Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

"Old Money Aesthetic" vs. "Nouveau Riche" Rules on Social Media

  • Thread starter Thread starter Betty Baguette
  • Start date Start date
Bron357 said:
I’m older and no longer care about what other people think.
decades ago I knew a guy who was old money, very old money and a lot of it. He drove a Volvo station wagon bought new 20 years earlier and would be driven until it gave up the ghost. A group of us from work went to his apartment as we were traveling with him and he needed something from home. His apartment was the entire floor and penthouse and at Darling Point in Sydney. Today, value in the tens of millions. He had paintings on the wall that I’ve seen photos of in books. Nancy who was somewhat bored while waiting leant on a table, half sitting on the edge. I swooped in and removed her butt from it! You don’t sit on tables, let alone a Chippendale piece.
His family, well his forbearer had a few sheep and was on our Australian $2 note. And he would never have said.
Click to expand...

That is what I would call CLASS!
 
Fun topic. Old as the hills—I am thinking of the classic Nancy Mitford essay about U and non-U. My sister read that as a teenager and has never let the word ‘couch’ cross her lips again. Only sofa! I love to drop the word ‘couch’ at every opportunity around her! So do my kids.
 
This topic delights me to no end because I love learning about different social and cultural groups. It’s fascinating all of the social signalling we do!

You can also add: no synthetic fibres for clothing- only silk, cotton, wool, etc. no pleather, just leather! No viscose! You get it.

I wonder if a Birkin bag counts as a logo? Prob not but some brands are so iconic I’d say they’re as recognizable as a giant GUCCI double G.
 
Shoes, haircut/grooming, well-fitting/well-tailored solid-color no-logo clothing in discreet hues, measured and thinly-veiled disdain.

Or, you can Google "How to not look like an American when you go to Europe." Pretty much every adult male in a major Italian city seems to nail it.

There are a million counter-examples.

And there is a huge difference between "not caring" and looking like generational wealth.

No one will ever mistake me for rich but my objective on occasion -- while traveling -- is to at least leave some doubt :cool2:
 
monarch64 said:
@Betty Baguette I have definitely noticed the trend of content creators talking about old money vs nouveau riche aesthetic. There’s one creator who interviews “random” passers-by in Palm Beach and asks them to say where their outfit, bag, shoes, jewelry are from. It’s kind of uncomfortable to watch. Either the people are very eager to state which designers they’re wearing or they’re vague and say things like “my dress is from a shop in Positano,” or something. I finally blocked the creator because it was creeping me out.

Another creator started listing things that are “old money aesthetic” and I remember one she included was ladies nails. Apparently old money only wears a nude/pale pink polish, nothing at all, or a classic red, and absolutely all were short, no long nails at all.

Yet another trend has been the LL Bean boat and tote, with a twist: this time it’s “ironic” monogramming. For example, one young man is pictured with his boat and tote bag embroidered with “Short King.” A young woman shows hers with “Me Trying” in script.

Then there’s the “quiet luxury” that I blame Mary Kate and Ashley Olson for. Their fashion label is The Row and good grief is it boring. Label-less yet recognizable to someone in the industry. Lots of black, and plain white tees that are prob $100. Again, trying to be old money aesthetic but missing the point entirely that people have old money because they didn’t spend it all on white cotton tees that cost $1 to manufacture.

Finally, Kiel James Patrick is a brand that’s had a fair amount of success after creating an Instagram aesthetic that looks like what one might imagine when they think of Martha’s Vineyard or a Nantucket vibe: cords, tweed, rugby shirts, fair isle sweaters, critter-embroidered chinos, etc. Rowing Blazers has followed suit in a similar manner by using social media to create an image that revolves around prep school attire collaborations with classic characters like Babar, Winnie the Pooh, and partnering with the likes of Arthur Ashe for collections as well as bringing back the iconic Princess Diana sweater (red with all white sheep and one black sheep on the breast).

Sooooo, yeah. It’s become a whole thing. It’s fun, but as you say, not to be taken seriously.

IMG_9912.jpeg
Click to expand...

Last time I checked, (because some 'influencers' were raving about it), a plain white t-shirt from The Row retails for over $300. To me that itself is absurd and the idea that influencers are preaching these as a way to pretend to have generational wealth is even more absurd.
 
Last edited:
Mrsz1ppy said:
Fun topic. Old as the hills—I am thinking of the classic Nancy Mitford essay about U and non-U. My sister read that as a teenager and has never let the word ‘couch’ cross her lips again. Only sofa! I love to drop the word ‘couch’ at every opportunity around her! So do my kids.
Click to expand...

I must have read that at some point! I grew up poor ( with a side of anxiety ) on the Main Line which is very old money. I probably was hoping to just not embarrass myself when speaking.
I like nice cars and handbags but mostly because they last longer. I don’t like LV style logos but there are nice designer bags and I will keep them for years. I think purchasing less items and keeping them is better for the planet. I drive a 2009 SUV and I hope it lasts 2-3 more years.
 
diamondyes said:
This topic delights me to no end because I love learning about different social and cultural groups. It’s fascinating all of the social signalling we do!

You can also add: no synthetic fibres for clothing- only silk, cotton, wool, etc. no pleather, just leather! No viscose! You get it.

I wonder if a Birkin bag counts as a logo? Prob not but some brands are so iconic I’d say they’re as recognizable as a giant GUCCI double G.
Click to expand...

"How long is the Birkin waitlist?
Hermes implement strict rules as to who is able to acquire one of their iconic bags. There are long waiting lists that can stretch up to six years. Even getting on the waiting list is a struggle, with customers ranked on previous purchases and reputation with the company."

I copied the above from Google. Used bags are usually $30,000 and up.
 
Ibrakeforpossums said:
"How long is the Birkin waitlist?
Hermes implement strict rules as to who is able to acquire one of their iconic bags. There are long waiting lists that can stretch up to six years. Even getting on the waiting list is a struggle, with customers ranked on previous purchases and reputation with the company."

I copied the above from Google. Used bags are usually $30,000 and up.
Click to expand...

This and other famous handbags are not to my taste, and I shan't not be getting them if if I had loads of pennies to spare!

DK :))
 
I am in the old camp as well and I find I just dont care anymore...never really did but even less now....my current car is almost 7 years old, hubbys truck is 12 years old, while I do have a few name brand purses they are the "cheaper" name brand and the newest is over 3 years old and its very small....I just dont care much about anything
 
Interesting topic! I find it especially interesting that what counts as old money / new money behaviour is also different across different cultures.

For example, I would say in India, there is such a pervasive culture of conspicuous consumption that even very old-money wealthy families will buy big bling, carry luxury handbags, drive luxury cars, or live in these very desirable neighbourhoods in huge homes.

It’s interesting to think of what the differentiators could be, I’m thinking on it now. I think people are defined a lot by their connections, with “old money” folks knowing the “who’s who” personally. Tackiness in clothes is also looked down upon as “new money” behaviour but I find it so hard to define as what would be considered tacky. Perhaps too many logos or really loud clothes. But I still don’t think it matters as much. The biggest differentiator is in behaviour I would say. Indians can be highly classist imo, and having studied in the right schools, members of the right clubs, friends with the right people etc is more important than having money. In liberal urban india your community doesn’t matter, but your school does.
 
Old person here too and I had no idea this was a new social media thing. However, being a transplant into New England, I am definitely aware of the old money vs. new money thing. Driving an old Volvo and wearing old tweed blazers and beat up Topsiders is pretty common among the old money Yankees. Nothing ostentatious or flashy is typical.
 
I guess my dad's family would be considered as old money.

He and his siblings (14, 2 died at childbirth or something like that) did not need to work. If they did work, it would be considered as play money.

Hardly anything left by the time my generation came along, and my siblings and all my cousins have to work to put food on the table!

DK :lol-2:
 
Wow. That situation would make one philosophical.
Were they happier than you?
 
Lookinagain said:
Old person here too and I had no idea this was a new social media thing. However, being a transplant into New England, I am definitely aware of the old money vs. new money thing. Driving an old Volvo and wearing old tweed blazers and beat up Topsiders is pretty common among the old money Yankees. Nothing ostentatious or flashy is typical.
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I have seen among old money families. Traditional, classic and sometimes almost frumpy. Not pressed or slick by any means but it fascinates me. Nothing to prove and no need to impress.
 
AllAboardTheBlingTrain said:
Interesting topic! I find it especially interesting that what counts as old money / new money behaviour is also different across different cultures.

For example, I would say in India, there is such a pervasive culture of conspicuous consumption that even very old-money wealthy families will buy big bling, carry luxury handbags, drive luxury cars, or live in these very desirable neighbourhoods in huge homes.

It’s interesting to think of what the differentiators could be, I’m thinking on it now. I think people are defined a lot by their connections, with “old money” folks knowing the “who’s who” personally. Tackiness in clothes is also looked down upon as “new money” behaviour but I find it so hard to define as what would be considered tacky. Perhaps too many logos or really loud clothes. But I still don’t think it matters as much. The biggest differentiator is in behaviour I would say. Indians can be highly classist imo, and having studied in the right schools, members of the right clubs, friends with the right people etc is more important than having money. In liberal urban india your community doesn’t matter, but your school does.
Click to expand...

+1 to different cultural priorities… And expression. In India the beige and grey that’s ubiquitous across these how to look classy US-based IG personas would raise eyebrows - in the “what on earth is wrong with you” sense, because in India there’s no conception of neutral colours equating class!
 
I never, ever show any of my jewelry on my regular IG/FB accounts (not that I am old money).

All of my nouveau riche-ish diamond love, is hidden on my anonymous IG account :lol:. I buy jewelry for my own enjoyment.
 
Lookinagain said:
Old person here too and I had no idea this was a new social media thing. However, being a transplant into New England, I am definitely aware of the old money vs. new money thing. Driving an old Volvo and wearing old tweed blazers and beat up Topsiders is pretty common among the old money Yankees. Nothing ostentatious or flashy is typical.
Click to expand...

I've heard many old money New Englanders keep the original gravel driveways on their estates to discourage the commoners from driving up to their homes. :lol-2:
 
@Betty Baguette : the new money vs old money rules apply to my social circle and, in general, to the people I see around me, though young generations are more homogeneous.
[There is also an emerging class called the aspirational class, analyzed in a book published a couple of years ago.]
I'm not rich, so I'm neither old money nor new money, and I'm old enough to be in the do-what-you-like camp but I have to admit that the old/new money rules somehow lead me through the fashion and beauty trends jungle:
- I tend to skip big logos/too many logos on the same outfit;
- I prefer natural fibers classic clothes that can be worn for years;
- not too much flesh exposed;
- I prefer artisanal custom made shoes and bags though they require more than a month to be made and a decisive taste (I love love love getting custom made shoes and sandals : it feels like walking on a soft carpet because the fitting is made on my feet and the owner lets me choose between hundreds different types of leather);
- natural/neutral manicure and pedicure;
- no hair extensions or fancy hair color;
- but I love wearing brand silk foulards (Hermes, Gucci, Versace, LV, ...);
- I also love wearing brand jewels and watches (Cartier,Tiffany,...) and mix them with no brand jewellery, expecially bold vintage jewellery.
 
Betty Baguette said:
I guess I've been living under a rock, but I've just noticed this big trend on social media about trying to look like "old money" instead of "new money."

There's a set of "rules", like not wearing logos (on clothes, handbags), stilettos, really bright clothing, or big flashy jewelry :-o. The list goes on and on. There are even YouTube videos on old money vs. new money cars. They frequently cite the characters on the tv shows "Succession" and "Gossip Girl" as examples of looking like old money (guess I've gotta get an HBO subscription to find out what they're talking about).

Apparently people who are from old money families are taught these "rules" from any early age. There's also the saying, "Money talks (nouveau riche) but wealth whispers (old money):
Click to expand...

i don't think this is new... i am not any kind of money, old or new, but i somehow learned this same thing growing up... new money is loud and trashy & old money or true wealth is quiet and classy ... you see it in period films too, when the rich merchants are considered low class etc. interesting that it's trending rn
 
There are no hard and fast rules for those with old money. They vary in their tastes just like the rest of us.

How about....do what you like, do what feels good, don't try to emulate anyone.
 
This whole thing of 'quiet luxury' is...lol nearly laughable with social media. folks can't keep secrets...lol

 
doberman said:
There are no hard and fast rules for those with old money. They vary in their tastes just like the rest of us.

How about....do what you like, do what feels good, don't try to emulate anyone.
Click to expand...

I didn’t see them guided by hard and fast rules as much as it was practice. Sort of an unspoken understanding of expectation. Each generation probably brings some differences to that expectation but there will still be their preferences seemingly buried in concrete.

I am neither old or new money and agree wholeheartedly with you - do what you like and what feels good. Fashion trends for the majority come and go so quickly that it is hard to keep up. I tend to stick with classic looks as they seem to work longer!
 
Last edited:
Instead od old money or “nouveau riche” which has a negative connotation, they should call it “inherited wealth” and “self-made” which is a WAY more positive spin in my opinion :)
 
I have done work in $5000 mobile homes to multi million dollar homes and for poor people and for billionaires both at home and work.
One thing I have found out is how much money someone has is not a very good indication of what kind of person they are nor is "old" vs "new" money.
I will say a lot of people who have a lot of stuff around that the bank owns it all and are trying to look rich are often so stressed out they are miserable to be around.
I would say that 90% of the people who treated me poorly while working for them fit that description.
 
Karl_K said:
I have done work in $5000 mobile homes to multi million dollar homes and for poor people and for billionaires both at home and work.
One thing I have found out is how much money someone has is not a very good indication of what kind of person they are nor is "old" vs "new" money.
I will say a lot of people who have a lot of stuff around that the bank owns it all and are trying to look rich are often so stressed out they are miserable to be around.
I would say that 90% of the people who treated me poorly while working for them fit that description.
Click to expand...

Agree - wealth is not indicative of one's kindness.

DK :))
 
In my world the new/old money rules don't apply to children: both new money and old money people buy brand clothes for their children (Woolrich winter jackets, Ralph Lauren sweaters , Burberry trenches, Armani suites, Dolce and Gabbana dresses, LV little bags, ...)
 
Hi.
A young man came on the diamond board and asked what we thought of a ring he wanted to purchase from Cartier. My honest answer was that if I received such a ring I would cry with joy. Of course if I wanted to appear as if I belonged in the old money class I would just whisper in the ears of any passerby that the ring was from Cartier. Whisper is good.

My first job out of high school was as a teller at an old money bank on Madison and 63rd in Manhattan, At the time we had air raid shelter drills. The bank closed and locked its doors until the all clear signal was sounded. The bank locked out a customer after the doors were locked and everyone took shelter. What ensued was quite a spectacle. She caused a scene and thought her rank as a rich person afforded her all exemptions from the rules.. A VP had to come and hold her hand as she made noises about lawsuits and withdrawing her money from the bank. Old money can misbehave too.

Sometimes I like logos-- a man in a pair of Gucci loafers is for me . Have fun.

Annette
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top