The Old Money aesthetic is a classic and timeless look passed down through generations of wealthy families.
The aesthetic comprises high-quality classic-style garments, footwear, and heritage-brand accessories, creating a feeling of affluence, sophistication, and understated elegance.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting your Old Money wardrobe, it’s crucial to grasp the origins of this enduring aesthetic.
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Old Money Aesthetic Core Pillars
Old Money aesthetic is about creating a dressing style depicting silent luxury, classic elegance, and a traditional lifestyle.
On the opposite of flaunting designer labels, loud logos, and fleeting fashion trends, the Old Money way of dressing prioritises timeless, well-tailored garments from heritage designer brands.
The perfect old-money look requires the following:
- Always choose quality garments over quantity
- Wear classic-style garments over streetwear looks
- Prefer neutral colours like brown, black, grey, beige, burgundy and white over bubblegum pink, blue, lime yellow, neon green, etc.
- Ensure an impeccable fit in contrast to the oversized looks of streetwear
- Only wear luxurious fabrics from natural materials
- Subtly accessorise with expensive but refined accessories
Old Money Aesthetic Essentials
Now that you’re familiar with the core principles of the Old Money style let’s explore the key garments, footwear, and accessories that will form the foundation of your aesthetic.
| Garment | Fabric | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Suit | Wool | Navy |
| Oxford Shirt | Cotton | White |
| Cashmere Sweater | Cashmere | Camel, Gray, Navy |
| Navy Blue Blazer | Wool | Navy |
| Tweed Sport Coat | Wool or Wool-blend | Brown, Green, Gray |
| Polo Shirt | Cotton Piqué | White, Navy, Hunter Green |
| Trench Coat | Gabardine | Khaki, Navy |
| Wool Overcoat | Wool or Wool-Cashmere Blend | Charcoal Gray, Camel |
| Chinos | Cotton Twill | Khaki, Stone, Navy |
| Dress Pants | Wool or Wool-blend | Charcoal Gray, Navy, Black |
| Tuxedo | Wool | Black |
| Shoe Style | Material | Colour |
| Oxford Shoe | Calfskin or Cordovan Leather | Black, Brown |
| Brogue | Leather | Dark Brown, Tan, Oxblood |
| Loafer | Leather or Suede | Brown, Navy, Black |
| Monk Strap | Leather | Brown, Black |
| Chelsea Boot | Leather or Suede | Black, Brown |
| Dress Boot | Leather | Black, Brown |
| Accessory | Material | Colour/Pattern |
| Classic Watch | Leather, Swiss-made Silver | Brown, Black |
| Silk Pocket Square | Silk | Paisley, Polka Dots |
| Leather Belt | Full-grain Leather | Brown, Black |
| Silk Tie | Silk | Stripes, Dots, Paisley |
| Cufflinks | Gold, Silver, Mother-of-Pearl | Round, Square |
| Sunglasses | Acetate, Metal | Black, Brown, Tortoiseshell |
| Neck Scarf | Wool, Cashmere, Silk | Stripes, Solids |
| Leather Gloves | Full-grain Leather | Black, Brown |
Navy Suit
Every timeless capsule wardrobe should include a well-tailored, navy wool suit.
Opt for a double-breasted classic cut suit with a peaked lapel – an Ivy League style staple – and ensure the fit is impeccable.
A bespoke or made-to-measure suit from a reputable tailor is a worthwhile investment that will serve you well for years.
Oxford Shirt
No Old Money wardrobe is complete without a crisp, white Oxford shirt selection.
Choose a cotton fabric with a subtle texture, and pay attention to the collar – a button-down or spread collar will offer versatility for casual and formal occasions.
Don’t forget to have your shirts tailored for a perfect fit.
Cashmere Sweater
Introduce a touch of luxury to your Old Money wardrobe with a cashmere V-neck or crewneck sweater in a neutral shade like camel, grey, or navy.
Cashmere offers unparalleled softness and warmth, making it a go-to choice for layering over Oxford shirts or under a sports coat.
Navy Blue Blazer
A Preppy style staple, the navy blue blazer is a quintessential piece in any Old Money wardrobe.
This versatile jacket can be dressed up with dress pants and a tie or dressed down with chinos and a polo shirt.
Look for a well-constructed blazer in old money style made from a high-quality wool or wool-blend fabric.
Opt for a classic fit with a double-breasted or two-button closure.
Tweed Sport Coat
A tweed sport coat in a classic pattern like herringbone or houndstooth adds depth and visual interest to your Old Money ensembles.
Choose a wool or wool-blend fabric in earthy tones like brown, green, or grey.
A well-fitted tweed sport coat pairs effortlessly with chinos, flannels, or dark wash jeans for a refined casual look.
Polo Shirt
High-quality polo shirts in white, navy, and hunter green are ideal for creating a polished yet relaxed old-money look.
Opt for a soft cotton piqué fabric and a tailored fit. A polo shirt looks great tucked into chinos or worn under a sports coat for a smart casual outfit.
Classic Trench Coat
A classic trench coat in a neutral colour like khaki or navy is a must-have for any Old Money wardrobe.
Look for a well-constructed coat made from a water-resistant fabric like gabardine.
Opt for a double-breasted style with a belted waist for a timeless, sophisticated look.
Wool Overcoat
For colder months, invest in a high-quality wool overcoat in a classic silhouette.
A single-breasted, notched lapel coat in a neutral colour like charcoal grey or camel will serve you well for years to come.
Look for a coat made from 100% wool or a wool-cashmere blend for optimal warmth and durability.
Tailored Chinos
A pair of well-fitted chinos in a neutral colour like khaki, stone, or navy is a versatile addition to any Old Money wardrobe.
Look for a pair made from high-quality cotton twill fabric.
Depending on your body type, opt for a straight or slim fit.
You can dress them up with a sports coat and dress shoes or dress them down with a polo shirt and loafers.
Dress Pants
Invest in a few pairs of high-quality dress pants in neutral colours like charcoal grey, navy, and black.
Choose a wool or wool-blend fabric for durability and drape, and opt for a classic fit with a straight leg.
Dress pants are essential for formal occasions and can be paired with a suit jacket, sport coat, or dress shirt and tie.
Tuxedo
While not an everyday essential, a well-fitted tuxedo is a must-have for any gentleman who attends white-tie or black-tie events.
Invest in a classic black tuxedo with a peak lapel or shawl collar, and opt for a single-button closure.
Don’t forget the accompanying dress shirt, bow tie, and patent leather shoes to complete the look.
Oxford Shoes
Oxfords are a quintessential Old Money dress shoe suitable for business-casual and formal occasions.
Opt for a classic cap-toe or wing-tip style in high-quality leather like calfskin or cordovan.
Black Oxfords are a must-have for black-tie events, while brown Oxfords are perfect for business and formal occasions.
Brogues
Brogues are characterised by their perforated designs and can range from semi-brogues to full brogues.
They add a touch of visual interest to any outfit and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Invest in a few pairs of brogues in colours like dark brown, tan, and oxblood for maximum versatility.
Loafers
While there are multiple types of loafers, all of them are suitable for creating Old Money outfits.
But, given their construct, loafers are the most comfortable and stylish choice for casual and semi-formal outfits.
Penny, Tassel, and Horse-bit loafers are quintessential old-money dress shoe styles that pair well with chinos, jeans, and even suits.
Look for loafers made from high-quality leather or suede in brown, navy, and black colours.
Monk Straps
Monk strap shoes feature a buckle closure instead of laces and add a unique touch to any outfit.
They can be dressed up with a suit or dressed down with chinos and a sports coat.
Look for monk straps in classic colours like brown and black and a single or double-buckle style, depending on your preference.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots are a sleek and stylish option worn with suits, jeans, and everything in between.
Look for a pair made from high-quality leather or suede in a classic colour like black or brown.
Chelsea boots are perfect for transitional weather and add a touch of edginess to any outfit.
Dress Boots
Dress boots are a sophisticated option for colder months and can be worn with suits and dress pants.
Look for a pair made from high-quality leather in a classic style like a cap-toe or wing-tip.
Dress boots in colours like black and brown are versatile and add a touch of elevated elegance to any outfit.
Classic Leather Strap Watch
A classic leather watch with a simple, understated face is a must-have accessory for any Old Money gentleman.
Look for a high-quality Swiss-made watch with a leather band in brown or black.
Brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger-LeCoultre are known for their timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship.
Silk Pocket Square
Add a dash of sophistication to your sport coat or suit with a silk pocket square in a classic pattern like paisley or polka dots.
Stick to muted colours that complement your outfit, and experiment with different folding techniques for a subtle yet stylish accent.
Leather Belt
A high-quality leather belt in a classic colour like brown or black is an essential accessory for any Old Money wardrobe.
Look for a belt made from full-grain leather with a simple, understated buckle.
Avoid flashy logos or embellishments, and opt for a width that complements your trouser loops.
Silk Tie
A well-chosen silk tie can elevate any outfit and add a touch of refined elegance.
Look for ties made from high-quality silk in classic patterns like stripes, dots, or paisley.
Stick to a subdued colour palette that complements your suit or sport coat, and experiment with different knot styles for a polished look.
Cufflinks
Cufflinks are a small but mighty accessory that can add a touch of personality to any dress shirt.
Look for cufflinks from high-quality materials like gold, silver, or mother-of-pearl.
Stick to simple, classic designs like round or square faces, and avoid anything too flashy or trendy.
Classic Sunglasses
Classic sunglasses are a must-have accessory for any Old Money gentleman.
Look for frames made from high-quality materials like acetate or metal in timeless styles like Wayfarers, Aviators, or Clubmasters.
Stick to neutral colours like black, brown, or tortoiseshell, and invest in a quality pair that will last for years.
Neck Scarf
A well-chosen scarf can add a touch of refined warmth to any outfit during colder months.
Look for scarves made from high-quality materials like wool, cashmere, or silk in classic patterns like stripes or solids.
Stick to a subdued colour palette that complements your outerwear, and experiment with different knot styles for a polished look.
Leather Gloves
A pair of high-quality leather gloves is a must-have accessory for any Old Money gentleman during colder months.
Look for supple, full-grain leather gloves in classic colours like black or brown.
Opt for a lined style for added warmth, and choose a length that complements your outerwear.
Grooming and Etiquette Tips
In addition to the right clothing, grooming, and etiquette play crucial roles in achieving the Old Money look.
Keep your hair neat and styled, and use a good skincare routine to maintain a polished appearance.
Regarding etiquette, focus on being a gentleman: practice good manners, be respectful to others, and carry yourself with confidence and poise.
Do’s and Don’ts of Old Money Aesthetic
To help you navigate the world of Old Money style with ease, here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Invest in quality, timeless pieces | Chase fleeting fashion trends |
| Opt for a neutral colour palette | Wear flashy, attention-grabbing colours |
| Prioritise fit and tailoring | Settle for ill-fitting, baggy clothing |
| Choose natural, luxurious fabrics | Opt for synthetic, low-quality materials |
| Accessorise subtly and elegantly | Overdo it with gaudy, excessive accessories |
| Cultivate an appreciation for tradition | Disregard the importance of heritage and craftsmanship |
Elevate Your Style with The VOU
Ready to take your Old Money style to the next level?
Look no further than The VOU, your ultimate destination for expert styling advice and personalised service.
Our team of experienced stylists, myself included, is dedicated to helping you curate a wardrobe that reflects your unique personality and aspirations.
With our bespoke styling packages, you’ll gain access to insider knowledge, hand-selected garments, and one-on-one guidance to ensure you look and feel your best.
Book your consultation today and step into a world of timeless elegance where looking good and feeling confident go hand in hand.
Your path to old-money sophistication starts here.