Long term, established middle class grew up middle class. You’re looking at a values and experiences thing, as much as stuff. In terms of stuff, for these people I’d expect to always see a piano and lots of books. Some of this group are still well-off but others not necessarily, but they still have their piano and listen to Radio 4 and enjoy cultural pursuits. They will know people in a variety of professions. They might wear the latest MC labels and have the kitchen equipment and cars…or. Might not.
New middle class are often really those who grew up working class and have done quite well and have got money. They might spend big on middle class labels and cars and holidays. They might be looking at more traditional MC spends such as music lessons, funding kids on a year out studying art history and cultural experiences, but often they aren’t interested in that. There can be a big house with flash new decor but no piano, few books. They don’t have the background that gave them contacts whilst at top unis to meet people who went onto become GPs, solicitors, architects.
So I think there’s a difference between having lots of money….often the middle classes do, but sometimes they don’t and often those from definitely not middle class backgrounds manage to generate better incomes than those with traditional middle class backgrounds.
Independent school is an interesting one. 2 generations ago, the genuinely MC were a group who could afford a detached house, a stay at home parent and private school fees on the salary if a bank manager or GP or country solicitor. These days fees have escalated. Lots of those from traditional MC backgrounds can’t afford fees and have some angst around not providing their kids with what they had….but they, along with those from aspirational WC background manage to move to affluent areas with nice little cHurch ordinary schools or better leafy Comps. They value education and will prioritise it, even if they can’t pay for it. Often they will pay for tutoring or coaching in sports and certainly lots of extra curricular. They don’t balk at £25 per half hour music lesson, when many of those who perhaps have money but value stuff more than experiences would see that as extortionate.
MC families often have lots of hobbies and interests. It could be traditionally expensive ones like sailing or golf or tennis, but there are lots of others too. They will fork out for the expensive kit required, drive their kids big distances to do the activity and value it above watching the TV or having takeaways and a new outfit.