neutral items (and the pricier will last for a lifetime), while you will get broke trying to get the "new money" look, which just follows trends.
Having my kids really helped me see my body in a positive light. It’s like I realised my body was actually there for me to use and not just about how I’m being seen? I still get a little self conscious sometimes but it’s so much less then I had up to 26.
Whats the point of looking rich or old money when some people go home to a crappy house or average house in an average area. Its so tiring to try and impress other people whose opinion shouldn't matter
I learned that I have been a coastal grandmother my whole life.
I honestly don't think you can adopt an aesthetic to fake like you're from a social class when you're not , at best you would look like you have "timeless" style, old money is a mindset, the clothes are just an extension of that
One thing i have noticed in people from generacional wealth, they don't care about brands, they look at Quality, things that last. If things last so they go "clásics", they acumulate and thats how for example a christening gown can be worn by several babies over years.
I don’t know if you know the Pinçon - Charlot couple , or even if their work have been translated in English, but a lot of their work is on this topic. It’s fascinating to hear them talk about the VERY RICH people. (Not your average old money bourgeoise family, which they are a lot in France). I remember them saying the aristocrats are like a closed communist community, where the privileges are handed to anyone who is part of the group. They are not individuals fighting for their privileges, they are a group and therefore they have the financial power of a community. That’s what make it so hard to get to their level of wealth
I hope what I say is clear enough 🙃
I just learned about old money and new money, and now I could not care less 😂😂😂
Personally, I just believe in being as authentic as I possibly can. So, why should I try to dress like money I don’t have - old or new 😂
I grew up in an upper-middle to upper class neighborhood on Long Island. In fact, it was on the North Shore in the exact same communities where the Great Gatsby is set. The old and new money divide was something people always paid attention to. The people who were new money were fairly obvious. It was less so about what they drove and wear, but rather how they acted about it. New moneyed folks were always trying to impress others, they always let you know what kind of car they drove and where they liked to vacation. The people who were in fact old money where much less obvious, so much so that some of their kids didn’t even think they had money. If they drove a Mercedes or BMW it was usually a much older model, occasionally even a Land Rover, Bentley, or Aston Martin. If they wanted something new but still luxurious they’d either go for a fully loaded economy car like Subaru or Toyota, but new luxury cars typically came from more discreet manufacturers like Volvo or Audi. There were a few ‘old moneyed’ folks who were obviously wealthy because of their family names, two of these families I knew were heirs of national/regional companies, and the third was a member of a very prominent political family. But most of these old wealthy families were people you’d never heard of. Typically they owned real estate or were shareholders of an obscure B to B type business. But I would say both old an new moneyed families were hypersensitive about their images, each in their own way. New moneyed folks had a bit of chip on their shoulders and wanted to show that they were “somebody.” Old moneyed folks were keen on not looking like they were new money. I’ve heard people from these families say things like they would never be caught dead wearing something with a logo, or even that they wouldn’t drive a certain vehicles because the didn’t want to look like they were parvenus.
Old money is just a term being used now, again. It's really a reaction to the crass, vulgarness of general society and media offerings, not to mention feckless social movements, politicians and the horrid decline of academics.
What this really is is a turn back to timeless values of class, meaning, beauty, taste, serenity, stability, sanity. All of which have been devalued by the current rampage of imbalanced radicalism.
Question 2: Also, look into how much you are being paid, and estimate how much overtime you expect to do. Use that to calculate your new hourly wage, and decide if the job is worth it. Negotiate for higher wages to match, and have a discussion before negotiation on how much work outside of work is normal.
Honestly this" old money style" trend is only so visible and popular now because until now the "fashion crowd" tended to obsess over streetstyle and logos. If you're going to old money cities in Europe such as Paris, Munich, Hamburg, Madrid, London, Rome, etc. it's annoying everyone that this is a "trend" now as people there have been dressing this way for forever. It's basically the go-to aesthetic for the middle to upper classes here. Flashy clothes with lots of logos have always been frowned upon and have usually been assigned to overseas foreigners or ostentatious wannabes.
Money means great skin, hair and figure. My friend went to a Chanel shop holding a rented purse and all dolled up after a wedding. She was ignored. I always had great service in my sweats. I am in my 40s and tired and I will shop in sweats and uggs and I do not wear makeup indoors. This is for Korean shops. Not sure about the rest of the world. My good friend aged naturally and I have monthly laser sessions to prevent skin sagging since I was 25. My hair cuts cost 5 times as much as her hair salon. My friend drinks and smokes and I work out like a fiend and drink about glass of wine in a whole year. My friend works longer hours and does not have the time and energy to take care of herself. Money spent simply shows, and no purse or dress can cover the lack of it or vice versa. Great diction, manners and proper grammar goes a long way too, which are also byproducts of money
Way to toot your own horn
thank you for the analysis and also the reassurance at the end. I'm also a person who already does a lot for the bettering of society, be it volunteering, donating or partaking in political organizations. still, i often feel like I'm not doing enough and start feeling bad when I do things just for fun because that isn't productive for society. Note that I'm a full time stutent and a lot of my hobbies is additional work I do voluntarily. Also, I have caught myself judging others for not doing voluntary work etc. I was surprised about myself thinking badly of others for that, when in reality we're all just trying to getnon with our lives in this capitalist society and it's clear that we all need to enjoy our free time after working 40+ hours! So I really need to stop judging myself. And develop a bit of hope because thankfully the tone Gen Z are setting in these conversations is quite progressive!
CNBC just did an article and I was like, "Wait, Chelsea talked about that!"
The article is called "At a time when most Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, the 'quiet luxury' trend takes over"