What is that WASP aesthetic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ralph Lauren ads:

Not this pic. Too many logos, midriff, too much jewelry are all no's. And do I see a scrunchie?

[Anonymous]

When I think of WASP women, I think of a woman with a husband who is bored with her, so he cheats. He has access to clean, filtered water but he is looking for something with a little flavor. His life has come to a point that he wants to drink a little black cherry soda every day and he is not ashamed of indulging anymore.

[Anonymous]

Northern WASP is everything understated. Hair not perfectly styled, a little unkempt because northern WASPs live in not-great climates and spend a lot of time outside pursuing hobbies like sailing, horseback riding, or just spending time at their family vacation home in wherever rural area that’s been in the family for generations. Understated clothing in mostly neutral tones. Understated jewelry and accessories and they live by the rule of “always remove one accessory before you go out.” Thin and in shape.

Southern WASP is more colorful, more in your face, definitely not understated. That’s who’s wearing Lilly Pulitzer and other southern brands. Heavier on the makeup and perfect hair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like most of these takes are WASP circa 1980-1990. WASPs have evolved, too.

And Jenni Kayne effortless mules with jeans and a sweater is modern WASP. Eileen Fisher is fat 50 something. Big difference. Also, WASP is an attitude as well as a style. It's people who are comfortable with nice things and nice restaurants, without having to scream their wealth by carrying LV bags and wearing logo designer wear.

Understated elegance mixed with a quiet confidence.

I have no idea what modern WASP is or isn’t...but Jenni Kanye screams UMC California. Based on my time spent living in NE, it’s way to unstructured for me to imagine it fitting in with the CT and Hamptons set (which I assume is still WASP-haven).

Hamptons are so not WASP haven anymore with the exceptions of the Maidstone and Meadow Clubs and the Southampton Bathing Corp. otherwise, it’s very Jewish and big new money.

Real WASPs go to Quogue, Maine or hidden NE enclaves that you haven’t heard of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I feel like most of these takes are WASP circa 1980-1990. WASPs have evolved, too.

And Jenni Kayne effortless mules with jeans and a sweater is modern WASP. Eileen Fisher is fat 50 something. Big difference. Also, WASP is an attitude as well as a style. It's people who are comfortable with nice things and nice restaurants, without having to scream their wealth by carrying LV bags and wearing logo designer wear.

Understated elegance mixed with a quiet confidence.

I have no idea what modern WASP is or isn’t...but Jenni Kanye screams UMC California. Based on my time spent living in NE, it’s way to unstructured for me to imagine it fitting in with the CT and Hamptons set (which I assume is still WASP-haven).

Hamptons are so not WASP haven anymore with the exceptions of the Maidstone and Meadow Clubs and the Southampton Bathing Corp. otherwise, it’s very Jewish and big new money.

Real WASPs go to Quogue, Maine or hidden NE enclaves that you haven’t heard of.

Good riddance.

[Anonymous]

I am so curious what posters here mean when they say WASP. Clearly not just "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant" since not all of those have the kind of money or aversion to "tackiness" people are assuming. Is this being used like the term "old money" ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so curious what posters here mean when they say WASP. Clearly not just "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant" since not all of those have the kind of money or aversion to "tackiness" people are assuming. Is this being used like the term "old money" ?

I have seen terms "high WASP" and "low WASP." Seriously. Family of the former have been in America long enough have made a fortune and lost it and remade somewhat, at least enough to keep up appearances and send your kids to private school. Low WASPs don't really have a fortune in their background.

So kind of old money but often old money perdu that's enough to dine out on.

[Anonymous]

Carolyn Bassett Kennedy. Her look entirely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

These bathing suits are not WASP! One piece preferred!

Nor the fake boobs.

Wasps tend to be small chested, boyish.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Think Brooks Brothers and LL Bean

Add in Orvis.

Hey these are my stores! I call my look practical and a little country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are varieties. The preppy handbook does a good job laying it out—the book is mainly about WASPs (as opposed to what’s now associated with the preppy aesthetic).

I come from horsey WASPs and their look/demeanor/style is very different from city WASPs, especially in NYC or even DC. I think what they have in common is a dislike of excess or “tackiness,” a DIY kind of toughness thing among the women (the women are generally not shrinking violets but expected to be strong), a natural look as far as hair and makeup, and a frugality despite their wealth that can border on cheapness[/b].

[b]

Yes!! My mother and all my aunts in Connecticut. Greenwich rich as sh@t, but always talk about finding their bargains at the Talbot outlet or TJ Maxx. They look old money. My mother looks like Jackie O.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Carolyn Bassett Kennedy. Her look entirely.

+1

Greenwich, Connecticut raised

[Anonymous]

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/09/the-new-preppy-201009

The article is 10 years old, but a fun take on the modern WASP.

Should we try for a pandemic edition?

I think crisp button downs or cashmere sweaters, high wasted jeans, brown booties and light makeup in a house near New Canaan, CT. Dressed classically to trek from the kitchen to the living room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do WASP women dress and act like?

This is coming from a Mediterranean immigrant, so take what I say with a grain of salt. But if I had one word to describe the American WASP aesthetic and demeanor, it would be... boring. Nothing unique, nothing loud (in volume or appearance). WASPs experience revulsion and disgust at anything deemed "tacky" (read: associated with lower income and/or "ethnic"). Also, WASP parties NEVER have enough food.

I’m a wasp with sibilngs who married into Jewish and Italian families and omg this is so true about wasp parties never having enough food! When I first started going to Italian and Jewish weddings I was blown away but how much fun I had and how much food there was

[Anonymous]

I think tho the look only works if you're thin with few curves. Thin curvy women or women who are heavier can't quite get that WASP look.