Fashion trends are all over the place these days, but one thing that I love seeing is a return to polished, ladylike style. (Some are calling it “Old Money Aesthetic” or “Stealth Wealth Aesthetic,” meaning that it exudes class and wealth without being flashy or ostentatious.) Lucky for us you can get that look at any budget- Walmart and Amazon are even getting in on the look.
outfit details:
striped lady jacket (tts) | white t-shirt with gold buttons on shoulders (LS version here, this runs small) | gold hoops | cropped wide leg jeans (tts) | bamboo buckle shoes (old from J. McLaughlin) | wicker handbag (on sale)
Ladylike Style aka “Old Money Aesthetic”
I’m talking about things like gold buttons, tweed, buckles, timeless silhouettes (think Jackie O), pleats, good tailoring, elevated belts, shirtdresses, high rise pants with wide legs (Colette from Anthropologie is my favorite style), and chic handbags and crossbody bags. These pieces are readily available no matter what your budget is, and today I wanted to share some finds that have me excited to up my day-to-day wardrobe a bit. J.McLaughlin and Tuckernuck are my favorite sources for elevated and chic pieces, but you can also find more affordable styles at H&M and Loft. I’ve always appreciated timeless pieces like these, and I do think that classics that will last you a long time are worth investing a bit more in, but I do also appreciate a bargain so below you will find options at many different price points.
(clockwise from top left)
- J.Crew Patch Pocket Sweater Lady Jacket (runs tts)
- J. McLaughlin Khaki Shirt Dress (runs tts though tighter in the arms)
- J. McLaughlin Leather Top Handle Handbag (with removeable crossbody strap- navy is now sold out but I have this in brown for fall and it’s on sale)
- Tuckernuck Gold French Twist Mini Hoops ($38 and the perfect size)
- Tuckernuck Pearl Lantern Earrings ($48 and they make a statement yet are simple)
- Tuckernuck Navy Dress with Darting and Buttons
- J. McLaughlin Wicker Crossbody Bag (my favorite bag of the summer- on sale now!)
- Tuckernuck Tweed Jackie Dress (Can’t wait to wear this, reminds me of Jackie O.! Comes in lots of colors. Runs tts.)
- H&M Knit Cardigan with Gold Buttons (sold out right now but fingers crossed it comes back. I sized down.)
- Tuckernuck Block Heeled Pumps (I love a suede pair of pumps in the fall and winter! I have this similar version from J.McLaughlin which are back this year too!)
- J. McLaughlin Linen and Bamboo Belt (perfect for belting dresses, currently on sale for under $60)
- Tuckernuck Packable Wide Bow Sunhat ($65, I’ve had mine for around 5 years and I love it so much. Wonderful hat to have in your wardrobe! Comes in a number of ribbon color options.)
- J.Crew Factory Collard Shirtdress (nice for transitioning to fall)
- Birdies Starling Loafers in Taupe Leather (I fell in love with these loafers a number of years ago and I’m thrilled that they brought them back. They run tts and are so incredibly comfortable. Use code STRIPESANDWHIMSY10 for 10% off)
- J. McLaughlin Reversible Belt ($98 and the must have belt right now (wearing in photo at the beginning of the post). I’ve had my brown/black one for a few years and recently bought the navy/orange one. I love that you basically get two belts for the price of one. Runs tts and its great for belting dresses as well as pants.)
More ladylike finds: