I’m only half-joking when I say being a socialite is my dream job. While it’s more of a lifestyle than an actual profession, these high-society types have some of the most exciting daily routines. As women about town, they spend their days seeing and being seen, attending (and sometimes hosting) exclusive events, and checking out the latest in art and culture—but the best part may be the clothes they wear to do it.
Through the years, socialites have embraced unabashed glamour as a form of self-expression. It’s a chaotically chic sector of old money style, marked by head-turning accessories and boundary-pushing takes on sophisticated staples. Now, these style icons are serving as inspiration throughout modern fashion and pop culture, with an abundance of luxury aesthetics and maximalism reminding us what defined a style icon in mid-century high society. Ahead, we unpack why retro socialites just may be the most influential modern muses, complete with a guide to adopting their spirit for yourself.
Why Socialites Are Forever Style Icons
For as long as high-profile settings have existed, there’s been a collective fascination with those who stand out in these circles with their boundary-pushing ensembles. This started with nobility, but as America became more established throughout the 19th century, moneyed style icons began to gain influence in cities like New York. Gilded Age socialites like Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt—both of whom inspired characters in the HBO show—stirred up memorable scandals with their style: Astor with a price dispute over the colorful silk, velvet, and ostrich-feather gowns she imported in 1890, and Vanderbilt with the extravagant 1883 housewarming party she threw to get in Astor’s good graces, for which she dressed as a Venetian princess.
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By the mid-twentieth century, New York and other cosmopolitan cities were full of innovative socialites with impactful style. For one, Truman Capote’s Swans—including Babe Paley, CZ Guest, and Lee Radziwill—made waves with forward-thinking twists on eveningwear, lunch looks, and more, finding creative avenues in everything from silhouette to finish. It’s no wonder they became muses for the writer’s works, and their now-established aesthetics serve as proof that today’s new money is tomorrow’s old money.
We’d be remiss not to mention Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis—herself Radziwill’s older sister—who became arguably one of the most influential style icons of all time in the 1960s to 1980s. Her style as First Lady was both timeless and fresh, with her Chanel skirt suits, pillbox hats, pearls, and more serving as hallmarks that inspire women in politics to this day. She later adapted to her next phase with more casual streetwear and contemporary trends: You might call it a socialite’s take on “model-off-duty” style. She often mixed timeless bases with unforgettable accents, like her leopard coat, bug-eyed sunglasses, and bohemian printed dresses.
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Since then, socialite fashion has diversified even further. To name a few: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s elevated, unconventional ‘90s minimalism, Paris Hilton’s cheeky graphic tees and iconic chainmail mini dress, and Sofia Richie Grainge’s rise to the throne of quiet luxury after marrying Atlantic Records CEO Elliot Grainge (is the music industry today’s “new money”?). As modern high-profile style has evolved, past iterations have increasingly served as inspiration for both runway collections and subsequent muses. With fresh eyes, the fashion world has reimagined the best of many storied ensembles.
The Socialite Fashion Trend in 2025
Socialite style never dies among the most elite circles, but it’s experienced a mass resurgence in the past few years. For starters, Succession helped spark the quiet luxury phenomenon that dominated fashion in 2023. The following year made room for more maximalist takes: The “ladies who lunch” trend in alignment with Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, the Palm Beach chic aesthetic alongside Palm Royale, and the rise in “old money” style inspired by all of the above.
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The White Lotus is in its own element when it comes to inspiring socialite and luxury trends. Caftans, luxury handbags, and oversized sunglasses made Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya McQuoid a style icon from the moment she hit the screen in 2021. Parker Posey has continued that legacy (and then some) through her wardrobe as Victoria Ratliff in the recent third season. Colorful beachwear, gold jewelry, and flashy dinner ensembles have made for memorable moments on countless characters—and while not everyone can purchase the exorbitant pieces on display, it turns out achieving a refined yet exuberant aesthetic is possible at any price point.
Retro socialite motifs began emerging as a distinct trend earlier this year, giving the “ladies who lunch” aesthetic an operatic, new-money twist. Anna Sui’s fall 2025 shows, entitled “Madcap Heiress,” took from 1940s socialites to present a parade of furs, wild prints, and day-to-night maximalism. Tia Adeola included several fluff- and shell-accented gowns and suits as part of her 10th anniversary collection, an unapologetically over-the-top tribute to her Nigerian roots. Pamela Rolland’s opulent, London-inspired season debuted in the swanky Rainbow Room, and designers including Altuzarra and Kim Shui featured loudly luxe textures for streets and soirées alike.
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Amidst its hyper-specific themes, the Met Gala is always a signifier of the sartorial zeitgeist, and the creative formalwear of this year’s Black dandy tailoring theme was no exception. From Lupita Nyong’o’s seafoam cape to Jodie Turner-Smith’s avant-garde top hat to Ugbad Abdi’s fur trim, the night was full of unapologetically maximalist glamour. All in all, it highlighted the promise of going all out in high-profile settings—which is a key principle of socialite style.
Over the past year, we’ve also seen the quiet return of nostalgic fashion trends from the early- to mid-20th century. Drop-waist dresses and skirts—which originated in the 1920s flapper era—are back with a vengeance, and revived east-west handbag silhouettes have brought a retrofuturist, 1950s-inspired energy. Additionally, cat eye sunglasses and pearls have gotten a refresh, providing an early taste of how classic socialite staples can look in 2025.
@sabrinacarpenter / @charli_xcx / Instagram / Byrdie
Energy is as essential to socialite style as the fashion itself, and this time has had plenty of dramatic glamour. Movement direction is back, as anyone who’s seen recent theatrical runway walks at the likes of Christian Cowan, Wiederhoeft, and Maison Margiela can attest. The Blonds’ fall 2025 collection, full of models twirling and posing in an abundance of sparkles, had at least one look make its way into Taylor Swift’s much-publicized The Life of a Showgirl photos.
On the streets and on social media, modern style icons including Sabrina Carpenter, Jenna Ortega, and Charli XCX have tapped into over-the-top, textural motifs. In one divisive yet influential example, Anna Delvey—famous for posing as a socialite—has turned her ankle monitor into a fashion statement while attending fashion week and performing on Dancing with the Stars.
The Appeal of Socialite Style
Amidst the chaotic news cycle, there’s a collective desire for sartorial escapism that has manifested via a few different maximalist waves. Accessorized accessories that speak to our inner child—chiefly, Labubus—have ruled the summer, and as the weather cools off, the collective mood is leaning towards dressing for the fabulous life you want.
The socialite aesthetic has high-society roots, but creative styling makes its playful drama achievable at any price point. Contemporary brands and vintage shops are full of ahead-of-the-curve decadence that’s sure to attract compliments galore, be it a pair of refined shoes with a bold detail, a lush coat that will become your next staple, or an effortlessly eye-catching silhouette. As the trend rises further, elements will become even more widely available—but one of the best parts of this aesthetic is the fun of curating your look from existing fashion gems.
@preciousleexoxo / @chloessevigny / @sofiagrainge / Instagram / Byrdie
Perhaps more than what you wear, socialite style is about how you wear it. Many mid-century pieces can lean matronly in some contexts, but the OG socialites made them iconic—and you can apply this energy to almost any trend or staple. This could mean finding a unique take on impeccable tailoring, styling classic pieces unexpectedly, or jazzing up an everyday ensemble with an impractical accessory or two. Any way you slice it, this aesthetic encourages establishing your personal style through past, present, and future lenses, which will doubtless result in some of the most exciting looks in the room.
Your Guide to Dressing Like a Socialite
Vivienne Westwood / Kim Shui / Mirror Palais / Kimeze / My Theresa / Schutz Shoes / Revolve / Getty Images / Byrdie
Throw historical accuracy out the window: The socialites of yore made their own rules, and today’s trend is about doing the same. The below ten essentials tap into some of the staples that make these women about town into style icons, sprinkled with a few modern twists that the It girls of today would certainly embrace.
Inspired Pearls
Mid-century socialites frequently accessorized with strands of pearls as a day-to-night staple for lunches, galas, and beyond. As luck would have it, reimagined pearls are one of the year’s top jewelry trends, with innovative shapes and arrangements taking them into an artsy-chic new era.
Elegant Furs
For as long as socialites have existed, furry, fluffy coats and accessories have been central to their cold-weather wardrobes. There are more faux, vintage, and “teddy” options than ever, making the unapologetically luxe look accessible to a wider range of budgets and preferences.
Effortless Caftans
If your ultimate socialite inspo is The White Lotus, you won’t regret investing in a caftan. For vacations, weekend brunches, or even leisurely wearing around the house, this Palm Springs and Palm Beach uniform is back in a big way.
Glamorous Dresses
If there’s one thing socialites have always been experts at, it’s showing up and showing out at events. You’ll look boldly elegant in a long, gently figure-grazing dress with a twist, be it a low back or an eye-catching pattern or hue.
Pillbox Hats
The pillbox hat returned last winter as part of a revival in ‘50s-inspired outerwear, and it’s bound to get even bigger this year. To stand out from the crowd, look for playful embroidery or some fascinator-adjacent drama.
Tailored Skirt Suits
You’ve certainly seen images of retro socialites wearing impeccably tailored sets for tea, shopping trips, and everything in between. A slim fit and quality materials are key—from there, it’s up to you to experiment with creative buttons, color schemes, and more.
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
Just like classic movie stars, mid-century socialites couldn’t get enough of the bold, feminine cat-eye. An eternal staple that’s trending again, this silhouette now comes in almost any size, shape, and hue you can imagine. Once you’ve found your favorite, it will instantly elevate even the most casual ensembles.
Refined Gloves
Sophisticated mid-century women were united in having an impressive lineup of gloves, for cold weather and formal events alike. A classic leather pair will carry you through countless fall and winter days, while fur or tulle options will turn heads when your priority is being seen.
New-Classic Pumps
If pumps are synonymous with stuffiness to you, the below styles may change your mind. From inclusive nudes to artsy heels to textural finishes, everyday heels become subtle statements that effortless It girls will embrace.
Avant-Garde Top Handle Bags
Nothing says high-society like a top handle bag. Make yours the life of the party with an intriguing silhouette, metallic detail, or eye-catching finish.
