How to Do “Gilded Age” When You’re Not a Preppy Vanderbilt

When most people think of Newport, Rhode Island, they think of “Quiet Luxury.” They think of boat shoes, cable knit sweaters draped over shoulders, and sensible pearls.

But if you know me, you know that “sensible” isn’t exactly my brand. My vibe is more Holly Golightly with a rock ‘n’ roll edge—chic, but never boring.

So, when we packed for our 3-day holiday escape to the City by the Sea, I decided we were going to do the Gilded Age my way. We traded the prep for patent leather, the pastels for faux fur, and the stiffness for serious sparkle.

Here is a look at how we styled our weekend—proving you don’t need a trust fund to look expensive, you just need a little creativity (and a good pair of leggings).

The Mom Uniform: Leather, Vintage & A Little Lift

Since we were spending hours walking through mansions and chasing toddlers, comfort was key—but never at the expense of style.

My base layer for the entire weekend was a pair of Petite Faux Leather Leggings. They add an instant edge to an outfit and wipe clean when a child inevitably spills something on you.

To channel that “rich wife with a secret” vibe, I topped it with a pink faux fur hooded coat. This was a vintage store find from years ago—the label actually fell out, so I don’t even know the brand, which makes me love it even more. It’s warm, it’s dramatic, and it screams Fashionably Kate. I’ve curated a selection of similar options here! 

Kate’s Take: The Petite Hack

Because I never quite made it to the 5-foot mark, I am always looking for a little help in the height department. I lived in my Blondo boots. They have a chunky 2-inch heel, which gives me just enough lift to feel powerful but are comfortable enough to survive a 40-acre zoo walk. And they are waterproof which is essential in late fall/winter in New England. 

For our “fancy” moments—like our family photo at The Breakers and date night at The Clarke Cooke House—I swapped the fur for a houndstooth cowlneck belted sweater. This was another vintage find that looks infinitely more expensive than it actually was. It cinches the waist perfectly and gives that timeless, structural look without the price tag. While I can’t find one exactly like mine, I did fine this less fitted option that looks chic and cozy!

Accessories: Let the Sunglasses Do the Talking

In the winter, you’re usually bundled up to your chin, so your accessories have to work overtime. I let my sunglasses make the statement.

I wore my favorite cat-eye sunglasses rimmed in rhinestones from Kate Spade. My mom actually bought them for me back in 2016 when I was heading to Paris, and they still make me feel like I’m strolling down the Champs-Élysées. They are proof that a little sparkle goes a long way.

The Mini-Vanderbilts: Expectation vs. Reality

Okay, let’s have a “Real Mom” moment. I had visions for the girls’ outfits. I packed this adorable tweed suit for Aurora that would have made her look like a baby Jackie O.

Did she wear it? Absolutely not. Did I get a picture of it? Nope. Was it a struggle just to get pants on her? You bet.

We pivoted to practicality. For 90% of the trip, the girls lived in fleece-lined leggings and boots.

However, we did have some major fashion wins:

• The Red Moment: When we visited the striking red lacquer Chinese Tea House at Marble House, the girls wore matching red shirt dresses from Macy’s (similar here). They popped perfectly against the architecture.
• The “Royal Male” Photo Op: We stopped in front of the festive Royal Male shop on Spring Street, and I threw them into vintage coats—these were actually heirlooms that belonged to my sister and me when we were little!
• The $1 Find: To top off the vintage coats, they wore matching red berets that I scored at Indy Clover for $1. They have “LOVE” written on them, and honestly, they were the cutest dollar I’ve ever spent. I found them online here in case you want to pick one up but unfortunately you won’t get the deal I did!

Boots & Bows: The Details

Footwear for the kids was all about that combat-boot chic. Aurora wore a pair of black patent leather boots that were hand-me-downs from Arielle.

Arielle, however, stole the show with her new lace-up boots featuring a massive rhinestone bow on the front. I was so obsessed with them that I actually tried to find them in a “Big Kid” size 5 (since I’m a women’s size 7, I can usually sneak into kids’ shoes to save money!). Tragically, I couldn’t find them, so I just have to live vicariously through her.

The Grand Finale: The Breakers Portrait

For the big family photo in front of the Poinsettia Tree at The Breakers, we pulled out all the stops.

I managed to wrangle both girls into these incredible pink layered velvet Nutcracker dresses.

• The Steal: I bought them on mega-sale last year at The Children’s Place and they have just a few left at an even better deal if you can find your size here. I’m also loving this pink Glitter Bow Velour Fit And Flare Dress or this pink Velour Corset Dress – might have to pick those up for the girls for next year!
• The Shoes: Black patent leather saddle shoes with rhinestone clasps from Cupcakes & Cashmere (found at Marshall’s, similar here).
• The DIY: The pink rhinestone hairbows? I made them myself! I took rhinestone bow ornaments I found at Target and attached them to old barrettes. High fashion, low effort.

So, we did wear some houndstooth, some velvet, and plenty of sparkles. But we did Newport our way. No prep, just a little leather, a little vintage, and a whole lot of attitude.For more on our trip and how to plan your fabulous Newport adventure, check out my 3-day holiday escape to the City by the Sea itinerary!

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