Social norms are always evolving, and what once represented status can quickly change. Many symbols of prestige from the past are now considered outdated or even low-class, and here are some of the most notable of them.
High-End Audio Systems
Before the compact and affordable speakers of today came about, top-of-the-line audio systems were prized possessions, showcasing superior taste in music and technology. It gave someone serious class, but now, fancy sound systems are just seen as yet another gadget that we fill our homes with.
Fine China
When someone had a collection of fine china in their living room in the past, it was seen as very classy. Usually, it was passed down through generations, although some people purchased it from antiques to improve their self-image. It represented elegance and was used for special occasions to impress guests, but these days, it just seems old-fashioned and pompous.
Silver Flatware
Just like fine china, silver flatware once graced the dining tables of only the most affluent people, symbolizing luxury and refined taste. It required regular polishing and careful maintenance, which, bizarrely, was seen as a benefit at the time. Nowadays, it just feels impractical, with stainless steel and other low-maintenance materials being the preferred choice.
Fur Coats
Not too long ago, fur coats signified wealth and sophistication, worn by the elite to showcase how rich they were. However, as Vogue explains, they’re often viewed negatively these days due to their associated ethical concerns regarding animal rights issues. Alternatives like faux fur and other sustainable materials have become much more acceptable and respected choices for fashion-focussed people.
Encyclopedias
These days, information is easily available on the internet, but it wasn’t always like this. In the past, owning a set of encyclopedias was the only way to learn outside of a library, and they were expensive. As a result, they were a sign of someone being rich and intellectual, holding an impressive presence on bookshelves. However, once the internet came along, this status symbol failed to exist.
McMansions
Not many young people these days know about the word ‘McMansions,’ which were large, extravagant homes that were seen as huge symbols of status. Mansions still exist, but they’re often criticized for their terrible environmental impact and inefficient use of space. Smaller, more sustainable homes are increasingly preferred among the classy, thanks to their practicality and reduced ecological footprint.
Landline Phones
While few people could afford integrated car phones in the past, landline phones were much more common. However, when they first came about, they were very classy, demonstrating that someone was modern and had a lot of money. Nowadays, cell phones have completely replaced them, offering much more mobility and advanced features, leaving landline phones feeling like symbols of low status.
Antique Furniture
Today, modern furniture designs that emphasize functionality, minimalism, and affordability are very trendy, but this wasn’t always the case. Antique furniture was once highly coveted, representing a blend of history, craftsmanship, and wealth. You’d only find it in the homes of the wealthy, though, and many older people are still clinging to this past trend.
Cable TV Subscriptions
Nowadays, streaming platforms are normal to find in the average household, which would blow people’s minds back in the old days. In fact, even subscribing to premium cable TV packages was considered to be impressive, marking the epitome of entertainment luxury. However, cable TV is now rare to find, as it just doesn’t offer the variety and on-demand convenience that we’re now used to.
Wall-to-Wall Carpeting
Another thing that used to be considered very classy was wall-to-wall carpeting, which was the hallmark of a well-appointed home due to its comfort and warmth. Such amenities were rare in the past, but now that we have better heating systems, we prefer hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring. They’re much more durable, easy to clean, and have a more modern aesthetic, making them way classier than carpets.
Personalized License Plates
These days, it’s quite common to see personalized license plates, and many people even consider them to be tacky. However, when they were first invented, people loved them as a way to showcase individuality and status. They’re much cheaper now, and people have many more modern ways of showing off their status, making personalized license plates seem outdated.
Golf Club Memberships
If you were a member of a golf club back in the day, you were no doubt considered high status. It showed that you had worked hard enough to earn yourself leisure time and that you were knocking shoulders with the elite. Sadly, gold just isn’t popular anymore, at least among younger generations. It’s considered to be old-fashioned, although boomers still consider it to be pretty classy.
Home Theaters
Before flatscreen TVs and stereo systems became a lot more affordable, home theaters, which were equipped with obnoxiously large screens and sound systems, were a luxury that few people could afford. Everyone aspired to have one, which is amusing to look back on, considering that having a big TV and speaker system is now considered pretty normal.
Designer Watches
While they still hold a lot of value, luxury designer watches don’t have the high status that they once boasted. They were once symbols of success and taste, often passed down as heirlooms, and anyone who owned one would show it off. Unfortunately, they’re only really found in well-protected collection boxes nowadays, with people relying on their smartphones and smartwatches for timekeeping instead.
Yacht Ownership
There’s no denying that owning a yacht today still requires a huge amount of money, and some people still consider it to be reserved for people of high status. However, the high costs of maintenance, crew, and docking, along with growing environmental concerns, have made yachts less desirable. We’re much more environmentally conscious these days, and prefer to keep our purchases minimalistic.
Diamond Engagement Rings
If you were of high status in the past and you were proposing to someone, you would be expected to present your partner with a diamond engagement ring. They were marketed as the ultimate expression of love and commitment, but nowadays, most couples opt for alternative gemstones or non-traditional rings. This is partly due to minimalism becoming more fashionable, as well as the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.
Private Jets
High-status people of the past would always boast about their private jets, which epitomized luxury travel. However, due to their terrible impact on the environment, they’re actually considered to be of poor taste today. Rich people still love them, but they’ll rarely brag about them as they used to, out of fear of being judged or ‘canceled.’
Expensive Art Collections
Another thing that was once seen as a status symbol but isn’t today is owning an expensive art collection. It showed immense wealth and intellectual taste, but that’s not really the case anymore. Today, people appreciate more diverse forms of art, including digital and street art, which are more accessible. Furthermore, fine art is usually considered to be overvalued and is even associated with criminals and money laundering.
Clubbing VIP Sections
Until recently, if you had high status and a lot of money, you’d be expected to spend your free time relaxing in the VIP sections of nightclubs. They were highly sought-after symbols, representing exclusivity and social standing. However, the changing nature of nightlife, with a greater focus on experiences over exclusivity, has lessened the allure of VIP sections. People now seek inclusive environments where everyone can enjoy the same experience.