College Girl Old Money Outfits: Dress Like You Summer in the Hamptons (Even If You’re Cramming for Finals)
Alright bestie, let’s cut to the chase. You’re in college, juggling lectures, assignments, and overpriced coffee—but you still want to dress like your last name is Vanderbilt. Respect. Whether you’re dreaming of walking into your 8 AM in cashmere or just trying to look expensive on a budget, I got you.
Because here’s the thing: old money fashion isn’t about labels—it’s about vibes. And if you get the vibe right? No one has to know your tote bag came from a thrift store instead of an actual country club.
So let’s build your college girl old money wardrobe—one tweed blazer and silk scarf at a time. Ready?
What Is the Old Money Aesthetic, Anyway?
Old money style is that quiet, timeless elegance that says, “I don’t need to try hard—I was born into a trust fund.” Think classic cuts, quality fabrics, and zero logos (because rich girls don’t need to prove it).
You’ll spot this aesthetic all over TikTok and Pinterest—clean lines, pearl accessories, and outfits that whisper wealth.
Key signs of old money fashion:
Neutral color palette (ivory, camel, navy, white, black)
Tailored silhouettes (no baggy joggers, sorry)
Minimal branding (bye, giant designer logos)
Quality over quantity (even if it’s second-hand)
Ever watched Gossip Girl or The Crown and thought, “I want to look like I inherited a French château”? That’s the goal.
Outerwear That Screams “Daddy’s Yacht”
Let’s be honest—your coat is the first thing people see. If it looks rich, you look rich. Period.
The Camel Coat
A long camel wool coat = instant wealth energy.
Pair it with a turtleneck and wide-leg pants, and suddenly you’re walking to class like you have a family lawyer on speed dial.
The Tweed Blazer
Tweed is the uniform of prep-school royalty. Wear it over a white button-down or knit dress and boom—Princess Diaries glow-up, minus the actual tiara.
Quilted Jackets (Optional Horse Girl Energy)
They’re cozy, preppy, and just rustic enough to make people think you maybe own a horse.
Must-haves:
Structured shoulders
Muted colors like forest green or navy
Gold or tortoiseshell buttons
Dresses That Belong on a Vineyard
Dresses are your secret weapon. They’re easy, feminine, and scream I own pearls.
The Sweater Dress
Soft, body-skimming, and warm = old money 101. Go for midi length in beige, cream, or soft grey.
The Shirt Dress
A crisp shirt dress with a belt looks moneyed without trying. Add loafers or ballet flats and voilà—you’re the main character.
The Linen Sundress
For spring or warmer climates, nothing beats linen. Bonus: it crinkles in a way that says “I just got off a boat,” not “I don’t own an iron.”
Style Tips:
Keep it modest (think Audrey Hepburn, not Vegas nightlife)
Add a silk scarf or dainty gold jewelry to level up
Bottoms That Mean Business (but Still Look Cute)
Pants and skirts don’t have to be boring. The right cut + fabric = polished without being stiff.
High-Waisted Trousers
You’ll feel like you’re headed to an investment meeting—even if it’s just Econ 101.
Look for:
Wool or twill fabric
Wide or straight leg
Pleats = instant elegance
A-Line Midi Skirts
They’re classic, comfy, and 100% rich-girl-approved. Bonus points if it’s tweed or houndstooth.
Tailored Shorts
Warm-weather campuses need options too. Tailored Bermuda shorts with a tucked-in blouse? Yes, please.
Tops That Belong in a Nancy Meyers Movie
Let’s elevate your top game—because even your casual outfits should whisper, “I have an estate planner.”
Button-Down Shirts
White. Blue. Striped. Oversized or fitted. They all work.
Wear them:
Open over a tank
Buttoned up under a sweater vest
Tied at the waist with a midi skirt
Cable Knit Sweaters
Old money girls don’t freeze. A good chunky sweater layered over a collared shirt is peak preppy chic.
Turtlenecks
These are your base layer besties. Go for ribbed or fine knit, and stack ‘em under blazers or dresses.
Shoes That Look Like They Went to Boarding School
If you wear sneakers, make them clean and minimal. But let’s talk about the real MVPs:
Loafers
Classic, sleek, and wildly comfortable. I wear mine with socks and trousers and feel like I own land.
Ballet Flats
The French girl’s secret weapon. Pair with cropped jeans or dresses and you’ll instantly look pulled together.
Riding Boots
For chilly days when you want to stomp around campus looking like you came straight from an equestrian lesson.
Avoid:
Anything neon or super chunky
Platform slides (we’re not going to Coachella, babe)
Accessories That Do All the Talking
Accessories can make or break an outfit. The goal here? Keep it understated, but intentional.
Structured Handbags
Old money girls don’t do slouchy bags. Think mini totes, top-handle bags, or anything that could pass for a vintage Hermès (but like… wasn’t).
Silk Scarves
Tie one on your bag. Your ponytail. Around your neck. They’re an instant elegance injection.
Minimal Jewelry
Gold hoops. Pearl studs. A tiny pendant necklace. That’s it. That’s the list.
Where to Shop for College Girl Old Money Vibes
You don’t need Daddy’s credit card to look luxe. I’ve found some of my favorite pieces at thrift stores and online dupes.
Affordable Spots
Zara: Great for blazers and skirts
Uniqlo: Minimal basics, great knits
H&M Premium: Don’t sleep on the wool coats
Thrift Stores & Vintage Shops: You’d be shocked how many $15 Ralph Lauren gems I’ve scored
Investment Pieces (If You’re Feeling Fancy)
Sezane: French girl staples galore
Ralph Lauren: Peak prep
Everlane: Timeless, good quality basics
FYI: Quality > quantity. One nice blazer >>> five trendy tops that fall apart in two washes.
Quick Checklist – Build Your Old Money Capsule Wardrobe
Let’s simplify things. Here’s what your college old money starter pack should include:
Outerwear:
Camel coat
Tweed blazer
Quilted jacket
Tops:
White button-down
Cable knit sweater
Turtleneck
Bottoms:
High-waisted trousers
Midi skirt
Tailored shorts
Dresses:
Sweater dress
Linen sundress
Shirt dress
Shoes:
Loafers
Ballet flats
Riding boots
Accessories:
Silk scarf
Pearl earrings
Structured handbag
Keep this list handy when shopping, thrifting, or just daydreaming during class 😉
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Trust Fund to Look Like You Have One
Here’s the thing—old money fashion isn’t about money. It’s about taste, restraint, and timelessness. You can dress like you summer in Monaco even if you spend your summer working part-time at a bookstore.
So whether you’re heading to a lecture or a lowkey coffee date, show up like the elegant icon you are. Walk a little taller, invest in pieces that last, and remember: the rich auntie aesthetic is 90% attitude anyway.
And hey—if someone asks if your bag’s vintage Prada? Just smile and say, “It’s been in the family for years.” 😉
Keywords used: college girl old money outfits, old money fashion, preppy wardrobe, college capsule wardrobe, old money style guide, classic fashion for college, college girl elegant style.
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