Ralph Lauren, Quiet Wealth & The Return of Old Money Elegance, But Does It Really Matter?
I guess my love affair with Ralph Lauren began when I worked for the brand years ago.
There was something so classic but yet so sexy about it, the deep mahogany shelves, the scent of expensive aftershave lingering in the air, the richness of the aesthetic, the softness of a well-made shirt.
And the men who shopped there! Omg! I never wanted to leave
The quiet confidence, the effortless style, the sense that they belonged in a world I only observed from the outside. It was probably from working there that I became so particular about how the men I dated dressed.
(Voluntarily wearing graphic tees and overly ripped jeans are a no-no).
That’s the thing about Ralph Lauren, it’s more than a brand. It’s an invitation into a lifestyle, exclusivity, and a lesson in quiet wealth without feeling forced. But with the rise of the so-called “old money aesthetic”, I have to ask, are we really getting it right?
And does old money even matter anymore?
The Fantasy of Old Money
Let’s be completely honest, the appeal isn’t about whether the money is old or nouveau riche, because money is money. This comes down to most people chasing the perception others have of them.
They want the heirloom jewellery, which has to be kept in a safe, the linen trousers that slightly crease, but not too much (tacky), the sprawling country estates, and the perfectly undone hair that screams, I have more important things to worry about than looking rich.
But here’s what’s funny, old money on an authentic level doesn’t care about looking like old money.
The recent obsession with quiet luxury, stealth wealth, minimalist elegance, and brands that only the elite can recognise has turned into something painfully ironic.
We now see people spending thousands to appear wealthy while missing the point entirely. It’s cosplaying at its finest, but in a cringeworthy way.
Old money wasn’t about logos or trends, it was about:
Subtlety. A cashmere sweater that feels like a second skin but carries no branding. A watch passed down through generations, not bought to impress.
Discretion. The wealthy never needed to prove anything. Money wasn’t about flashing and showing off, it was about access, being in the right rooms, knowing the right people, and moving through the world effortlessly and at ease.
Longevity. A well-made loafer that lasted decades. A family crest stitched inside a blazer instead of an obvious designer label. Style was an investment, not a flex.
But what happens when a certain style that once was exclusive becomes mainstream?
Old Money vs. New Money: Does It Even Matter?
There’s always been an undercurrent of snobbery in the old money vs. new money debate.
The idea that old money is classy while new money is flashy, that one is refined while the other is gory. But in reality? Money is money. Whether it’s inherited or earned, the real divide isn’t about wealth, it’s about a mindset.
Here’s where it gets interesting: new money is adopting old money aesthetics, while old money is quietly evolving.
The billionaires of today, tech founders, self-made entrepreneurs, and crypto moguls aren’t dressing like their grandfathers in three-piece suits and pipes. They wear hoodies, sneakers, and a grubby sports cap.
They don’t need to look rich because they are rich.
Meanwhile, people who don’t come from wealth are chasing the aesthetic of old money by buying into brands like Ralph Lauren, Brunello Cucinelli, and Loro Piana in an attempt to cultivate that elusive “stealth wealth” look.
So, what’s the takeaway? True wealth isn’t performative.
The moment you try too hard to look like old money, you’ve already missed the point.
The Ralph Lauren Effect: Why We Keep Coming Back
Despite any of this, I still love the return of Ralph Lauren, not that he went anywhere.
But the brand is certainly having a moment due to this rising trend. But it’s not just about old money, it’s about aspiration.
It’s a lifestyle.
It captures a world that feels untouched, a life of horseback riding in the Hamptons, summers in Tuscany, and winters in Aspen. But the beauty of Ralph Lauren is that it allows anyone to step into that fantasy, even if just for a moment.
Ralph Lauren sells a dream that feels real, even if you weren’t born into it.
It’s the rich warmth of a cable-knit sweater that makes you feel like you belong in an ivy-covered library.
It’s the crisp tailoring of a beautiful blazer that makes you walk with more confidence.
It’s the timelessness of the crisp white shirt that feels like a nod to something bigger than yourself.
It’s a carefully crafted world.
So, Where Do We Go From Here?
As I mentioned earlier in the post, the return of old money isn’t really about money, especially when we’re not entirely sure where this money is coming from (as a black woman, you can’t help but think…)
It’s about a desire for something timeless in a world obsessed with fast fashion and fleeting trends, which is pretty harmless. But let’s also be clear:
You don’t need a trust fund to embody quiet luxury. It’s in how you carry yourself, the quality of what you own, and the confidence to wear something simple without needing external validation.
True style is effortless. If you’re chasing the aesthetic too hard or feel as though you’re playing dress-up, you’re already outside of it.
Old money vs. new money is an outdated conversation. In today’s world, power doesn’t come from inheritance, it comes from access, education, influence, and knowledge.
Lifestyle brands like Ralph Lauren remain iconic not because they represent old money, but because it represents aspiration. The trick is knowing that true elegance isn’t about the clothes, it’s about the attitude.
And that can’t be bought.
