Smell Rich, Look Chic: Old Money Aesthetic 💰
Fall color trends, a new luxury indulgence, and the return of Barneys.
Sarah: There’s something special about NYC in September. The weather is spot-on, NYFW is almost here, schools are back in session, and the city’s tourist traffic has thinned out. It feels like an emotional reset, a fresh start. This month also marks my 14th anniversary of moving to the city, so this time of year always brings me back to little Sarah—arriving with no money but boundless optimism.
Kristin: Currently writing from the cutest little hotel in Joshua Tree, fully embracing my chic desert aunt era. We went on a camping getaway to Joshua Tree National Park last weekend, and let’s just say we didn’t want to leave. Sure, it’s 100 degrees (hot, hot), but there’s something so cleansing about the dry heat, disconnecting from the world, feeling tiny while staring at the stars, and soaking in the absolute stillness of the desert. Oh, and we caught a couple of epic shooting stars, which honestly felt magical. ✨
Old Money Aesthetic: Fashion, Fragrance & Hair. The Old Money Aesthetic is taking over social media, with searches for “old money” skyrocketing on Pinterest and over 720K posts on TikTok under #OldMoney. This vibe is an evolution of “quiet luxury,” spotlighting timeless, understated elegance. Think high-waisted trousers, crisp fitted shirts, and classic accessories, like something straight out of my ever-favorite show, Gossip Girl. And it’s not only about the outfits—this aesthetic extends to home décor, hair, makeup, and even fragrance. TikTok guides are all over the place, teaching you how to look and "smell rich" with luxury scents like Yves Saint Laurent Libre, Le Labo’s Santal 33, and Baccarat Rouge 540. As inflation rises, perfume sales are booming; see ‘The Lipstick Effect’ headline below, showing that small luxuries like fragrances offer a way to embrace the Old Money aesthetic without overhauling one's entire wardrobe.
And let’s not forget Old Money Blonde, a natural, subdued hair color trending big—think Sabrina Carpenter, Margot Robbie or Taylor Swift vibes. While this aesthetic offers an escape into a world of elegance, some critics point out its romanticization of wealth and privilege, which can feel out of touch in today’s financial landscape, especially as it often promotes a narrow standard of beauty, primarily showcasing thin, white women in high-end looks. Despite concerns about reinforcing classist and exclusionary stereotypes, for most, it remains an aspirational style—an entryway to timeless sophistication. -K
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Old Money vs Quiet Luxury. Living in 2024 means navigating an endless loop of micro-trends, internet aesthetics, and viral moments. Last year’s “quiet luxury,” driven by Succession and the “old money” aesthetic, also championed minimalist chic and muted tones. Both demure fashion and quiet luxury share a lineage rooted in modesty, with high necklines and long sleeves that echo traditional modest fashion. While trends come and go, it’s crucial to recognize and respect the genuine legacy of modest wear beyond the fleeting spotlight. -S
Brat Summer is Over. Charli XCX herself tweeted that it’s the end of this era—though many are saying they’re not yet ready to let it go.
Neutral Ground: The Rise of Minimalist Hues for Spring 2025. The color of the season is officially neutral. As the internet shifts to a more toned-down, demure aesthetic, minimalist shades steal the spotlight. Pantone’s NYFW Color Trend Report is all about natural hues—two shades of brown (Bran and Cocoon) made the Top 10, with the richer Rum Raisin landing on the seasonless list. And let’s not forget khaki, a ‘90s icon, making a major comeback in everything from trench coats to corporate chic outfits. Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford both proved that going neutral is the move. -S
The “Lipstick Effect” is Now the “Perfume Effect.” Perfume sales are booming, with consumers embracing fragrances as a key part of their self-care routines, driving double-digit growth since 2021. With the economic slowdown, consumers have switched their small luxury purchases of choice from lipstick to fragrance, with young men driving purchases, too. The trend is global, with Europe and the U.S. leading the charge, especially among Gen Z. Luxury perfumes dominate the market, with premium options far outpacing cheaper alternatives, though dupes of the expensive ones are popular too. While analysts warn that this trend could hit its peak and push buyers toward more affordable choices, the luxury fragrance market is still riding high, proving that the right scent is more than just a finishing touch—it’s a lifestyle statement. -K
Being Laid Off is Trendy. Enter a new wave of influencers— “layoff influencers.” Those recently let go are using social media to share their job loss experiences, network for new opportunities, and build supportive communities. From podcasts to Instagram stories, these creators are talking unemployment, career advice, and the struggles of work-life balance, especially resonating with younger millennials and Gen Z. Some companies are feeling the heat, worried about reputational damage from these viral posts, sometimes offering severance packages with nondisparagement clauses. Gone are the days of private venting sessions. Now, laid-off workers are public, empowered, and creating their own networks. Hey, why not make the most out of a sticky situation? -K
Right to Disconnect. Australia’s new "right to disconnect" law means workers can finally say no to after-hours work intrusions—sort of. Starting Monday, employees can legally ignore their boss’s 10 p.m. emails without fear of retaliation. But there’s a catch: “reasonable and unreasonable” contact is the key phrase here. Some roles may still require a call, leaving room for debate on where work stops and personal time begins. It’s a boundary-setting moment, much like the quiet quitting trend, where workers are reclaiming their time and pushing back against burnout culture. -S
Current FDA Alcohol Guidelines Are Being Questioned. A battle is brewing in Washington, and it’s all about happy hour. Current federal guidelines recommend two drinks per day for men and one for women, but upcoming revisions could lower those limits. Unsurprisingly, the alcohol industry isn’t thrilled—lobbyists are pushing back hard, claiming there’s no solid science behind stricter rules. Meanwhile, researchers are pointing to evidence linking alcohol to cancer and advocating for tighter restrictions. With younger generations already steering away from booze, the industry is on edge, fearing that lower limits could pour trouble on their bottom line. At the end of the day, it's all about making money. Fingers crossed for some actual truth, transparency, and maybe even the downfall of Big Alcohol, like what we saw with the cigarette industry. -K
Barneys is Back (Sort Of). There’s something unsettling about the empty Barneys space in Chelsea. I pass by often—just a stone's throw from my apartment—and it’s a glaring reminder of what the retailer once was, a giant now reduced to a ghost on 7th and 16th. The news of Barneys’ return, albeit temporarily for NYFW, felt bittersweet. While the new Hourglass x Barneys pop-up is exciting, stationed on Prince Street, the space uptown lingers as a question mark. Last I heard, it will eventually be transformed into luxury apartments (because we definitely need more of those) with retail space on the ground floor. -S
ICYMI: Ganni Goes to Paris. After a quiet two-season break from Copenhagen Fashion Week, the Danish label is making a major move to Paris next month to showcase its Spring/Summer collection. With former Balenciaga deputy CEO Laura du Rusquec now at the helm, Ganni is eyeing the global stage. This shift feels like a calculated leap, signaling that Ganni is ready to play in the big leagues and cement its place among fashion’s heavyweights. -S
What We're Wearing
Kristin: As I’m spending my week out in the desert, I’m living in my Poolside Paradiso set.
Sarah: Tall brown leather Frye boots. Mine are several years old, but these are super similar!
What We're Buying
Kristin: Having spent the past five days in Joshua Tree, I picked out this hat for my boyfriend (and myself), and it felt fitting.
Sarah: Headbands! I don’t consider myself a headband girly per se. I actually hate wearing them because it feels weird putting my over-the-ear headphones on top of them, and they hurt my head. But I threw caution to the wind and picked up two at C.O. Bigelow: the infamous tortoiseshell headband and a black zig-zag headband.
What We're Reading/Watching
Kristin: The Perfect Couple is coming out tomorrow on Netflix and now I’m wanting to read this book first as I’m waiting to borrow it from a friend. Update from last week: The New Couple in 5B was a winner. Couldn’t put it down.
Sarah: I started Bad Monkey on Apple TV+ this weekend and am obsessed with it. It has humor and homicide.
*Disclaimer: All opinions are our own, and our articles are provided for educational and informational purposes and do not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
Speaking of old money things and Barney's, their pop-up brought back nostalgia of 'that' NYC that existed for so long, but has since become part of a bygone era - Barney's, Scoop, Dean & DeLuca, Henri Bendel, Lord & Taylor etc.
Lucky we got to experience them when we did.
Australia's new law, while a great move for those who have 'bosses without borders', is also just a reflection of how wrapped up in work everyone has become. It's sad that not answering / constantly being on email after 6PM wouldn't be the norm. Unless your job involves literally saving people's lives, it can wait.