I’ll be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about having just the right thing. The gold bangle that always sits on your wrist. The silk scarf you reach for when your outfit feels too plain. The scent that smells like you, even when you’re not trying.
Old money style isn’t about piling things on. It’s about having a few beautiful pieces that speak softly but say plenty. Accessories, in that world, aren’t trends, they’re tools. Little quiet luxuries that tie everything together, without ever feeling flashy.
So, if you’re wondering what really belongs in an old money accessories wardrobe for a woman? Here’s the shortlist.
1. A well-made leather handbag (but not a trendy one)
The kind you don’t see on instagram reel every five seconds. Just a simple, beautifully structured top-handle or shoulder bag, in a classic shade like cognac, oxblood, maybe deep black, that feels like it’s been around forever (in the best way).
No giant logos. No gimmicks. Just good leather, elegant lines, and craftsmanship you can feel.
Mine’s vintage Ferragamo, boxy and perfect with a navy coat or jeans and a white button-down.
Tip: Look for brands like The Row or Cuyana
2. Pearl studs or small gold hoops
There’s a reason these haven’t gone out of style in, well, forever. They sit close to the ear. They don’t shout. And somehow they make you look more awake, even if you’ve had one too many late-night martinis.
If you’re doing pearls, go for real ones if possible. Slightly imperfect? Even better. For gold hoops, keep them small and polished, like the kind your mother would’ve worn in the ‘80s.
Shop here: Mejuri
3. A silk scarf that feels a little old-school
Tied around your ponytail, folded in your bag, draped over your shoulders on a chilly flight, there’s nothing a silk scarf can’t do. Especially when it’s patterned in that slightly retro, equestrian-inspired way that screams inheritance energy.
You don’t need to buy Hermès (though vintage ones are worth the splurge). I’ve found gems from Aspinal of London or Toteme.
4. A real watch (not a fitness tracker)
This might be a bit controversial, but old money style doesn’t care how many steps you’ve taken. A woman with a slim, elegant timepiece gives a very different energy than one tapping down at her Apple Watch.
Seiko Presage, or even a vintage Timex Marlin, something on a leather strap or slim bracelet that tells time and does it beautifully, nothing more.
It says: “I’m not in a rush. And I’m definitely not checking my heart rate.”
5. Leather driving gloves
Yes, really. Slightly theatrical? Maybe. But there’s something impossibly chic about a woman wearing butter soft leather gloves while gripping the steering wheel of a vintage car, or a very clean Volvo.
Dark brown or deep burgundy always looks richer than black. They also come in handy when you don’t feel like dealing with hand cream.
Shop here: Fratelli Orsini, Leather Gloves Online
6. A hair accessory that doesn’t feel too “done”
Old money hair is unfussy, but not unkempt. Think tortoiseshell combs, silk scrunchies, or narrow grosgrain ribbon tied at the base of a low ponytail.
It’s not about trends (no pearl-studded claws or sparkly clips). Just something subtle that says, “I care… but not too much.”
You’ll find nice ones from Etsy or even the quietest section of a good department store.
7. A signature scent
Okay, technically not an “accessory”, but scent is part of the package. Old money women tend to stick to one. The kind of scent that clings to your scarf, lingers on your coat, and quietly hangs in the air just a little after you’ve walked away, a smell of sophistication.
Chanel No. 5, Guerlain Mitsouko, or something from Frédéric Malle, anything with a little depth and no sugary or candy stuff.
Spray lightly. Let people lean in to notice.
8. A cashmere wrap or oversized scarf
Not one of those thin ones that pills in two weeks. I mean a real, heavy cashmere scarf that doubles as a blanket on flights or saves you when a dinner terrace gets too cold.
Stick to navy, camel, or heather grey. Mine lives in the backseat of my car. It’s saved me at weddings, on overnight trains, and more than a few awkward brunches.
Shop here: Rise & Fall, Loro Piana
9. A vintage compact mirror
There’s something weirdly powerful about pulling out a small compact (not your phone camera) to check your lipstick. It’s old-school, self-contained, and quietly self-possessed.
You can find beautiful ones secondhand, gold-plated, monogrammed, enamel-topped. Or tuck one into your makeup bag and use it when you want to feel a little more pulled together.
10. A pair of low, elegant heels
Not stilettos. Not clunky platforms. Just a well-made mid-heel pump or slingback that feels like it could’ve walked out of a 1962 Vogue editorial.
Bonus if they’re soft. Extra bonus if they’re Italian. I love the styles from Vera or Charles & Keith, shoes you could wear to dinner, church, or a trustee meeting you weren’t technically invited to.
If you’re on the hunt, we rounded up a few favorites in our post on 5 affordable heels that look luxurious. They’re the kind that feel polished without trying too hard.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, you really don’t need much. Just one or two of these accessories, worn on repeat, without overthinking it, can shift your whole look. It’s not about effort. It’s about sticking to them.
And honestly, that’s what the heart of old money aesthetic is all about: choosing quality, wearing what you love, and not needing to explain it.
Do you have that one accessory you always reach for? I’d love to know. Tell me in the comments.
