content creator says, the “old money” aesthetic isn’t about luxury or elegance it’s a subconscious response to the state of the world.
Image: TikTok
Baggy jeans or skinny jeans? The debate will probably never die, and honestly, whatever floats your boat works. I’m all for the comfort of Gen Z’s 'effortless'/ baggy styles, no offence to my fellow millennials holding on to their skinny jeans.
But these generational differences go beyond denim; they represent deeper shifts in how we dress, why we dress, and what our fashion choices say about the times we live in.
From TikTok trends like the Mobwife aesthetic and tradwife look to the ever-present Y2K revival, there’s always some online discourse about what Gen Z is wearing from clubbing to brunch. But one trend that’s sparked a firestorm of conversation lately is the “old money” aesthetic.
You know the look: muted tones, tailored blazers, loafers, and a wardrobe that screams “boarding school meets yacht club.” But according to some creators, this isn’t just about channelling elegance, it’s an unconscious response to the times we’re living in.
Content creator Nikita Redkar who goes by @bimbouniversity, in a now-viral video, sparked the conversation with a theory rooted in history when she stitched a video asking, “Why is Gen Z so goddamn Puritan? Why are you 20 years old and wearing Lauren Piana suede loafers?”
We’ve seen the sudden embrace of the “old money” style by a generation known for breaking the rules. The lack of colours, uniformity, and less and less creative expression in fashion.
Her explanation behind this she credited “the hemline index”. This theory suggests that fashion reflects the economy. When times are good, hemlines get shorter, think the carefree flappers of the roaring 1920s.
But when the economy tanks, skirts get longer, and people gravitate toward modesty and tradition. The “old money” aesthetic isn’t about luxury or elegance it’s a subconscious response to the state of the world. It’s function over fashion, modesty over creativity. In short, it’s survival.
Take the 1890s, for example. During one of the worst economic depressions in US history, women embraced the Gibson Girl aesthetic, structured, modest outfits with impossibly small corsets.
It was a look that screamed upper-class respectability and survival in uncertain times. Her observation shines a light on why so many wardrobes today are filled with beige, navy, and muted earth tones.
Rising costs, job insecurity, and climate anxiety have pushed people toward timeless styles that won’t go out of fashion. It’s less about standing out and more about staying grounded.
Personally, I’m all for the comfort of Gen Z’s 'effortless'/ baggy styles no offence to my fellow millennials holding on to their skinny jeans.
Image: TikTok
And let’s be real, when the world feels chaotic, a classic blazer and a pair of loafers can feel like a little slice of stability. Fashion has always been political.
As this content creator puts it, “When the economy is bad, you stay safe. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself.”
This shift explains why the playful, colourful, daring looks of the early 2010s (hello, neon crop tops and bold prints) have been replaced by neutral palettes and classic silhouettes.
But not everyone is on board. For many, the “old money” aesthetic feels stifling. TikTok comments are filled with users lamenting the lack of vibrance in today’s fashion.
“Everything is beige or muted colours, it drives me crazy. I want VIBRANCE!” one user wrote.
Others argue that women are naturally playful, colourful, and vivacious like butterflies. The muted “old money” aesthetic is learned, not innate. It’s a reflection of our current economic climate, not an authentic expression of individuality.
And she’s not wrong. Even though there's nothing wrong with wearing a classic, understated appearance, it's worthwhile to consider: are we dressing this way because we want to or because we feel compelled to?
