What is the Old Money Style? The Four Categories

In this new edition of Sartorial Talks, Sonya Glyn dissects the four categories of Old Money Style: The Normcore style, The Ivy/Prep look, The Quiet Luxury Style and the Branded Clothes style.

Links to the articles and videos quoted in this episode:

[muhammadrifkiali]

3:05 Normcore
1. Shirt
-Button Down Oxford
- Tee Shirt
- Overshirt
- Polo Shirt
2. Jumper/Sweater
3. Trousers
- Khaki
- Jeans
4. Sport Coat
5. Quilted Jacket

7:20 Prepp/Ivy
1. Polo
2. Rugby Shirt
3. Cable Sweater
4. Oxford Shirt
5. Blazer
6. Varsity Jacket
7. Chino
8. Seersucker Tailoring
9. Loafers
10. Accessories
- Regimental Tie
- Belt

14:55 Quiet Luxury
1. Blazer
2. Summer Suit
3. Shirt
4. Tweed Suit
5. Cashmere Sweater
6. Trousers
7. Shoes
8. Scarf
9. Tuxedo
10. Outerwear

[jamesleung]

I just love Sonya's smooth, soothing voice.

[TheXleyva]

I'm so grateful to have found these satorial talks. I never realized how much I value classic style over trends that ebb and flow. By watching these talks and incorporating these lessons into my own style, Ive come to value quality over branding. As I continue to grow in this journey I've come to love the history of the craftmanship as much as the aesthetic of the pieces I've acquired. You all have educated, enlightened and most of all, inspired me, and for that I thank you.

[andrewbarthus]

Thank you once again, Sonya and Hugo.
In England, agricultural or country clothing is also an aspect of the ‘old money’ aesthetic. The association is, of course, due to such families possessing land through time. Subsequently, the gilet is a popular item. The Oakham and Lyndon Fleece from Schöffel are staples. Country Boots are also prized. Le Chameau, Aigle or Dubarry are favoured. Equally, you can’t go wrong with a pair of leather gloves. Purdey is desirable for shooting gloves naturally, but Dents are also good.

I’m grateful that so much time has been spent on this channel. It truly has been life-altering. You are both great beacons for sincerity and care. It’s always a joy to see you. AB

[Lasciatemi_Guidare]

Loved the shoutouts to LL Bean and Lands End. My childhood wardrobe was almost entirely from those stores. I’d add Woolrich into that list too.

[CONVAIR_]

My most casual style for many years has been basic olive chinos, suede desert boots, a black t-shirt and a sometimes simple navy sweater, with or without roll neck and a heritage Seiko dive watch. I can wear this anywhere without standing out much, … or get mugged for the watch. I prefer a classic suit or at least a shirt and sports coat though.
I wanted to try Ivy/prep style for a while, so this video is very much appreciated.

[tomschuurman]

very refreshing to see a video with a real person (non AI) and a real voice. I liked it.

[janerkenbrack]

Thanks you, Sonya. Your take on this subject is one of the best I've seen, especially because of the references from Anderson Cooper. The only place I think you've missed (just a little) is about quiet luxury. Here the key you missed is that the quiet part is the absence of labels or identifying brand. The core idea of old money people is to scrupulously avoiding any obvious displays of wealth. Any branding at all is tantamount to bragging.
Old money people are best understood by contrasting them with new money people. (Who, my old money parent referred to as "cod fish, " (a term of uncertain origin). New money people want others to know they have expensive items, whereas old money people shun such displays. This isn't meant to be a slight to new money, just a realization of the pattern. People who are new to wealth are often impressed by that wealth, so this is what they seek to express. Old money people have noting to prove, and would rather avoid any discussion of cost with anyone excepting a close friend when such a thing is appropriate.
After all, not all old money people still have a lot of money. It is considered to be in poor taste to make displays of personal wealth. It might seem you are showing up others.
Good quality understated attire is the guide. In fact, it takes a trained eye to even notice old money people in typical public settings. And whenever you see someone with obvious displays of wealth, you can bet they are not old money.
Another piece you missed (and you are forgiven, as it is a little afield of your core message), is the process of keeping items for a long time. Clothing that has been mended is a hallmark of old money. People who are very comfortable with having wealth, are not concerned if people misunderstand mended clothing. While careful selection for quality goes into acquiring clothing and shoes, care is also taken to make them last. The longer you have good quality, well-fitted items, the more loved those items become, and the more eager the wearer is to keep them. (To borrow a line from Jim Croce, "...they will vanish away like your Dad's best jeans, denim blue, faded up to the sky. And though you want them to last forever, you know they never will, you know they never will. And the patches make the goodbye harder still.")
It is fairly common for old money people to have mended and repaired items, and it is less about the savings as it is about the love.
My observation is that people dress to impress those like themselves. Old money people don't need to impress anyone, so they avoid looking like they are trying. If you are well-versed in quality (like you and Hugo), you will recognize it in other's clothing. But not because of the brand.

[VTT]

I’ve been researching (and incorporating) the ivy-league style for roughly the past 6 months in preparation to attend Brown next fall (if I get in!).

This video is so insightful and clearly highlights the parts which form the “old money aesthetic” which in reality is a few different styles that the general public perceive as being worn by those with a significant amount of wealth (especially that which has been inherited rather then earned).

It’s also so clearly and concisely presented. Thank you Sonya!

[LiaAndrews]

Thank you Sonya. Your style, voice, demeanor exemplify feminity expressed in what I always thought of as masculine style of clothes. I really appreciate having you as an example to emulate and find my own style.

[abdrhmanidris]

I really appreciate your efforts you put on to produce these subjects about classic men style. Thank you

[iahorvath]

Thank you for sharing those well explained descriptions of the quiet luxury aesthetic. As a woman, my favourite quiet luxury style icon is Caroline Bassett Kennedy, John Kennedy Jr.’s young wife. She had this look down and her style was and still is, timeless.

[canadafree]

This is why I watch ST. There are other YouTube channels that address men's style, some pretty good and talk about this topic as well. But ST is like a university level education on men's style.

[joytekb]

I just buy Barbour (good for Royal good for me), Hackett, Ben Sherman and Northface and let them think and decide. Love the channel

[ryanmead]

Good evening Sonya and Hugo I hope that this finds you both well, great video, fantastic subject matter, thank you so much your friend Ryan.

[julianpiket]

Beautiful and detailed explanation. Can't agree more!

[Gent.Z]

I really enjoyed this video, Sonya. It was great to see plenty of examples and some very actionable style advice.

[kikkerman]

mevrouw heeft echt een heel mooi pak aan met een passend débardeur.
een mooi ensemble zonder hemd eronder. chique .Wat een mooie stof. hugo en sonya zijn echt next level. respect

[leeoliver]

I enjoyed listening to you speak very much. You're engaging yet relaxing. If I've ever watched this channel, it's been Hugo who has been speaking (although I also do find him calming to listen to, too).

[MICHAEL-xryx]

I loved this episode!
Normcore and Quiet Luxury are mine, but I have a limited budget, so...
Thank you for the tips and breakdown of the categories. Very helpful.
Stay well.
Blessings 🙏🏿💕