The 'Old Money' Bob Is the Chic Haircut of the Season

Big chops are casting waves in practically every direction you look right now. Celebrities like Joey King and J.Lo have traded in their flowing manes for cropped perfection, and social media scrolls are filled with people showing off freshly shorn transformations. Among the trendiest short hairstyles you’ll find right now is the "old money" bob, which rides on the coattails of ‘90s nostalgia and quiet luxury. So what’s the look, and why does it seem like everyone’s opting in?  

What Is the "Old Money" Bob?

The "old money" bob exudes stealth wealth with its carefree volume, tucked ends, whisper-of-curls, and high-shine finish. “This classic style gets a modern twist with its blunt ends and subtle layers that frame your face, giving you a healthy and glossy mane,” says celebrity hairstylist Julius Michael, brand ambassador for Voloom. 

If we had to pick just one mascot for "old money" bob inspiration, it would be Meredith Blake in the 1998 remake of "The Parent Trap" with Christy Turlington and Naomi Campbell—circa mid-’90s—running close behind. 

Given the resurgence of all things 1990s alongside a burgeoning obsession with understated sophisticated, the "old money" bob’s rising popularity makes almost too much sense. 

How to Get the Look 

The bob appears effortlessly chic, but like most things in beauty, it’s very intentionally created. When asking for this hairstyle at the salon, Michael says you should have your stylist create the cut according to your face shape.

The Cut

“For a flattering look, keep the length at chin level for longer, slimmer faces or work with collarbone length for wider, fuller faces,” he says. You’ll also want face-framing layers that help accentuate your features. In that sense, this is less of a “one size fits all” approach and—very much in line with quiet luxury in fashion—is about a tailored approach. 

Styling

When styling at home, you’ll need all the tools required for a picture-perfect, high-volume blowout. Start by applying a blowout balm styler to damp hair that encourages volume.

Michael likes Sutra Beauty Infrared IR Blowout Brush, noting that it’s an “all-in-one hair tool that gives you healthy heat styling without damaging your locks.” Alternatively, use a blow dryer and round brush. 

Work in sections, pulling hair up and outward to create volume at the root. Add a little bit of a soft twist and curl toward the ends for that effortless, yacht-windblown effect. Michael adds, “You can experiment with different parting styles, such as a sexy side part or a middle part.” 

Finish with a bit of high-shine spray to create a sheen of gloss.