Quiet luxury, also known as the old money aesthetic, is the soiree style poised to dominate in 2025 — and for good reason. Rooted in understated elegance and timeless charm, this trend is the ultimate inspiration for vintage garden parties. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, planning a formal gathering, or simply dreaming up the perfect outdoor celebration, quiet luxury offers endless ideas for attire, decor, and atmosphere. At Marco Island Weddings in Marco Island, Florida, we’re exploring how to throw one, what to wear, and decade-inspired details that bring this refined aesthetic to life.
1950s: Tennis Fashion Forward
The 1950s saw timeless elegance in tennis fashion, blending sport and sophistication. Attire should be crisp white pleated skirts, tailored polo tops, and chic sweater vests paired with low-profile sneakers — classic yet refined. For an upscale garden vibe, incorporate floral installations made with roses, orchids, and dahlias under an outdoor tent, Martha’s Vineyard style. Add greenery runners, tablecloths, and a splash of lemonade to transport guests to a polished outdoor escape.
1960s: Palm Springs Chic
The 1960s bring Palm Springs chic to life with an aesthetic rooted in mid-century modern design. Think clean lines, minimalist silhouettes, and natural materials that serve effortless elegance. For outfits, envision tailored shift dresses, oversized sunglasses, and sleek updos, paired with loafers or classic kitten heels for a touch of Hollywood glamour. Floral designs reflect this streamlined style — arrangements of ranunculus, roses, and anthuriums in centerpieces. Accent with warm colors, geometric patterns, and a poolside setting.
1970s: Old Money Goes International
The 1970s saw old money take on an international flair, blending worldly sophistication with timeless refinement. Think long, flowing dresses in floral prints paired with luxurious fur stoles or shawls for an effortlessly cool look. Accessories leaned toward gold jewelry, oversized sunglasses, and leather handbags. Floral designs embraced the decade’s eclectic vibe with a mix of orchids, roses, and greenery arranged in loose, natural styles. For decor, incorporate rich textures like velvet cushions, vintage lanterns, and patterned table linens to create a worldly, jet-set garden party.
1980s: A Return to the Classics
The 1980s marked a return to the classics, heavily influenced by Ronald Reagan’s presidency and a wave of conservatism that celebrated tradition. Old money style embraced tailored suits, pearl necklaces, and preppy ensembles like pleated skirts and blazers, often in shades of navy, cream, and burgundy. For garden parties, floral designs reflected this polished look with tight, symmetrical arrangements of roses, lilies, and carnations in tall vases. Picture-perfect lawns, manicured hedges, and classic table settings completed the look, embodying elegance and a reverence for the past.
1990s: Princess Diana-Inspired
The 1990s brought old money style a preppy, polished edge inspired by the brilliant fashion sense of Princess Diana. Garden parties during this era embraced her signature looks — think pastel skirt suits, crisp white blouses, and tailored dresses paired with pearl earrings and dainty flats. Wide-brim hats, fascinators, and loafers added an extra touch of class. Florals mirrored this understated luxury, featuring soft roses, hydrangeas, and peonies arranged in glass or pastel ceramic vases. Simple yet refined, this aesthetic balanced effortless charm with regal poise, embodying the grace and sophistication Diana was known for.
At Marco Island Weddings, we’re leaning into quiet luxury for our garden parties, showing exactly why this look never goes out of style. It creates the perfect setting for a celebration that feels both refined and inviting.
