Dressing like a wealthy young person takes more than just buying expensive clothes. It’s about cultivating a refined, sophisticated sense of style that conveys your elite upbringing and luxurious lifestyle. With some key wardrobe essentials, accessories, and styling techniques, you too can look like you have an unlimited clothing budget.
What does a rich kid’s wardrobe look like?
The rich kid wardrobe relies on timeless, high-quality investment pieces rather than flashy logos or trends. Think tailored blazers, cashmere sweaters, leather bags, and fine jewelry. While less affluent teenagers may save up to splurge on one designer item, privileged youths can afford to completely fill their closets with upscale attire. Here are some of the key items in a wealthy young person’s arsenal:
- Button-down shirts and blouses from heritage brands like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Brooks Brothers
- Well-fitting jeans from 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, Frame
- Minimal sneakers from Common Projects, Axel Arigato, Veja
- Leather jackets and trench coats from Burberry, Acne Studios, Mackage
- Sweaters and cardigans from Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, The Row
- Tailored trousers, blazers, and suits from Hugo Boss, Armani, Tom Ford
- Equestrian-inspired boots from Hermès, Chloé, Saint Laurent
- Evening gowns from Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier
- Handbags from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Celine
- Demure day dresses from Self-Portrait, Reformation, Aje
While less wealthy teens may have a few statement designer pieces for special occasions, rich kids wear luxury from head to toe every day. They have the means to always be dressed to the nines for school, weekends, and travel.
Shop strategically to emulate the look
You don’t have to be an heiress with a black AmEx to dress like old money. By shopping smartly, you can cobble together a refined designer aesthetic on a budget:
- Stick to versatile neutral colors like black, navy, tan, white, and gray
- Comb through consignment shops to score deals on timeless styles
- Choose natural fibers like cotton, wool, linen, and silk over synthetics
- Find well-made pieces from contemporary mid-range brands
- Invest in key wardrobe basics you can wear repeatedly
- Supplement with a few splurge designer items
- Take good care of your clothes so they last
With careful curating and reuse, you can make inexpensive items look expensive through thoughtful pairings. Mixing high and low is another trick to channel privileged nonchalance.
Accessorize to elevate your look
When it comes to emulating old money style, accessories can really take a look to the next level. Look for investment pieces with timeless designs:
- Designer sunglasses like Ray-Ban Wayfarers or aviators
- A Rolex, Omega, or Cartier watch
- Dainty fine jewelry like diamond studs, necklaces, and stacking rings
- A structured handbag in a neutral color from brands like Tory Burch, Kate Spade, Coach
- Leather belts from Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton
- Silk scarves and pocket squares
- A nice trench coat, pea coat, or wool overcoat for winter
- Oxfords, loafers, Chelsea boots, or ballet flats
Well-chosen accessories exhibit taste and family wealth. They also instantly level up basic pieces like jeans and t-shirts. Don’t be afraid to mix high and low accessories either – a Target scarf can look fabulous with a designer bag.
Use tailoring to achieve a polished look
No item conveys breeding and privilege like impeccable tailoring. While plenty of teenagers opt for oversized or slouchy silhouettes, wealthy youths tend to favor a neater, more fitted aesthetic. Here are some tailoring tricks to channel refined elegance:
- Invest in blazers nipped at the waist and shoulders
- Select crisp button-down shirts in poplin or oxford cloth
- Choose trousers with a tailored, slim leg opening
- Wear sheath dresses made of structured fabrics like tweed or double-knit jersey
- Fit jeans so they are trim through hip and thigh
- Have pieces tailored to fit your exact proportions
Proper tailoring also requires attention to detail like leaving dress shirts fully buttoned, tucking in blouses, threading belts, and keeping collars crisp. Wrinkled, ill-fitting clothes convey nouveau riche rather than old money refinement.
Cultivate signature hairstyles and beauty looks
In old money circles, much care is given to grooming and presentation. Create signature beauty looks to convey your elevated taste:
- Keep hair neatly trimmed or arrange it in a classic style like a bun or headband braid
- Invest in regular salon visits for cuts, conditioning, styling
- Always have manicured nails in a neutral shade
- Use tailored makeup that looks natural – defined brows, classic eyeshadow, neutral lip
- Apply perfume from an elegant fragrance house like Chanel, Tom Ford or Diptyque
- Pop a statement brooch or silk scarf on lapels and collars
- Have clothes routinely laundered, pressed and mended
Grooming is viewed as an extension of your presentation and brand. Overdone trends may look nouveau riche, so aim for classic elegance.
Use body language to project poise and confidence
How you carry yourself also affects the aura you exude. Practice these tips to move through the world with upper crust assurance:
- Keep your chin parallel to the floor, relax your shoulders
- Sit and stand with good posture – belly in, chest lifted, shoulders back
- Take graceful steps in a heel-toe motion
- Speak clearly in a modulated, low voice
- Make eye contact when greeting people
- Offer a firm handshake with a gentle pump
- Keep public displays of affection to a minimum
- Wait to sit until hosts/elders have been seated
Move slowly and deliberately – there’s no need to rush. Allow your natural confidence and ease to shine through.
Observe etiquette and protocol
Knowing etiquette cues others that you were expertly raised. Practice old world manners like:
- Send handwritten thank you notes after events/gifts
- Rise when elders/distinguished guests enter the room
- Wait for everyone to be served before eating
- Keep elbows off the table and chewing noises minimal
- Hold doors and pull out chairs for others
- Release utensils properly while dining – cross fork and knife at 4 o’clock
- Introduce friends and younger people to older/senior people
- Avoid using your phone at the table
- Give firm handshakes and make eye contact when meeting
Mastering etiquette and decorum conveys class and breeding. Be chivalrous, patient and punctual.
Cultivate refined pastimes and tastes
How you spend your leisure time also reflects your social station. Pursue hobbies and interests that denote class, such as:
- Equestrian sports – polo, show jumping, dressage
- Golf, tennis, swimming, sailing, skiing
- Charity work and philanthropy
- Foreign languages – French, Spanish, Italian, Latin
- Musical instruments – piano, violin, cello, harp
- Classical music and ballet
- Fine art – sculpture, opera, galleries, auctions
- Reading literary classics and poetry
Cultivating refined tastes showcases your elite upbringing and education. Share your hobbies as talking points when meeting new people.
Exhibit manners and discretion
Flaunting wealth is considered gauche by old money standards. Behave with quiet refinement:
- Avoid name dropping and boasting
- Understate when asked about vacations, cars, homes
- Keep inherited money and family business private
- Don’t brag about labels, prices, exclusivity
- Rise above gossip and pettiness
- Refrain from snapping pics of purchases for social media
- Don’t judge others by material measures
- Remain humble, grateful and socially aware
Wear and spend luxuriously, but don’t flaunt it. Displaying tact and graciousness conveys breeding.
Travel in style
Globetrotting requires elegance, efficiency and ease. Apply these first class tips:
- Hire private drivers or take Ubers for discretion
- Fly first or business class when possible
- Book luxury suites at hotels and resorts
- Pack clothing in garment bags to avoid wrinkles
- Make use of hotel laundry and concierge services
- Carry cash for tips and transactions
- Secure lounge access to relax between flights
- Explore leisurely without set tourist schedules
- Dress the part of a stylish traveler
- Send postcards to elegantly share your adventures
With the right habits, you can journey lavishly without attracting the wrong kind of attention. Bon voyage!
Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants
Wealthy youths often dine at exclusive, critically acclaimed eateries. Follow their lead by:
- Studying menus and wine lists before arriving
- Using proper table settings and multiple utensils
- Allowing hosts and elders to order first
- Starting with small portions to pace yourself
- Blotting oil and sauce spills quickly
- Waiting until the host’s napkin is on lap before placing yours
- Placing used knives and forks at 4 o’clock when done
- Keeping elbows off the table
- Sampling fine food and wine, but not over-indulging
- Using attentive, moderate gestures and expressions
Mastering upscale dining etiquette allows you to fit right in at exclusive venues. Savor the experience!
Attend cultural events and galas
Black tie galas, opera premieres, and museum exhibit openings are fixtures of the wealthy social calendar. Blend right in by:
- Studying high culture – know prominent artists, musicians, authors
- Securing tickets for sought-after performances and events
- Following black tie optional or formal dress codes meticulously
- Arriving precisely on time – not early or late
- Mingling politely with other distinguished guests
- Bringing hosts a small gift like flowers or wine
- Avoiding boisterous laughter or conversations during performances
- Joining standing ovations only when merited
- Skipping after-parties to make graceful exits
Immersing yourself among the glitterati lets you practice mingling with ease, grace and discretion.
Conclusion
Dressing, grooming, and conducting yourself like an affluent youth is more about projecting poise and taste than just buying expensive clothes. Shop smartly, choose elevated accessories, and cultivate signature looks and interests. Exhibit manners, move with grace, and avoid flashy displays of wealth. With practice, you too can look like a rich kid and feel right at home among the elite.