We all want to look like 'old money' in 2023, and no one exemplifies it better than Sofia Richie
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- The "old money" aesthetic isn't going anywhere.
- Searches for the trend on TikTok have continued to climb.
- No one exemplifies the style better than Sofia Richie Grainge.
Since 2021, the biggest style and decor trend to sweep For You pages and Pinterest boards everywhere is the old-money aesthetic — and no one exemplifies it better than Sofia Richie Grainge.
Inspired by timeless fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Lady Diana, and even fictional characters like "Gossip Girl" icon Blair Waldorf or the cast of "Succession," the idea behind "old-money chic" is to evoke an aspirational lifestyle of yachts, tennis clubs, and other signals of immense wealth.
New TikTok 'It' girl Richie Grainge (the youngest daughter of singer Lionel Richie) has become the poster child for the laid-back, modern take on the trend. Ever since she unexpectedly joined TikTok during her wedding week, Richie Grainge has become the style icon of the moment with low heels, tailored looks, demure nails, and slick hair. Her follower count is now over 2.6 million users and 36.2 million likes.
@sofiarichiegrainge Staring the week off in Valentino
♬ Lovely Day Austin Millz Remix - Austin Millz
While the old-money aesthetic isn't new — colleagues at Business Insider previously wrote about the aspirational trend back in 2021 — it's proving to have staying power.
On TikTok, searches for #OldMoney have surged with over 6.5 billion views on the app, while #OldMoneyAesthetic has 2.9 billion. For context, #SofiaRichieStyle is quickly rising with over 323 million views.
@reecelopez sofia richie style outfit inspo????????️????️ #styleinspo #oldmoneyoutfits #timelessfashion #modestoutfits #summeroutfitideas #kelseymerritt
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How to dress like 'old money'
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Stripes, chic blazers, pearls, tennis whites, and tailored anything, the trend of "old-money chic" can be found in brands like Chanel and Ralph Lauren as well as more attainable names like Banana Republic and J. Crew.
Classic "old money" is all about discreet wealth and in-the-know status symbols. The biggest difference between "old money" and "new money" is perhaps best exemplified by the "ludicrously capacious bag" in the final season of "Succession," wherein a young woman is mocked at an upper-class party for her branded Louis Vuitton backpack. The scene was instantly meme-able (and searches for the $2,900 bag skyrocketed).
But for Gen Z, the trend also appears to be about buying quality pieces in neutral tones that can all be mixed and matched together — as well as bought secondhand. The general idea is to find investment pieces that will look as good today as they will 40 years from now.
"Today, the trend is more about an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship rather than high-priced luxury items, whether that's from second-hand heritage brands or up-and-coming designers," Depop's brand and category manager Agustina Panzon told Harper's Bazaar Australia.
"Old money" is also associated with interior-design style, nail inspiration, hairstyles, and more — or just go follow Sofia Richie on TikTok. You'll get the general idea.