Strolling under the scorching sun in a long-sleeve shirt, with a sweater draped over the shoulders, paired with slack pants and leather shoes may seem awkward and uncomfortable.
However, this is a style known as ‘Old Money’, which has become a trend, especially among the younger generation. Some have even created communities and video content on social media to showcase the trend.
Renowned fashion designer Bon Zainal commented on this growing phenomenon, which has been widely discussed online, explaining that the term ‘Old Money’ refers not just to a style of clothing but also to a lifestyle, etiquette, and social conduct of the wealthy elite, particularly in Western countries.
"Old Money isn’t just about clothing; it’s about culture and lifestyle. The clothes worn by this group represent only about 20 per cent of the overall concept.
"The more important aspects are their manners, etiquette, and the way they socialise," he said in an interview with Bernama.
He added that while it is not wrong to adopt fashion inspired by the ‘Old Money’ style, it is essential to understand its origins and true essence.
"For example, the style often seen with sweaters and autumn clothes is very suitable for Western countries with cold climates. However, in Malaysia, where the weather is hot, wearing such outfits without understanding their context will only make the look seem awkward.
"It’s natural for us to admire and imitate styles that appeal to us visually, but style is not just about clothing. It’s also about how we take care of ourselves, our grooming, and how we interact with others,” he said.
Bon also emphasised that while many people now try to emulate the ‘Old Money’ style on social media, they fail to grasp the history and true meaning behind the term. Additionally, some tend to focus on famous brands without being able to afford the genuine items, opting for counterfeit products instead.
"Don’t just chase after brands or fashion without understanding what they truly represent. When we style ourselves without knowing the history behind it, it can come across as awkward and may even become a subject of ridicule,” he said.
"Fashion is fine, but it should align with your means. Don’t blindly follow trends or wear things you can’t afford. People can tell when we ‘try too hard’ to flaunt something that isn’t ours,” he added.
Bon also reminded the public of the importance of maintaining one’s own identity in fashion. He encouraged people to take pride in wearing traditional attire like batik and songket, selecting them based on the appropriateness of the occasion and venue, including the right colours and materials.
Fashion designer Hatta Dolmat, on the other hand, described the ‘Old Money’ style as focusing on comfort, quality, and a modest lifestyle. Those who embrace this style tend to favour clothing without bold patterns, opting for pastel colours such as soft blue and light yellow, which are easy to mix and match.
"These individuals value simplicity, with classic and minimal clothing cuts. It’s not about Y2K fashion, oversized styles, and so on. They prefer clothes that are practical for everyday life without being excessive,” Hatta explained.
He provided examples such as high-quality white shirts, perfectly tailored trousers, and bespoke suits for special occasions as symbols of the ‘Old Money’ style, along with an emphasis on the meticulous choice of material and craftsmanship.
"The best example is clothing from brands like Ralph Lauren, which features knitted sweaters with minimal polo embroidery in pastel colours. This style prioritises detail and quality,” he said, also suggesting accessories such as wayfarer glasses, oxford shoes, and appropriately chosen watches and handbags.
Although this trend is popular on social media, Hatta said that ‘Old Money’ fashion is not about chasing brands or fame, but rather about a timeless style that remains unaffected by changing trends.
"The ‘Old Money’ crowd doesn't showcase brands or status. Instead, they focus on simplicity and quality in their lifestyle," he said.
Hatta believes that in the Malaysian context, true ‘Old Money’ fashion can be reflected through heritage pieces like songket and tenun, celebrated as symbols of luxury.
"There’s nothing wrong with fashion; it’s a personal choice, and there’s no such thing as ‘awkward.’ Fashion is all about individual taste, but it’s important to consider what’s appropriate for the time and place.
"For instance, you wouldn’t wear a suit in the scorching heat. If you really want to change your style, consider adopting the concept of going back to basics-wear tailored clothes and prioritise quality over trends,” he said. - BERNAMA