Quick Answer
To cultivate authentic old money behaviour that projects sophistication and commands respect, adopt these seven essential habits:
-
- Wear quality clothing without visible logos—focus on good fabrics, perfect fit, and classic styles in navy, burgundy, dark green, and neutral tones
- Discuss ideas rather than money or possessions—engage in conversations about books, art, current events, and meaningful experiences
- Choose cultural activities and classic sports over trendy venues—regularly visit museums, attend theatre, play tennis or golf for genuine enjoyment
- Never discuss prices, salaries, or expenditures—keep financial matters completely private and focus on quality over quantity
- Let your work speak for itself without self-promotion—prioritise competence, excellence, and long-term thinking over quick wins
- Maintain fewer, better possessions in your home—select quality furniture and meaningful objects rather than trendy, mass-produced items
- Practice refined social etiquette—write handwritten thank-you notes, keep your phone away during conversations, and make others feel valued
Key Points to Remember
- True old money behaviour displays quiet confidence through understated elegance rather than flashy status symbols
- Invest in personal development through education, experiences, and health rather than obvious displays of wealth
- Build genuine connections by being attentive, discreet, and considerate in social interactions
- Understanding your personal characteristics (body shape, seasonal colours) helps you present a more refined appearance
Want to learn more? Continue reading the full article below ↓
Old money behaviour shows quiet confidence and status without flashy displays.
These seven habits will make you look more sophisticated and respected.
Learn exactly how to act, dress, and speak to get the understated old money look that commands respect.
1. Wear Quality Clothes Without Visible Logos
Old money style uses good fabrics, perfect fit, and classic styles instead of loud logos or fashion trends.
Have these basics: navy blazers, wool jumpers, well-fitted trousers, and leather shoes that look better as they age.
Use these old money colours: navy, burgundy, dark green, and neutral tones.
Add bright colours only as small details.
Get a colour analysis to find the exact shades that match your skin tone.
 |
Don’t know your seasonal colour? |
This makes even less expensive clothes look better on you.
Know your body shape so clothes fit correctly – not too tight or too loose.
 |
Don’t know your Body Shape? |
Old money style looks good because of fit, material quality, and coordination, not because of brand names or flashy details.
2. Talk About Ideas Instead of Money or Possessions
In high-status groups, people discuss ideas, not what they own or have achieved.
Know about books, art, news, and travel so you can have good conversations without bragging.
Speak clearly and at a medium volume.
Don’t talk too fast or too loud.
Listen carefully, look at people when they speak, show interest, and don’t interrupt.
Use social media less often and be careful about what you share.
Rich people don’t post much.
When meeting important people, focus on real connections instead of obvious networking.
3. Go to Museums and Classic Sports Events Instead of Trendy Places
Learn about culture because you’re actually interested, not just to seem smart.
Regularly visit art galleries, read books, and stay informed about current events to have better conversations.
Choose quality experiences like theatre, museums, and classical music over showing off expensive purchases.
Travel to learn about places and cultures, not just to stay at fancy hotels or take photos for social media.
Play traditional sports like tennis, golf, sailing, or horse riding for enjoyment, not to compete or show off.
Do activities because you like them, not to impress others.
Rich people notice this difference immediately.
4. Never Discuss Prices, Salaries, or How Much You Spend
The clearest old money habit is not talking about money.
Keep prices, salaries, and investments completely private.
Buy fewer, better things that last longer instead of many cheap items that need replacing.
Take care of what you already have instead of always buying new things.
Spend money on education, experiences, and health rather than obvious status symbols that lose value quickly.
Never mention prices or compare costs of things you buy.
Real wealth means freedom and security, not showing off expensive things.
5. Let Your Work Speak for Itself Without Self-Promotion
Focus more on how you work than what job you have.
Do your work with honesty, excellence, and long-term thinking instead of looking for quick wins.
Lead by being competent and considerate, not by being loud or pushy.
Let your results show your value without bragging or excessive networking.
Build your reputation through consistent good work instead of marketing yourself.
Keep work and personal life separate, which shows good self-management.
6. Have Fewer, Better Things in Your Home Instead of Many Cheap Items
Your home and office show your status as clearly as your clothes do.
Choose good furniture, meaningful objects, and a comfortable, elegant feel instead of obvious wealth displays.
Buy fewer, better items that work well and look good instead of filling space with trendy or mass-produced things.
When hosting, make guests feel welcome with good food, good conversation, and real hospitality rather than fancy presentations.
Collect books, art, or objects because you like them, not as investments or status symbols.
The best homes look like they developed naturally over time, not like they were decorated all at once.
7. Write Thank-You Notes and Put Away Your Phone During Conversations
Old money manners go beyond basics to show consideration, restraint, and confidence.
Keep your phone away during conversations, arrive on time, and always keep your promises.
Write actual thank-you notes on good paper after visits or gifts, with specific details not generic messages.
Introduce people properly, remember details about them, and connect people to help them, not yourself.
Avoid gossip, complaints, or negative talk about others.
Stay positive and discreet.
Make others feel important and included, which shows true sophistication and makes people respect you.
Get Professional Style Analysis to Perfect Your Old Money Image
While you can learn these habits on your own, professional help will get you faster results with guidance matched to your specific features.
Take the First Step With The VOU’s Styling Quizzes
Start your style journey with our free resources. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to confirm your face shape and receive initial styling guidance.
Then, discover your most flattering colours with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz.
Learn which garment styles suit you best through our Body Shape Quiz, and find your ideal personal style with our Fashion Style Quiz.
Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance
For comprehensive image development that goes beyond hat selection, The VOU offers expert styling services to ensure your complete look projects success and sophistication.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides you with a scientific analysis of your exact face shape, personalised hairstyle recommendations, customised facial hair styling guide, expert eyewear selection guidance, and detailed grooming recommendations tailored to your unique features.
For the most comprehensive transformation, consider our Complete Image Transformation Package.
This premium service includes our Professional Face Shape Analysis, Seasonal Colour Analysis, Body Shape Analysis, Fashion Style Analysis, Wardrobe Curation Guide, and Personal Brand Development.
Through this complete package, you’ll develop a cohesive style that communicates success and sophistication across all aspects of your appearance.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.