Hate might be a strong word, but I certainly don’t like the quiet luxury or the old-money aesthetic trend.
I totally understand why it’s now become the thing, but I can’t support it even though I myself am “crowned” the elegance expert on the internet.
I do find these trends to be problematic. In today’s video, I will explain why…
What is quiet luxury?
Let’s start by talking about what is quiet luxury. In today’s fast-paced world, where trends come and go with lightning speed, there is a growing fascination with the concept of the “old money” aesthetic and the quiet luxury it represents.
Old money aesthetic refers to a style and sensibility associated with affluent families who have inherited wealth and status over generations. It reflects a timeless elegance rooted in tradition, quality and an appreciation for the finer things in life. This aesthetic is characterized by classic fashion choices and a preference for discreet luxury.
Elements of Old Money Aesthetic:
a. Classic Fashion: Old money aesthetic is epitomized by classic, well-tailored fashion choices. It embraces timeless pieces like tailored suits, little black dresses, pearls, silk scarves, and cashmere sweaters. The focus is on quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style rather than fleeting trends.
b. Refined Interiors: Old money aesthetic extends to interior design, where it emphasizes timeless elegance and a sense of history. Luxurious materials like mahogany, velvet, and marble are commonly used. Furniture is often antique or carefully selected to reflect a sense of heritage. Spaces are tastefully decorated with art, family heirlooms, and curated collections.
c. Graceful Simplicity: The old money aesthetic champions simplicity that exudes grace. It avoids excessive ornamentation or flashy displays of wealth. Instead, it embraces minimalism and carefully chosen details that speak volumes in their subtlety.
The old money aesthetic and quiet luxury offer us an alternative to the loud and conspicuous consumption often associated with wealth.
So the question remains…
Why don’t I support this trend?
There are multiple reasons I cover in today’s video.
But the one I would like to mention here, which many of us are so tired of, is being bombarded with quiet luxury and old money aesthetics tiktoks and reels.
They’re pushing a trend is being promoted with little context.
I am not against the actual aesthetic of quiet luxury or old money. Not at all. It’s very much my cup of tea.
But an aesthetic does not equal elegance for me.
Elegance goes way beyond. It’s a broad concept containing many moving parts, anything from fashion, style, to mindset, to etiquette, a person’s body language and composure, to someone’s kindness and compassion, and generally speaking, being a decent human being.
Elegance is more than just clothes.
It’s a lifestyle, a personal development tool. It’s a sub-culture. It’s a way of being.
But these aesthetic trends now make it appear like elegance equals old money. Or elegance is to dress like old money. Or elegance is never to wear any bold colors or logos because quiet luxury says you can’t, and quiet luxury gets now mistaken for elegance.
This is where I’m starting to become against these aesthetic trends because I feel like elegance is now being associated with the rules of these aesthetic trends, although actually, elegance is way more flexible than these aesthetic trends are.
If you would like to learn more about what I think about this trend, be sure to watch today’s video and leave me a comment with your take on this trend.
