Can You Fake Being Old Money?

If you haven’t heard the phrase “old money rich”, you are either living under a rock or have zero social media presence. Being old money is not a trend, it’s an aesthetic altogether, and let’s face it- it does have  a certain charm to it. A lifestyle dripping in real luxury- no flashy brand tags and no bold logos, just pure elegance and class and the confidence of someone who’s probably had a portrait hung in their living room walls since the 18000s is the most attractive thing for sure!

But here’s a million dollar question: can you fake being old money, especially in the age of social media filters and highly curated content?

The rise of quiet money trend

Hashtags like #OldMoney #OldMoneyAesthetic and #OldMoneyOutfits have been garnering millions of views on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram recently. From Sofia Richie Grainge’s wedding weekend content to fashion influencers styling beige cardigans with pleated trousers and pearl studs, this visual culture of wealth has taken the digital world by storm.

Old money aesthetic on social media

Pretending and faking being old money on social media has almost become like a popular modern day art form with online creators teaching everything- from how to “pose like a trust fund baby” to “walk like you summer in the Hamptons.”

However, looking like old money is one thing but is it anywhere close to actually being old money? This is where it gets interesting.

Old money isn’t just about looking the part- with the right clothes, cars and houses (although those certainly help!). Old money is a lifestyle often passed down through generations. It is built on generational wealth, social standing, cultural capital and a deep sense of ease with privilege. There is an inherent confidence in people who actually come from old money and most importantly, they’re not trying very hard to prove anything to anyone.

They may wear a single Barbour jacket for years or even drive  a dusty Volvo while living in a quaint old house worth millions of dollars. Logos are gauche, excess is vulgar and they don’t believe in being too flashy or too loud and definitely not too eager.

Digital inclusion vs real life

While through free “how tos” online, you may be able to capture the look of being old money but the vibes require more than just the superficial. So, how do people fake it? Actually, quite convincingly. Many influencers are nailing the visual cues with neutral-toned, high-quality (or high-looking) fashion, tennis, golf, equestrian hobbies—even if it’s all just for the ‘gram and soft-focus shots in European cities, heritage hotels, and vintage cars. 

They go for backdrops with understated but curated interiors– think: vintage book stacks, moody oil paintings, and checkered floors; they speak in a slowed-down, posh drawl while sipping tea (likely iced, because, well—Malaysia!) Some even go as far as hiring vintage cars for photoshoots or using AI to create estate-like backdrops. 

What worked online may not hold up offline

The truth is what might work online doesn’t necessarily always hold up offline. It’s a lot easier to pull off the perfect “old money”  look in a reel but when you walk into a real “high-society” event, you might get clocked in seconds!

Old money families often operate in tight-knit circles, where lineage, schooling, and reputation matter more than your Instagram follower count. They can spot the difference between a real heirloom pearl necklace and something from a fast-fashion brand made to look the part.

And let’s not forget the subtleties—manners, speech, travel habits, even the way one handles service staff. These are all hard to fake convincingly without a lifetime of exposure.

Does it even matter that you’re faking it?

The truth is: it does not. This is 2025 and people are more interested in aspirational content than authenticity.  Followers know their favourite influencers aren’t really flying private or inheriting stately homes—but they still double-tap. Why? Because fantasy is enjoyable. It’s storytelling, escapism, and lifestyle envy rolled into one.

Plus, in a world where the wealth gap continues to grow, there’s a growing disdain for real old money and its hoarding of privilege. So, ironically, faking the aesthetic might even be more palatable than the real thing.

Malaysia’s unique take on the old money vibe

In Malaysia, being old money comes with its own set of cultural cues—often more subtle, sometimes even more exclusive. Think: legacy bungalows in Damansara Heights or Penang, decades-old art collections, weekend escapes to family orchards, or speaking fluent French and Malay interchangeably at dinner parties.

That said, the old money aesthetic is gaining traction among younger Malaysians, especially through social media. Whether it’s styling classic kebayas with Hermes scarves or curating minimalist heritage-inspired home interiors, the desire to tap into that world is clearly there.

So, can you fake it? The short answer? Yes—visually, for sure. Social media is the perfect playground for curating a lifestyle. But if you’re hoping to pass off as “old money” in real life, that’s a harder sell. Old money is about legacy, lived experiences and a very specific type of social code that’s nearly impossible to replicate overnight. 

What you can actually do is be smart with money management and investments, and help your kids or their kids be “old money rich” two generations later. And, always remember, being authentic never goes out of style—whether you’re in pearls or pyjamas.