'Old Money' is NOT the Same as 'Classic Style' (Here's Why!)

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00:00 Introduction

Between clips on Tiktok and reels on how to master the “Old Money” look to the popularity of shows like Succession, it seems like “Old Money” as a concept is everywhere these days.

With all the hype, you might be wondering "what does Old Money actually mean? and "how does it relate to Classic Style?" Because, at first glance, they certainly seem extremely similar.

01:00 “Old Money” as a Concept

“Old Money” refers to family dynasties that benefit from inherited wealth from which they derive status, influence, and significance. Technically speaking, “Old Money” is distinct from a noble aristocracy in which privilege is derived from noble birth and titles.

02:20 The "Old Money" Aesthetic

It is distinct from, but obviously related to, Old Money as a concept. It is essentially the cultural perception of what Old Money wears that is informed by historical realities but also contemporary assumptions.

05:00 OMA Hallmarks: 1. Subtle and Unassuming
06:01 2. Memorable
06:33 3. Timeless
07:11 4. Quality
08:09 5. Personal
09:15 6. Lifestyle Oriented
10:10 7. Effortless
11:03 8. Appropriate
12:14 9. More Formal
13:09 10. Inherited

14:18 Classic Style, Old Money: the Same?

It’s clear that broad OMA draws extensively from Classic Style with the result that most Old Money looks are very typical of Classic Style. But the terms definitely are not interchangeable. Largely because Classic Style encompasses a much larger range of styles than just OMA.

17:25 Conclusion

While the Venn diagram between OMA and Classic Style has considerable overlap, the terms are not interchangeable. And some important factors do distinguish them.

17:49 Outfit Rundown

#oldmoneystyle #classicstyle #notsponsored

[vytfwno]

Now that "Old Money" is trending, I'm so glad you distinguished one style from the other.

[kovarilaszlo]

That's that, someone had to nail it, and you guys just did. Old Money is quickly turning into a general vintage inspired try-hard look, keeping it modest and classic is the way to go ;)

[siegfriedo]

I consider myself a proponent of No Money Aesthetics.
It has been working out for me just fine so far.

[miamipastel]

Classic menswear encompasses the history of working class and middle class fashion, as well as that of the wealthy. I would not use old money interchangeably with classic menswear because it is narrowed towards the latter.

[davidjarnot]

That shirt and tie combination is absolutely spot on

[adamsansom]

I took the step, and I finally done it. I dress up every time I go out. Spearpointed french cuffed shirt, oxford bags with bracers, brown and white full brogues, and lindy hop style ties. Let's not forget my brown fedora too!

You guys inspired me and educated me a lot. I feel 1000% better in myself, and I look forward to dressing up. I also use brilliantine in my hair. I'm going to get some buttoniers from you guys next, then maybe some feathers to put in my hat.

You guys are the best 👌

[SimonChambers]

A very interesting video going in depth into a "buzz word" that I've grown to dislike- "Old Money". Thanks for this analysis!

[hannesbirkmann]

Love that subtle play into Raphael's German heritage by calling the old money look "Oma"

[rockymtnstyle]

This is way more interesting than I thought it would be. Well done, Preston!

[DarthVoon]

"If granddaddy 's money is good enough for you, the the cut of this suit should be too". Thanks for the laugh, you're making my day.

[SleepDisorderedBreathing]

Man Preston you look really handsome in your ensemble thank you for setting the example for us!

[dkwolfe]

This video has Preston in one of the best outfits suiting his frame and body type.

[XavierPorter-imjz]

I love how gentleman's gazette perfectly explains everything. And thank you for a another amazing video.

[alvinmick]

Your videos are always of premium quality and packed with great content! I thoroughly enjoy watching them and have learned so much. Very well done 🥃

[williamkazak]

The movie stars of the 30's and 40's impress me. They wear their suits and clothing so effortlessly, so elegantly, so realistically and look great all the while.

[ellove]

This is a great video & so are all of you guys!💕💕

[Michael_R]

Another excellent video from Preston. I’ll go with Classic Style every time. I do love Preston’s outfit however, especially the necktie.

[janerkenbrack]

My experience seeing old money, new money, no money, and other people's money, tells me that everyone dresses to impress their peers, not other people's peers.

So it would follow that old money dresses for other old money people. And the one thing they seem to have in common, is the irrelevancy of cost of whatever others are wearing. You wouldn't ask, heaven forbid, and no one in that peer group would mention cost. It's in bad taste. Old money, in direct contrast to new money, doesn't want to upstage someone else, or chance drawing attention to someone's economic picture. How much money people have is not a meaningful measure of the person. And to draw attention to wealth (or the lack of) would be unkind.
The entertainment media caricature of old wealth is often wrong about this, and think old money people are flaunting their wealth. That isn't old money. That's new money.

So when they compliment someone on an item or outfit, it bears no relation on what label it is, or how much was paid. In this way old money is far more attentive to the actual product or style on that person. And both parties in such a conversation know that the other isn't judging them by something as mundane as money. That's something new money people do.
And this means that they tend to shun items of dress that display labels. Displaying brands is the same thing as telling people what you spent.

And when you compliment an old money person on some garment or item, they will just say thanks. And if ask them about it, they will often "forget" where they got it, or that they've had it for years, or it was handed down from their dad, or some other thing to convey something covered above - avoiding attaching the idea of cost to the item. If they tell you, are they bragging? Bragging isn't old money.

But you needn't be a clotheshorse or have a huge closet filled with clothes (though you can, if you want), to be old money. But you must have the appropriate formality for the situation. And here you find attention often to a few excellent pieces for each type of activity. Mostly, the goal is to fit in well with the general ambiance of the place and occasion. If they are the best dressed in the room, it is a coincidence, not an intention. So yeah, a ball cap if you're doing ball cap stuff.
And this can and often does lead to old money people wearing worn and repaired clothing. If you like something, honor it by mending and wearing. An old money people are not going to judge that repair negatively. The repair allows one to keep wearing something they like and enjoy. Remember, they are dressing for other people who would do the same.
Look nice for the kind of people who don't care what you spent.

New money is the opposite. New money is eager to display wealth, and more importantly, to compare wealth. They will dress to draw the attention of other people who are impressed by monetary wealth.
They will spend more on cars and clothes than the old money does, simply because that is what s important. The value to them is how much it cost.
This makes sense, because unless you've had money a long time, money is important. It is what allows you to have nice things. And the coveting of those nice things often motivates people to strive for more money.
After a few generations, and with trust funds established, or basic needs thoroughly met, it is much easier to ignore wealth. This is true in a broader picture as well. Once you stop thinking about where you are going to get money, and so long as you live comfortably within your means, it is much easier to quite worrying about it.
So old money people might have been friends since private school, but be widely separated by actual wealth. This makes keeping cost out of the conversation, and especially out of your presentation.

Dress old money by dressing with understated taste, and avoid drawing attention to cost. Wear what is appropriate for the occasion following the rule in the last sentence. Don't try and show anyone up. Don't mention price or brand. Don't answer questions about price or brand with those you don't know very well, and don't insult the person who asked.

That's the old money aesthetic.

[TheoTheTimeTravelingMagician]

Informitave and entertaining video, gents!

[a.c.]

I found this channel while looking for information about fountain pens and oh my gosh, I'm hooked. I'm not even a gentleman! Just a Gen X lady who grew up wearing grunge. Haha! But I find everything about this channel to be so pleasant and charming!