The Rise (or Return) of Quiet Luxury
There’s an unspoken elegance to true wealth – one that doesn’t need logos, flashy embellishments, or trends dictated by the masses.
This is the essence of Old Money fashion, often synonymous with quiet luxury: a refined, understated aesthetic rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, and an innate understanding of quality.
While ostentation has long dominated mainstream fashion, a shift is happening on social media, like a collective fatigue from logo-heavy streetwear and a more uncertain economic climate that has reignited interest in timeless, discreet luxury.
Old Money Fashion – Heritage and Elegance
Old Money fashion isn’t merely about wealth—it’s about confidence, restraint, and a commitment to excellence.
Unlike nouveau riche fashion, which screams for attention, true quiet luxury is about whispering status through impeccable tailoring, superior fabrics, and timeless silhouettes.
Built around traditional values and high-quality craftsmanship over current fashion trends, Old Money style manifests through expertly tailored garments, muted colour palettes, and luxurious materials such as wool, cashmere, linen, and silk—ensuring lifetime elegance.
The good news? You don’t need to be heir to a multi-media conglomerate to appreciate and adopt this style.
With the right selection of fabrics, colour palettes, and style choices, you can achieve this refined aesthetic regardless of your fashion budget.
Succession Fashion – Power and Precision
While it shares some elements with Old Money style, Succession fashion stands as its own distinct aesthetic.
Succession fashion is characterised by intentional power dressing and modern stealth wealth.
Simply put, it’s the art of looking expensive without appearing to try – a delicate balance of authority and understated luxury.
Watch an episode of Succession, and you’ll notice how each character’s wardrobe communicates their position in the power hierarchy.
From Kendall Roy’s perfectly-cut blazers to Tom Wambsgans’ slightly-off suit choices, every detail is deliberate.
Why Old Money and Succession Fashion Matter Now
In a world saturated with fast fashion and loud logos, both these styles offer something different: longevity, sophistication, and quiet confidence.
Old Money and Succession fashion represent a return to quality over quantity and craftsmanship over consumption.
The rising interest in these aesthetics reflects a broader shift in how we think about luxury and status as today’s young men increasingly seek outfits that offer:
- Timeless styles over trending, fast-fashion
- Quality and versatility across various occasions
- Investment potential over disposable fashion
- Subtle sophistication rather than loud displays of wealth
To better understand the differences between Old Money and Succession fashion, we’ll explore iconic examples of both styles and their distinct characteristics.
We’ll study key figures who embody these aesthetics, from Dickie Greenleaf’s perfect summer wardrobe to Steve Jobs’ unique take on minimalist luxury and provide practical guidance on achieving these looks across different budgets.
Old Money and Succession Fashion Icons
Kendall Roy vs Tom Wambsgans – Power vs Aspirational Dressing
Perhaps no contemporary example better illustrates the nuances between inherited style and acquired luxury than Succession’s wardrobe choices for these two characters.
Kendall Roy embodies calculated power dressing as his wardrobe is a masterclass in quiet luxury—inconspicuous yet impeccably crafted.
Even his baseball caps speak volumes, chosen from Loro Piana’s understated collections.
Every outfit fits perfectly, creating a silhouette that suggests lifelong comfort with wealth.
In contrast, Tom Wambsgans serves as a fascinating study in aspirational dressing.
His clothing choices, while expensive, often feel slightly off – a deliberate costume design choice.
Watch closely in Season 2, Episode 6, and you’ll spot a Moncler logo, a telling faux pas that speaks volumes about his outsider status.
As costume designer Michelle Matland cleverly illustrates, there’s a clear distinction between someone born into wealth and someone adapting to it.
Dickie Greenleaf – The Ultimate Summer Old Money Icon
If you’re seeking inspiration for warm-weather Old Money style, look no further than Jude Law’s portrayal of Dickie Greenleaf in “The Talented Mr. Ripley”.
His wardrobe has become a benchmark for sophisticated Old Money summer dressing:
- Knit polos worn with natural ease
- Relaxed-fit tailored suits that move with the body
- Linen shirts that embrace their natural wrinkles
- Thoughtfully paired classic tennis sneakers
What makes Greenleaf’s style particularly noteworthy is its timelessness – his outfits would look as appropriate in Portofino today as they did in the 1950s setting of the film.
Gstaad Guy – Modern Interpretation with a Twist
In an intriguing turn of events, someone who began by parodying Old Money style has become one of its most influential modern practitioners.
Gstaad Guy’s content might playfully mock British aristocratic society and Gen Z old money, but his execution of “low-key luxury” is impeccable.
His approach demonstrates how these traditional style principles can adapt to contemporary contexts while maintaining their essential character.
Whether he’s satirising British upper-class mannerisms or Gen Z wealth, his wardrobe choices – often featuring Maison Margiela – show a deep understanding of authentic quiet luxury.
Steve Jobs – Where Normcore Meets Luxury
Perhaps the most unexpected entry in our gallery of style icons, Steve Jobs created his own version of quiet luxury through radical simplicity.
His famous uniform of Issey Miyake turtlenecks (reportedly owning 100 of them) demonstrates how minimalism can intersect with luxury.
Jobs’ approach teaches us a valuable lesson about Old Money and Succession style: true confidence manifests in consistency rather than variety.
His wardrobe choices weren’t about impressing others but embodying and expressing his unique philosophy through dress.
The Common Thread
What unites these diverse examples is their approach to luxury – it’s never about showing off.
Whether it’s Kendall Roy’s power suits, Dickie Greenleaf’s summer linens, Gstaad Guy’s satirical-yet-sophisticated choices, or Steve Jobs’ uniform, each demonstrates how true style whispers rather than shouts.
Old Money vs Succession Fashion – Key Differences
To truly understand these distinct styles, we must first acknowledge that while they may appear similar to the untrained eye, their essence and execution are fundamentally different.
Old Money Fashion – Inherited Elegance
Old Money fashion isn’t merely a style choice—it’s a lifestyle inherited through generations.
It manifests in the natural ease with which a cashmere sweater is worn, or how a decades-old briefcase is carried without a second thought.
This is clothing that tells stories, passed down through families alongside the wealth that acquired them.
The beauty of Old Money style lies in its imperfections; a slightly worn Barbour jacket isn’t a flaw but a badge of honour, speaking to years of weekend shoots and countryside walks.
Traditional craftsmanship plays a vital role, with relationships between families and their tailors often spanning generations.
When you see someone in an Anderson & Sheppard suit or John Lobb shoes that have clearly served them for years, you’re witnessing this heritage in action.
There’s an unconscious elegance to it all; These aren’t clothes chosen to impress but simply the natural extension of a lifestyle.
The patina on a well-loved leather briefcase, the softness of a cashmere jumper that’s been worn to perfection—these elements can’t be bought off the rack or rushed.
Succession Fashion – Intentional Power Dressing
Succession fashion, while equally sophisticated, operates on entirely different principles, as here, every garment serves the purpose of projecting power and authority.
When Logan Roy appears in a simple cashmere overcoat, which is not just clothing but a conscious stylistic choice to display understated dominance.
This style is meticulously curated. While respecting traditional luxury, it incorporates contemporary elements with precision.
Consider Kendall Roy’s wardrobe: his Loro Piana sneakers paired with suits aren’t casual—they’re a carefully considered statement about modern wealth and power.
Unlike Old Money’s comfortable wear-and-tear, Succession style demands pristine presentation.
Everything must be immaculate, as any imperfection could be interpreted as weakness in the corporate battlefield.
The brands are carefully chosen not for their logos but for their ability to communicate status to those who understand the language.
Where They Meet and Diverge
While both styles share a fundamental appreciation for quality and discretion, and neither relies on obvious branding or flashy displays, their approaches diverge significantly in execution.
Old Money style flows naturally, like a language learned from birth. The fit is comfortable and lived-in, prioritising ease of movement over sharp lines.
Colours tend toward heritage tones and faded favourites, while accessories are often family pieces with personal history.
Succession fashion, by contrast, is a carefully constructed language of power with precise and commanding silhouettes.
Colours are chosen for their psychological impact, accessories are selected as strategic status symbols, every element is considered, and every choice is deliberate.
What makes both styles so captivating is their shared rejection of obvious luxury as the best outfits in either wardrobe go unnoticed by the untrained eye—and that’s precisely the point.
How to Achieve These Looks
Understanding these styles is one thing—implementing them is another entirely so let’s see how you can build a wardrobe that captures the essence of both, Old Money and Succession fashion, regardless of your budget.
Wardrobe Essentials
Start with quality over quantity, as a carefully curated wardrobe of well-made, timeless garments will serve you better than a closet full of trendy pieces.
A navy suit, perfectly tailored, forms the backbone of both styles. For Old Money appeal, consider a slightly softer shoulder line and a natural drape.
For the Succession look, opt for a sharper cut with precise lines. Brands like Brunello Cucinelli and Zegna offer excellent options, while SuitSupply provides a more accessible entry point.
Knitwear is also crucial in both styles, and a fine-gauge cashmere crewneck in neutral tones works seamlessly across occasions.
While Loro Piana sets the gold standard, brands like Uniqlo’s cashmere line offer remarkable quality at a fraction of the price.
For shirting, focus on Oxford cloth button-downs and subtle poplin shirts. The fit should be comfortable but never loose.
Brooks Brothers remains a stalwart choice, while Emma Willis represents the pinnacle of English shirtmaking.
Details That Matter
Footwear speaks volumes in both styles. For Old Money, consider Belgian loafers or well-worn Edward Green oxfords.
The Succession aesthetic might lean toward Loro Piana’s Open Walk sneakers or John Lobb dress shoes.
Remember, quality footwear is an investment that pays dividends in both style and longevity.
Accessories should whisper rather than shout. A simple leather briefcase, ideally developing a patina over time, works for both aesthetics.
The difference lies in the details – Old Money will favour a vintage Swaine Adeney piece, while Succession style will definitely opt for a pristine Bottega Veneta document holder.
Building Your Capsule Wardrobe
Start with one key piece from each category and build slowly. Quality pieces require investment, but they’ll serve you far longer than multiple fast-fashion alternatives.
A beautifully made jacket that fits perfectly—this single piece can elevate every outfit. Focus on natural shoulders for Old Money style or precise tailoring for the Succession look.
Investment-grade knitwear in neutral tones. A grey or navy cashmere sweater works seamlessly across both aesthetics.
One pair of impeccable shoes. Whether you choose classic loafers or modern minimal sneakers, ensure they’re the best quality you can afford.
The Art of Wearing It Well
Remember that confidence comes from comfort. Don’t wear anything that makes you feel like you’re in costume. The key to both styles is appearing entirely at ease in your clothes.
Take time to understand how pieces should fit. Build a relationship with a good tailor—they’re as crucial as the clothes, and even moderately priced clothes will look exceptional when altered to fit your unique body shape.
Finally, maintain your clothes impeccably. Proper care ensures longevity and keeps everything pristine, whether you’re channelling Old Money heritage or Succession’s power moves.
Both these styles are ultimately about quiet confidence. Whether you lean toward Old Money’s inherited ease or Succession’s calculated precision, remember: true style speaks softly but carries immense impact.
Conclusion
The distinction between Old Money fashion and Succession style ultimately comes down to intention and execution.
Whether you emulate the inherited ease of traditional wealth or the calculated precision of modern power dressing, the key lies in understanding that both aesthetics share a fundamental truth: true luxury never needs to announce itself.
Your journey into these styles should be personal. What resonates with you is perhaps the lived-in comfort of Old Money pieces or the sharp precision of Succession-inspired choices.
Mix elements that suit your lifestyle and personality; after all, the most authentic style feels natural to its wearer.
Remember Dickie Greenleaf’s effortless summer ensembles, Kendall Roy’s power-projecting minimalism, or even Steve Jobs’ radical simplicity.
Each exemplifies how personal style can evolve within these frameworks while remaining true to individual character.
In today’s world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, both Old Money and Succession fashion offer something more enduring: the opportunity to build a wardrobe that stands the test of time, speaks softly, and carries real presence.
Style Like A True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!