2026 Will Be the Year of the Rich Auntie—28 Items I'm Eyeing to Look the Part
Trust me.
I have a huge style crush on Tracee Ellis Ross. The reason might seem obvious, as she is a bona fide style icon, but there's an even more specific reason I'm drawn to her. She embodies an archetype that many families have: the rich auntie. Now, the rich auntie is just as glamorous as her title sounds. She lives a full life with travel and lots of stories to tell, and she carries herself with a confidence that does not need to be quiet. While the internet still debates whether or not having a boyfriend is embarrassing, the rich auntie is unfazed and preoccupied with making her life even more fabulous and, well, richer.
Ross's essence is just that. Her outfits stand the test of time, yet she's quite adventurous with her taste. Think leather jackets, structured blazers, and, of course, the perfect gala dress. She has it all. That's what I want to embody this year. I want my nieces and nephews to look back at old photos of me and think, "How fabulous is she!" I've been working diligently to build a cohesive wardrobe, and the rich auntie aesthetic is classic.
If you're into the idea of dressing like a rich auntie this year, keep scrolling to shop my top fashion items to emulate the aesthetic.
Kerane Marcellus is a New York-based writer. She joined the Who What Wear team in 2025 after writing for Essence Magazine and freelancing for a number of other arts and culture publications. Fashion is a form of expression that she encourages everyone to take part in. There is no right or wrong in getting dressed! When she's not writing, she's reading in the park or gallery hopping in the city.