You know you have 'old money' taste when these 7 luxury brands feel tacky

Money and taste don’t always go hand in hand.

In fact, if you’ve ever looked at certain “status” brands and thought, that just feels a little loud, you might have old money sensibilities.

The irony is that true wealth—the kind that lasts generations—often values understatement. It’s about quality, longevity, and quiet confidence, not flashy logos or the need to broadcast status.

So, what are the signs you lean toward old money taste? Well, one big clue is when certain luxury brands that dominate social media just feel… tacky.

Let’s dive into seven of them.

1. Louis Vuitton

I’ll start with the obvious.

Those iconic LV monograms are everywhere—from handbags to sneakers—and for many, they’re the ultimate symbol of luxury. But if you have old money taste, the endless repetition of logos can feel more like an advertisement than an expression of elegance.

As the folks at Yahoo Finance have noted, “prominent logo displays often backfire, making brands seem inauthentic and less cool” .

It’s not that Louis Vuitton doesn’t produce quality leather goods—they do. But when everyone from teenagers to influencers flaunts a logo-covered tote, it loses the quiet refinement that old money taste gravitates toward.

2. Gucci

Gucci has reinvented itself several times, leaning into maximalism, bold prints, and flashy embellishments. And while there’s nothing wrong with having fun with fashion, old money sensibilities tend to shy away from anything that screams for attention.

Logos across belts, sneakers, and t-shirts—once considered must-have pieces—now risk looking more trendy than timeless. For someone who prefers quiet elegance, the constant flex feels less about craft and more about clout.

3. Balenciaga

Here’s a brand that has thrived on shock value. Oversized sneakers, intentionally “ugly” designs, and eye-watering price tags.

But here’s the thing: when taste is rooted in heritage and subtlety, it’s hard to see the appeal. $900 sneakers that look like they’ve been through a washing machine? That doesn’t feel luxurious—it feels gimmicky.

Old money taste values investment pieces you’d still wear in ten years. Balenciaga’s focus on fleeting hype can make its products feel like the opposite of that.

4. Versace

Gold chains, Medusa heads, and bold prints—Versace has always been unapologetically flashy.

And while that aesthetic works beautifully in certain contexts (runways, parties, stage costumes), it often comes across as over-the-top in everyday life. For someone with understated preferences, it can feel almost costume-like.

Dinancial expert Dave Ramsey famously said: “We buy things we don’t need with money we don’t have to impress people we don’t like.” I think that sentiment captures the essence of why Versace can sometimes feel more about external validation than intrinsic style.

5. Supreme (and similar hype-driven brands)

Yes, I’m putting Supreme on this list—even though some might argue it’s “streetwear” more than “luxury.” But when you’re paying $500 for a t-shirt with a red box logo, it certainly sits in the same conversation.

Old money taste sees through the hype. Paying exorbitant amounts for scarcity-driven marketing stunts feels frivolous, not refined.

If you truly appreciate quality, you’d rather buy a well-made cashmere sweater from Loro Piana than a logo-plastered tee that only signals you were quick on the drop.

6. Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana has long been known for its glamorous, heavily embellished designs. Think animal prints, sequined dresses, and ornate accessories. While undeniably bold, the aesthetic often crosses into territory that feels more showy than sophisticated.

For someone with old money taste, this kind of loud maximalism can feel overbearing. It’s less about timeless quality and more about making a statement—and often, the statement is simply, “Look at me.”

When your taste leans toward understatement, subtle tailoring and refined materials will always outshine leopard print and crystal-studded heels.

7. Michael Kors

This one’s tricky because Michael Kors is often viewed as an “accessible luxury” brand. But that accessibility is exactly why it can feel tacky to someone with old money sensibilities.

Widespread logo bags and discounted outlets have diluted its cachet. The constant presence of MK monograms means the brand rarely carries that aura of quiet exclusivity.

True refinement doesn’t need to be loud—or discounted every other week at the mall.

Final thoughts

Here’s the irony: the more money someone has, the less likely they are to spend it trying to look wealthy.

That’s why understated brands like Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, or even a perfectly cut suit from a local tailor often hold more appeal to old money taste than flashy logos or Instagram-famous sneakers.

True elegance whispers—it doesn’t shout.

So, if you find yourself rolling your eyes at logo overload or loud fashion flexes, you might just have the kind of taste that money alone can’t buy.