And what it actually looks like instead.
You’ve probably seen the posts. A matching linen set with “YACHT CLUB” splashed across the chest, gold slides, a monogrammed towel laid out on the Amalfi Coast — all tagged with #oldmoneyaesthetic.
But here’s the truth: most of it misses the point.
Old money style — especially at the beach — isn’t about dressing for Instagram. It’s not a look you put on. It’s a quiet, lived-in feeling. A sense of comfort, ease, and maybe just a hint of salt air in your clothes.
Let’s clear a few things up.
1. Myth: Old Money = Matching Linen Logo Sets
We’ve all seen it: matching linen shirt-and-short combos in crisp whites and pastels, often with giant embroidery or a name-drop of a resort you’ve never been to.
But real old money beach style? It’s quieter. More personal. So discreet you won’t note it even.
Instead:
It’s a breezy linen shirt that’s been softened by summers past. One you slip into without thinking twice.
Try this one:
→ White 100% Linen Shirt – Massimo Dutti
And shorts? Go slightly oversized. Neutral. Nothing flashy.
→ Linen Bermuda Shorts – Arket
2. Myth: It’s About Luxury Labels
There’s a misconception that old money style is rooted in price. But you won’t find many generational wardrobes built around seasonal drops. The goal isn’t to show you spent money — it’s to show you didn’t have to.
Instead:
Opt for brands known for craftsmanship, not branding. Like:
- Amelia Linen Top — breathable, structured, and quietly iconic
- COS Open-Side Sheer Tunic — the kind of piece you wear with bare feet and a woven bag
- Aeyde Leather Sandals — flat, simple, never trying too hard
These pieces wear in beautifully and never go out of style.
3. Myth: It’s Perfectly Styled (Like a Vacation Ad)
If it looks like a team of stylists planned your beach day… it’s probably not old money. Real elegance is often unintentional.
Instead:
Embrace the undone.
A great example:
→ @gabriellecaunesil wearing a rumpled shirt over a swimsuit, hair tied loosely in a scarf.
Your sunglasses don’t need a case. Your towel might not match. Your woven bag could be slightly frayed at the edges — and that only adds to the charm.
Looking for that unfussy finishing touch?
→ Justine Basket Bag – Sezane
→ Vintage-Inspired Sunglasses – Le Specs — timeless and understated
4. Myth: You Need to Look Rich to Look Elegant
If your outfit is trying to convince people of something, it’s already lost the plot.
Instead:
Elegance at the beach is about being at ease in your clothes. It’s about pieces that have seen summers before this one.
Think:
And don’t forget a cotton sarong or pareo — like this one
→ Agua by Agua Bendita
Instagram Vibe:
→ @heloise.guillet – sun-kissed in rich espresso tones, adorned with soft gold jewelry and effortless beachwear that feels both refined and undone.
5. Myth: It’s Aspirational
This may be the biggest myth of all. The idea that quiet, timeless beachwear is something exclusive or hard to achieve.
Instead:
True old money style is built on repetition. On owning less but choosing better. On pieces that age with you. You can find it secondhand. You can find it on sale. You can find it in your own closet.
It’s not about a yacht. It’s about not needing a yacht to feel at ease by the sea.
🧺 People Also Ask
What brands reflect old money beach style?
Mid-range brands like Massimo Dutti, Sunspel, COS, Aeyde, and Arket offer timeless summer pieces in quality materials — no logos needed.
How can I dress elegantly for the beach without spending much?
Look for natural fabrics like linen and cotton in classic cuts. A white button-down, neutral shorts, and a good pair of sandals go a long way.
Are loud prints or colors old money style?
Not really. Stick to muted tones and simple patterns like stripes or checks. The goal is quiet, not showy.
Final Thought
Old money beach style doesn’t beg to be noticed. It’s felt in how someone carries themselves, how they move through a sun-soaked afternoon with a linen shirt tossed over their shoulder and salt in their hair.
It’s the art of dressing for yourself, not the camera.
So skip the “YACHT LIFE” T-shirt. Wear the clothes that make you feel most at ease. Let the sun do the styling.
If this speaks to you, you might enjoy our post on What to Wear On A Boat? 9 Old Money Boat Outfits For Women.
