From Sloane Ranger to Old Money – The Short Evolution of Traditional Style

Dearest reader,

As a member of the maturing Gen Z generation I too have been fascinated by the Old Money Aesthetic trend on social media. And now, in the final year of my early twenties, the old money look has formed strong foundations for my personal style development, and since I have always been interested in vintage this trend literally hit the sweet spot for me.

However, it wasn't until I accidentaly came across a term 'Sloane Ranger' (while vintage shopping) when my interests towards the reasoning behind why traditional style is so big right now sparked. Naturally, I investigated and found out some intersting similarities between the two styles trends which I am going to discuss next. So keep on reading!

At first glance, Sloane Ranger and Old Money styles appear to be the same thing under a different name. In fact, their aesthetic and fashion references are so similar it's hard to tell them apart, but, as with anything, there are subtle nuaces fromed by historical timing which inevitably separete the mother from the daughter.

Cultural & Social Background

Simply put Old Money – an impeccably dressed online persona – can be seen as the current state of the evolution of Sloane Ranger – a weatlhy upper-middle-class Londoner. Still, let's look at these phenomena closer:

Sloane Ranger

According to the Cambrige online dictionary Sloane Ranger is a young, high class person usually from London whose clothes are of expensive traditional style yet not flashy and who speaks with an upper-class accent. These people typically live in West London near Sloane Square (hence the name) and lead a posh, upper-middle-class or even aristocratic lifestyle: weeks in the city, weekends at a family's country house playing polo, educated in certain schools and follows British social calendar.

The term Sloane Ranger first appeared in an article studying this social group in 1975 and later, in 1982, on the cover of a best-selling novel by Ann Barr and Peter York called 'The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook' which was a humorous, social anthropology satire featuring the live and habbits of an upper-middle-class Londoner. Moreover, due to the raising popularity of Princess Diana – the supersloane – the Sloane Ranger look quickly became one of the most covetable styles of the late 20th century.

Furthermore, in a Town & Country magazine's article Looking Back at Princess Diana and the Official Sloane Ranger Handbook (2022) Peter York has commented on the style's cultural significanse: 'at the time Britain was coming out of the terribleness of the late 1970s and enormous [economic] depression. It was a combination of ecapasim and aspiration.' Therefore, although a true Sloany lived this dreamy, chic, unattaiable lifestyle the look could be addopted by anybody aspiring to appear weatlhy.

Old Money

Typically the term Old Money refers to inhereted wealth but in a 21st century social media era it is simply enough to live the aesthetic trend by romantizising the lifestyle of the super rich on your social posts. In Harpers Bazaar's article by Ella Sangster the Old Money Trend is described as 'attractive young people, impeccably dressed, lounging in stunning locations' as immortalized by countless TV series and films. Only this time you get to be the character.

Similarly to Sloane Ranger, the Old Money look is more about aspiration than realisim. In an article for GQ (Why Is Gen Z So Obsessed With 'Old Money Style?) Max Berlinger interviewed Zach Weiss, Richard Thompson Ford and Avery Trufelman who all agreed that Old Money Aesthetic is actually a costume play of a cozy, simple, utopian world devoid of exhausting trends. Or even more so, disquised by its ultra lux name, Old Money is actually rebranding our fundamental need for security by tying something homely with a black velvet bow. That is when a bathrobe turns into a dressing gown, tea time into champagne hour and sweatpants into cashmere sets – basically everyday is a fabulous day if you look the part.

What is more, like with Sloane Ranger, the Old Money Trend rose to popularity during a time of economic uncertainty. This time, however, post pandemic inflation and cost of living crises made Gen Z turn to second-hand markets for classic, demure clothing in order to fullfil a dream of quiet luxury. In fact, ever since becoming a spokesperson for practical warbrode investments the Old Money Aesthetic is reaping reputation of an anti-trend emphasising on quality, craftsmanship and neutral colour palette over trending fashion. That being said, Old Money is still a trend and not everyone is implementing it via second-hand shopping.

I think my outfit is a combination of Sloane Ranger and Old Money Styles

Sloane Ranger VS Old Money

So what is the difference between the two styles other than historical timing?

Or is there a difference?

Let's break this down!

SLOANE RANGER	OLD MONEY
= a weatlhy upper-middle-class or aristocratic Londoner with the right accent	= an impeccably dressed online persona fantasizing life of the super rich
Past-time: polo, antiques, races, hunting, charitable work, opera, rowing	Past-time: golf, tennis, horse riding, classic cars, yachts, travelling
Style icon: Princess Diana	Style icons: Carolyn Besette, JFK Jr., Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Kelly & Audrey Hepburn
Fashion references: The Crown, royal family, equestrian style, country house life	Fashion references: 90s Raplh Lauren, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Saltburn, Succession, Ivy League Style
Core style items: silk scarves, velvet headbands, pearls, loafers, pleated skirts, floral dresses, pie crust collar, tweed, Wellington boots, corduroy, gilets Colour palette: some bright colour choices but mostly neutral	Core style items: polos, vests, white sneakers, capries, quilted coats, tailoring, linens, cashmere Colour palette: neutral
Brands: Barbour, Burberry, Hermers, Holland Cooper, Fairfax & Favor	Brands: Ralph Lauren, J Crew, Loro Piana, Max Mara, Chanel
Key words: traditional, heritage, British, easy chic, Eton	Key words: quiet luxury, ivy league, neutral, demure, Old Hollywood
Historical timing: early 1980s Britan after sever economic depression. Style popularized by Diana Spencer	Historical timing: early 2020s social media after global pandemic and cost of living crisis. Style popularized by TV & film idolizing the lifestyle of rich people

Conclusion

In my opinion, the Old Money Look is a polished and perfected version of the Sloane Ranger which can sometimes lean towards scruffiness. Naturally, the Sloane Ranger can be seen as a British branch of this traditional way of dressing: a bit worn, durable & heritage. Whereas, Old Money has a refined, curated and elegant old Hollywood feeling that looks good on your Instagram feed.

What is particularly interesting are the similar uncertain economic situations under which both of these styles became popular. That explains the fascination with security and tradition as way of coping during difficult times. Of course, nowadays Old Money Style can be observed from a sustainability perspective as well, and since vintage market is growing Old Money Aesthetic has become appealing for eco-conscious, style savvy Gen Zs in search of a fashion savior.

After all, no matter how I'm analysing these Styles both them can be described within a same sentence: tasteful but not radical, stylish but not mainstream. They are the same style excisting in different decades and I guess it is up to you which party you want to belong to. Personally? I am found of anything British.

What are your thoughts on Sloane Ranger & Old Money Styles?

Do you agree with my analysis?

Thank you so much for reading!

I hope you found this interesting.

Yours truly,

Siiri

P.S if you liked to post tap the hear below so I know to make more like this!

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Sources:

Cochrane, Lauren. (2020). Pie Crust and pearls: the unexpected return of the Sloane Ranger. The Gaurdian. https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/nov/26/piecrusts-and-pearls-how-a-young-diana-spread-the-sloane-ranger-look

(read 17.1.2025)

Sims, Josh. (2020). The cult of the Sloane Ranger. Luxury London. https://luxurylondon.co.uk/style/his/the-cult-sloane-ranger/

(read 17.1.2025)

Cambridge Dictionary. (2025). Sloane Ranger. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sloane-ranger

(read 17.1.2025)

Blair, Olivia. (2022). Looking Back at Princess Diana and the Official Sloane Ranger Handbook. Town & Country. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/money-and-power/a10356763/sloane-ranger-handbook-princess-diana/

(read 18.1.2025)

Sangster, Ella. How Gen Z gave the 'the money' aesthetic an egalitarian makeover. Hapers Bazaar Australia. https://harpersbazaar.com.au/old-money-aesthetic/

(read 18.1.2025)

Berlinger, Max. (2024). Why Is Gen Z So Obsessed With 'Old Money Style?'. GQ. https://www.gq.com/story/old-money-style-aesthetic-explainer

(read 18.1.2025)

Rodgers, Daniel. (2024). The Sloaniest of Fashion Classics is Back in Style – But The Rules Have Changed. British Vogue. https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/sloane-rangers-november-issue

(read 19.1.2025)