Quick Answer
To achieve an authentic Old Money look with knitwear, focus on these seven essential pieces and styling combinations:
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- Navy cashmere crewnecks paired with Oxford shirts, grey flannel trousers and brown penny loafers for versatile professional styling
- Oatmeal cable knit sweaters combined with dark indigo jeans and brown suede boots for weekend heritage looks
- Burgundy v-neck sweaters worn with white shirts and grey wool trousers for subtle colour in business settings
- Navy shawl collar cardigans as blazer alternatives with Oxford shirts and khaki trousers for smart-casual offices
- Forest green crewnecks paired with brown corduroys and Chelsea boots for country weekend sophistication
- Camel v-neck sweaters layered over light shirts with navy chinos and penny loafers for business-casual balance
- Grey cashmere turtlenecks under tweed jackets with wool trousers for winter sophistication
Key Points to Remember
- Invest in 100% natural fibres (cashmere, merino wool, lambswool) with tight knitting and substantial weight that signals quality
- Choose knitwear styles that complement your specific body type—finer cable patterns for broader frames, chunkier cables for slimmer builds
- Select colours that flatter your seasonal colour palette—autumn types suit burgundy and forest green, winter colouring works with navy and cool beiges
- Ensure proper fit that skims your torso without clinging or hanging loosely for the most refined silhouette
Want to learn more? Continue reading the full article below ↓
Old Money knitwear consists of timeless pieces like cable knit sweaters, cashmere crewnecks, and classic cardigans in neutral colours that show heritage and quality.
These staples form the foundation of a sophisticated wardrobe that projects status without looking showy.
Learn which essential pieces to own and how to style them based on your body type and colouring.
1. Navy Crewneck Sweaters in Pure Cashmere for Versatile Professional Styling
The navy cashmere crewneck is the cornerstone of an Old Money knitwear collection.
Look for 100% cashmere with tight knitting and substantial weight that signals quality.
Pair with light blue or white Oxford shirts with the collar visible for classic styling.
Wear with grey flannel trousers and brown penny loafers for a timeless work outfit.
The navy tone works across all seasonal colour palettes and complements most skin tones.
Choose a fit that skims your torso without clinging or hanging loosely for the most flattering silhouette.
2. Oatmeal Cable Knit Sweaters with Dark Denim for Weekend Heritage Looks
Oatmeal (light beige) cable knit sweaters in pure wool or cashmere create an instant heritage appearance.
Broader men should choose finer, more even cable patterns to avoid adding visual bulk.
Slimmer men benefit from chunkier cable patterns that add dimension to their frame.
Pair with dark indigo jeans and brown suede boots for a refined weekend look.
Add a waxed cotton jacket in olive or navy for outdoor settings to maintain the Old Money aesthetic.
This combination works especially well for men with winter or summer seasonal colouring.
3. Burgundy V-Neck Sweaters with Grey Trousers for Subtle Colour in Business Settings
Burgundy v-neck sweaters add controlled colour while maintaining the Old Money palette.
Choose pure cashmere or merino wool with a fine gauge for professional environments.
Men with shorter necks benefit from the v-neck’s elongating effect on the upper body.
Layer over white or light blue dress shirts with the collar points tucked neatly inside the v-neck.
Pair with medium grey wool trousers and black Oxford shoes for a balanced business look.
This colour combination works particularly well for men with autumn seasonal colouring.
4. Choose Navy Shawl Collar Cardigans as Blazer Alternatives for Smart-Casual Offices
Navy shawl collar cardigans in medium-weight wool provide a sophisticated alternative to blazers.
Look for horn or mother-of-pearl buttons rather than plastic for authentic Old Money details.
Wear buttoned over light blue Oxford shirts with khaki or grey trousers for smart-casual workplaces.
Men with round face shapes benefit from the v-shaped opening that creates visual length.
Add a simple pocket square to the breast pocket of your shirt for a refined touch.
This styling approach bridges formal and casual elements while maintaining status signals.
5. Forest Green Crew Necks with Brown Cords for Country Weekend Sophistication
Forest green crew neck sweaters in lambswool or cashmere offer versatile weekend styling options.
This rich colour conveys heritage without the starkness of navy or the casualness of brighter greens.
Combine with brown corduroy trousers for a countryside aesthetic rooted in Old Money tradition.
Add brown suede Chelsea boots or leather loafers to complete this refined casual look.
Layer a tattersall check shirt underneath for additional pattern that remains within the Old Money code.
This combination works especially well for men with autumn and spring seasonal colouring.
6. Camel V-Neck Sweaters with Navy Chinos for Business-Casual Balance
Camel v-neck sweaters in pure cashmere offer warmth and sophistication for year-round wear.
This universally flattering colour creates a focal point while maintaining the understated Old Money palette.
Layer over white or light blue shirts with navy chinos for a balanced colour combination.
Complete the look with brown penny loafers and a matching leather belt.
Men with winter colouring should choose cooler beige tones, while autumn types look best in warmer camel shades.
This versatile pairing transitions seamlessly between office and evening settings.
7. Grey Turtleneck Sweaters with Tweed Jackets for Winter Sophistication
Medium grey turtlenecks in pure cashmere create a sophisticated winter foundation piece.
Choose a fit that sits comfortably at the neck without sagging or stretching for the most flattering look.
Layer under brown or grey herringbone tweed jackets for classic cold-weather refinement.
Pair with navy or charcoal wool trousers and brown brogues to complete this heritage combination.
Men with longer necks look especially balanced in turtlenecks, though all face shapes can wear them effectively.
This styling approach works across professional and social settings during colder months.
Build Your Old Money Knitwear Collection with Quality Pieces That Match Your Colouring
Investing in quality knitwear pieces in pure natural fibres forms the foundation of an Old Money wardrobe.
Start with versatile navy and grey options before expanding to burgundy, forest green, and camel as your collection grows.
Choose styles that complement your specific body type, face shape, and seasonal colouring for the most flattering results.
For personalised recommendations tailored to your unique features, consider The VOU’s professional styling services, including our Seasonal Colour Analysis and Body Shape Analysis packages.
Take the First Step With The VOU’s Styling Quizzes
Start your style journey with our free resources. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to confirm your face shape and receive initial styling guidance.
Then, discover your most flattering colours with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz.
Learn which garment styles suit you best through our Body Shape Quiz, and find your ideal personal style with our Fashion Style Quiz.
Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance
For comprehensive image development that goes beyond hat selection, The VOU offers expert styling services to ensure your complete look projects success and sophistication.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides you with a scientific analysis of your exact face shape, personalised hairstyle recommendations, customised facial hair styling guide, expert eyewear selection guidance, and detailed grooming recommendations tailored to your unique features.
For the most comprehensive transformation, consider our Complete Image Transformation Package.
This premium service includes our Professional Face Shape Analysis, Seasonal Colour Analysis, Body Shape Analysis, Fashion Style Analysis, Wardrobe Curation Guide, and Personal Brand Development.
Through this complete package, you’ll develop a cohesive style that communicates success and sophistication across all aspects of your appearance.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.