It may seem uncomfortable, but this style, known as “Old Money”, is growing in popularity, especially among the younger generation. Some have even created communities and video content on social media to showcase the trend.
Malaysian fashion designer Bon Zainal explains 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% of the overall concept. The more important aspects are their manners, etiquette, and the way they socialise,” he told Bernama.
He added that while it is not wrong to adopt fashion inspired by “Old Money”, it is essential to understand its origins and true essence. Many people try to emulate the style on social media without grasping the history and true meaning behind it.
“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 pointed out.
He advises against chasing after brands or fashion without truly knowing what they represent: “When we style ourselves without knowing the history behind it, it can be awkward and could even become the subject of ridicule.”
Bon also cautions against focusing on famous brands without being able to afford genuine items, opting instead for counterfeit goods.
“Fashion is fine, but it should align with your means,” he said. “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 reminds the public of the importance of maintaining one’s own identity in fashion; for example, by wearing traditional attire like batik and songket, selecting them based on the appropriateness of the occasion and venue, including the right colours and materials.
‘Not about trends’
Meanwhile, fashion designer Hatta Dolmat describes “Old Money” 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.”
He cited high-quality white shirts, perfectly tailored trousers, and bespoke suits for special occasions as symbols of “Old Money”, along with an emphasis on the 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 “Old Money” 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, which are celebrated as symbols of luxury.
“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,” he noted.
“If you really want to change your style, consider going back to basics – wearing tailored clothes and prioritising quality over trends.”