What this trend really boils down to is dressing conservatively for casual occasions while gassing up hella boring fits. If anything, old money fits proved to us that TikTokers know how to dress for a wedding, a job interview, or any other occasion that calls for a formal outfit.
But let’s not kid ourselves here; just because you recently decided to channel Princess Diana’s fits by copping a knit Polo Ralph Lauren sweater that was on sale doesn’t mean you’re cracking the Fortune 500 anytime soon—please prove haters like me wrong though. OK, it’s honestly fine to embrace these looks if you truly enjoy dressing like a 1985 Ralph Lauren model or a Hamptons, Long Island mom—even if that entire “quiet luxury” fit was pulled from Zara.
However, what makes this trend absolutely insufferable is that so many of these TikToks project weird opinions about class and what’s considered to be tasteful fashion. One of the most liked TikToks hashtagged with “old money aesthetic” labels wearing Nike Tech sweatsuits and other streetwear fits as unfashionable choices in comparison to a Vineyard Vines–ass look. There’s also this whole microtrend-ception thing going on here where there’s TikToks centered on women fawning over a “Ralph Lauren guy in a world full of Nike Tech boys.”
Aside from these being cheap shots at Nike Tech, it just comes off elitist, and arguably problematic, to position that the most fashionable clothing is whatever affluent WASPs have traditionally worn. And while there’s plenty of cringey videos debating whether “old money” or “new money” looks are better, Tyler, the Creator says it best: “Whatever bring you that immense joy, do that—that’s your luxury.”
Read the full article here
