The goal is to be a “Ralph Lauren Girl,” and everyone’s eager to join.
Social Media has rolled an influx of attention on the ‘old money’ aesthetic. Portraying the ideal feminine style of the time as a 90s timeless shade of elegance. The ‘old money’ style has reached Gen Z, and there is a piece for everyone in the Ralph Lauren Collection.
Garnered Attention on TikTok
Luca reached 19.4 million TikTok users with this post. The statement, “seeing a Ralph Lauren girl in a world of Nike tech girls” had an effect on the social media community. Many users joined in on this trend and began posting outfits that fit into the ‘old money’ aesthetic. Some users even joined in with their Nike athleisure to go against the trend. Everyone wanted to be a “Ralph Lauren girl,” but the news that comfy Athleisure was out was also upsetting for some.
The “Ralph Lauren girl” aesthetic screams sophistication and intelligence through a timeless chic look.
The preppy style dates back to 1967 when Ralph Lauren started his designer clothing line, but Polo Ralph Lauren for Women – wasn’t released until 2014.
In an exclusive interview on the Launch of Polo Ralph Lauren for Women, for Vogue, Dirk Standen asked Ralph Lauren some insightful questions.
For instance, Standen asked Ralph why he hesitated to create a female Polo line, to which Ralph Lauren replied, “You know, I can really do Polo for women because there are many things that young women love in the men’s line.”
Women everywhere liked the idea of wearing their partner’s button-down shirt. You would see it in movies, books, and even discussed in day-to-day conversations.
In fact it was Dylan, Ralph Lauren’s daughter, who brought the women’s line to life as she kept telling her father how much she liked wearing her husband’s Polo shirts.
And who can blame her? Who doesn’t like a crisp cotton long-sleeve to dress down or up?
Why are young people so attracted to the ‘old money’ style?
Young people spend the majority of their time are on social media and are consequently influenced by the content on their screens daily. Fashionistas too, can see how popular the ‘old money’ style has become on these platforms and thus, are more keen to hop on the bandwagon.
Nowadays it is common to see young people rocking striped button-down Polo shirts, beige cashmere, and plaid skirts, and the colors are predominantly neutrals, navy blue, and ruby red. Particularly on college campuses as the style exudes confidence and gives off an academic aura no one can overlook.
However, there is an issue when it comes to achieving the ‘old money’ style: the cost of the pieces itself. Polo Ralph Lauren is after all designer brand with designer prices.
But don’t fret, there are other options. For example, it is not hard to find second hand staple pieces from the brand to help you achieve the look. You can also look for other brands that may help you to get the ‘old money’ style but for a better price.
‘Old Money’ Style on a Budget
Secondhand shops can be found all over the world.
In London the other day, I spent some time in Notting Hill, and the vendors on the street are selling quality pieces. One vendor sold pieces from the Polo Ralph Lauren line for half price. The pieces were good quality and looked hardly worn. These included cable knit sweaters, button-down shirts, and even the iconic teddy bear sweaters that have been going viral on social media.
If you can, buy secondhand. It’s better for the environment, and you will ensure that you get your money’s worth for the quality of the clothing.
If secondhand clothing isn’t as accessible in your area, commercial companies offer the chic factor that comes with the ‘old money’ style while fitting into your budget.
Examples include:
Zara is constantly refreshing their collection, and you will always find a striped button-down that will be an essential to your wardrobe.
Abercrombie & Fitch is also slowly returning to fashion culture; they have great staple pieces for every body type, and their maxi dresses fit the ‘old money’ style well.
J.Crew can be pricey, but do be sure to look out for when they announce their sale. They are a timeless brand, and their recent clothing launch has been the definition of ‘old money’ style. They have the loveliest ballet flats, and their coats & jackets are worth the price.
Lastly, Stradivarius contains all the best ‘old money’ style pieces for the best price! Their new collection is a dream for all aspiring Ralph Lauren girls. They have ruby red, navy blue and neutral pieces scattered all over their website, and their shoe collection is not something to miss.
The ‘Old Money’ aesthetic has officially set a standard in the fashion industry and Gen Zs have decided to join in on the timeless elegance of the 90s!
