How to Look Rich
Whether you want to impress someone, stand out in to master the understated look of the old-money crowd
1
Dress in a classic manner. Private school uniforms are perfect examples of this look. Use them as inspiration for your daily wear. Cardigans, plaid, polo shirts, jumpers, skirts, slacks, knee-high socks, and shorts. Also, for the "old money" look, more vintage style classics will work, like a British style 3-button suit, anything "tweed", etc. Fabrics should be all natural, such as cotton, cashmere, silk, linen, wool and blends of these natural fibers. Don't overdo it; try to go for a relaxed look, like you just got back from a week at the family home in Kennebunkport. Well fitting clothing in relaxed muted colors and maybe a touch of pastel is very old money. Pay attention to the fit and fabric when you are shopping. Buy fewer quality pieces rather than a bunch of discount items.- 2Have good hygiene. Make sure you always brush your teeth and take a shower. Wash your hair and keep it tidy but understated. Clean your nails and get manicures at inexpensive nail salons. Short Tips are really pretty but avoid long nails with bright colors.
- 3Keep your face neat and your body well groomed. Men should have precise haircuts, and well shaven facial hair. Women should have a "tasteful" cut, color and shine in their hair. Clear skin, free of acne and well moisturized especially in women of a certain age. Hair color should look natural and highlights and lowlights must be natural as if obtained on a visit to the beach house.
- 4Act in a more patrician manner. Drive more slowly. Your car should be a basic model. That means no bumper stickers, no loud stereo and no 26" rims. Your car should look as though it is freshly detailed inside and out: cleaned and waxed, with shiny tires. Slow down your speech, and lower your voice volume. Try talking about important matters happening today. Don't be loud or draw attention to yourself. Learn to play golf, tennis and sail, or to ride (horses), even to play polo (if you have the stomach for it). Get familiar with English history. Groom regularly, nails, body, face and hair. Keep clothing neat in appearance (tuck in shirts, wear comfortable fitting not very loose clothing). You must think before you talk, because, as small as this may seem, some people blurt out things that make them seem as if they didn't, and it can hurt you and others.
- 5Change the forecast. For women, strapped sandals in winter are alright. For men, sweaters and khaki shorts with casual loafers are okay as long as it's not snowing. The old money crowd does love to layer, so sweaters, overcoats, and similar garb is handy for cooler conditions.
- 6Put on your best face. A wealthy woman's makeup is natural with neutral colors, except for red lipstick, the only color in her makeup. Her nail polish is a pale white, pink or beige. Perfect skin is a rich woman must. Natural skin color looks much better. No sunspots, so keep on sporting sunscreen, though everyone looks better with a healthy glow.
- 7Smell like money. Men and women should wear a small amount of an expensive scent. (Men- on inner wrist and underneath the jaw line, Women- on inner wrist inner elbows and underneath jaw line or behind ears). Do not put too much on!
- 8Remember, diamonds are forever, but be discreet about it. Jewelry should be minimalistic, classic and inoffensive. If you can't afford the real thing, keep it classic. In lieu of a genuine Cartier "tank" watch, do what lots of the wealthy do and get the cheapest, simplest Timex with a basic black leather band, small and discreet. Pearls if they are real also work. Nothing flashy or too big.
- 9An authentic designer bag or wallet is nice, but go for something a bit bland or obsolete. Something that is the "latest fashion" is by definition a trend, which is anathema to the old money crowd. It must be well made and leather even if not designer, go for simple designs, such as the LL Bean Boat & Tote or a classic black quilted Chanel. Nothing avante garde, and nothing that looks like the Balenciaga Lariat, or the Chloe Paddington. However, if you're impressing the nouveau riche, "trendy" is pretty much mandatory.
- 10Walk in a wealthy person's shoes. Acquire at least one pair of really decent well made shoes. For men, some very conservative and understated oxfords or loafers. For women, a conservative pump, like the classic Chanel pump would be a good choice.
- 11One of the most important things is to try and act normal. People who are not rich, wish they were. People who are rich don't want anyone to know. Be relaxed and light-hearted. Wear things that are good quality, but do not advertise. Do not wear clothing with advertisements or brand names on them. If someone is truly wealthy, they will be able to tell. Do not act as though you are above normal activities. Act rich, walk and speak properly, but when you talk about the subject of yourself or your life, speak about yourself as though you are a normal person. Never accept that you are rich. If cornered try "My parents are somewhat well off." Never openly discuss financial matters.
- 12Be careful who you talk to, what you do, and where you are all time. Be aware of your surroundings. One wrong move you make could change a person's mind negatively. Love yourself, no matter what.
- 13Act like a learned person. Wealthy people frequently receive private schooling and so education is important. Brush up on general knowledge, but don't flaunt your education or claim to be an expert. Read books and have perfect grammar as well as a good vocabulary, but do not throw long words around to sound impressive.
- 14Finished.
Tips
- Speak properly; always mind your grammar.
- Treat valets, butlers, waiters, and other servants nicely, but not in an overly-friendly way. Just be polite to them, treat them as if they were the same as the help back home.
- Flashy does not mean wealth, only poor taste.
- Know your etiquette. Read books on the proper use.
- Having a lot of money or "pretending" to won't make people like you more.
- Go on line, look through TJ Maxx, shop at outlet stores. Use coupons Lord and Taylor and Macys gives away coupons on their website.
- Learn how to dine properly and such things as the difference between creme brulee and flan.
- Use excellent posture, whether you are sitting or standing.
- Don't try too hard; subtlety is key. Looking like a newly rich person is never a good thing to those who have always had money.
- Never look at the tag while "shopping" (literally just browsing and trying on clothes) in expensive stores. Train yourself not to react to extremely high prices by educating yourself on the ridiculous pricing for designer goods. If you look at a price rich people do not say the full number. For example a Shirt is 1,040 a rich person would say it is 10 40 not One thousand and forty dollars. If you react and make a scene, the other shoppers in the store will think that they are better than/ above you.