Today, we’re exploring the essential building blocks of a timeless, sophisticated wardrobe that whispers ‘refined taste’ rather than screaming ‘nouveau richer.’
And if the old money vs new money is a new concept to you, know that crafting a perfect Old Money look isn’t about breaking the bank.
It’s about investing wisely in key garments, footwear, and accessories from affordable heritage brands that will make you look like a million bucks – yet, without spending it.
So, whether you’re a trust fund baby or a self-made man, stick with us, and we’ll have you strutting down the streets of London looking like you just stepped out of a Slim Aarons photograph.
Double Breasted Suits
A well-tailored double-breasted suit is the epitome of the classic old money style that transcends fleeting fashion trends.
Although you need different DB suits for different occasions and seasons, the most versatile suit you can own is a premium wool blend in navy or charcoal, either plain or in a subtle stripe pattern.
Double-Breasted Suit Styling Tips
- For summer soirées, don a lightweight seersucker double-breasted suit paired with loafers and a pastel linen shirt for a refined yet relaxed look.
- In business formal settings, a pinstripe double-breasted suit commands attention when coupled with a crisp white dress shirt, silk tie, and polished Oxford shoes.
- For autumn gatherings, layer a camel-coloured double-breasted suit over a fine-gauge turtleneck and finish with suede brogues for a sophisticated casual ensemble.
- Embrace winter elegance with a flannel double-breasted suit in deep green, paired with a white shirt, knit tie, and burnished leather boots.
For more style ideas, here is a full guide to styling a double-breasted suit.
Navy Blazers
If there’s one item that should be the cornerstone of your Old Money wardrobe, it’s a perfectly tailored, double-breasted navy blazer.
The blazer is a versatile piece that can take you from a day at the office to cocktails at the club, all while exuding an air of understated elegance.
Opt for a 100% wool blazer with brass buttons for a touch of nautical flair.
Navy Blazer Styling Tips
- Pair with cream linen trousers and brown leather loafers for a summer soirée.
- Dress it down with dark wash denim and a white Oxford shirt for casual Oxbridge Fridays.
- Layer over a cashmere turtleneck and grey flannel slacks for a sophisticated winter look.
Read more about how to style a navy blazer for an old-money look.
White Dress Shirts
No Old Money wardrobe is complete without a selection of impeccable white dress shirts.
Whether it is a white tie or black tie, a white dress shirt is a must-have for any formal occasion.
Invest in a few high-quality, 100% cotton shirts with a spread collar and French cuffs for a BCBG-style touch.
Remember, the devil is in the details – make sure the fit is spot-on, and always opt for mother-of-pearl buttons.
Dress Shirt Styling Tips
- Have your shirts tailored for a perfect fit.
- Don’t wear shirts with frayed collars or cuffs.
- Experiment with subtle patterns like micro-checks or hairline stripes.
- Don’t go for loud, bold prints that scream for attention.
Tailored Trousers
A well-curated selection of tailored trousers is the foundation of any Old Money wardrobe.
For summer, stick to classic colours like navy, charcoal grey, and khaki.
For fabrics, you can’t go wrong with lightweight wool, cotton gabardine, or linen.
Always opt for a slim, tailored fit with a slight break at the ankle.
Old Money Trousers Styling Tips
- Pair charcoal wool trousers with a light blue dress shirt, navy blazer, burgundy tie, and black cap-toe Oxfords – best for a business meeting.
- Dress khaki cotton chinos up with a blue Oxford shirt, brown suede loafers, and navy cotton blazer – best for a weekend brunch.
- Pair cream linen trousers with a navy dinner jacket, white dress shirt, black silk bow tie, and black patent leather loafers – best for an evening event.
Polo Shirts
Nothing beats a classic Preppy-style polo shirt for a more relaxed Old Money look.
Choose polos made from high-quality cotton pique or lightweight merino wool.
Stick to timeless colours like navy, white, and pale blue.
The fit should be slim but not tight, with the sleeve hitting mid-bicep and the hem falling just below the waistband of your trousers.
Polo Shirt Styling Tips
- Pair a navy polo with stone-coloured chinos and brown suede boat shoes for a preppy summer look.
- Layer a light grey merino wool polo under a navy blazer with dark wash jeans for a smart casual outfit.
- Tuck a white polo into cream linen trousers and add a brown leather belt for a refined resort look.
Cashmere Sweaters
A soft, sumptuous cashmere sweater is an Old Money wardrobe essential for cooler months.
Invest in a few classic styles, such as a V-neck, crewneck, and turtleneck, in neutral shades like camel, navy, and light grey.
These versatile pieces can be dressed up or down, making them a go-to for any occasion.
Cashmere Sweater Styling Ideas
- Layer a camel V-neck sweater over a white dress shirt with charcoal wool trousers for a polished business casual look.
- Pair a navy crewneck sweater with khaki chinos and brown leather Chelsea boots for a smart weekend outfit.
- Wear a light grey turtleneck under a navy blazer with cream linen trousers for a sophisticated evening ensemble.
Dress Shoes
No Old Money wardrobe is complete without a curated selection of high-quality leather dress shoes. The essential styles every gentleman should own include:
- Black cap-toe Oxfords for formal occasions.
- Brown penny loafers for a Preppy, casual look.
- Dark brown suede desert boots for a smart casual option.
- Brown leather double monk straps for a refined business casual look.
Classic Accessories
When it comes to Old Money style, less is more. Choose accessories that are classic, subtle, and high-quality.
| Accessory | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Watch | A classic stainless steel dress watch with a leather strap, like a Cartier Tank or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso |
| Belt | A simple, high-quality leather belt in brown or black with a subtle gold or silver buckle |
| Cufflinks | Understated gold or silver cufflinks with a classic design, like knots or discs |
| Pocket Square | A silk pocket square in a subtle pattern or solid colour, neatly folded in a square or puff |
| Tie | Classic silk ties in timeless patterns like stripes, dots, or paisley in muted colours |
Old Money Styling Tips
Now that you’ve got the wardrobe essentials, it’s time to combine them into cohesive, stylish outfits.
| Outfit Formula | Example |
|---|---|
| Blazer + Dress Shirt + Tailored Trousers + Oxfords | Navy blazer, white dress shirt, charcoal wool trousers, black cap-toe Oxfords |
| Polo Shirt + Chinos + Loafers | Light blue polo shirt, stone-coloured chinos, brown penny loafers |
| Cashmere Sweater + Button-Down Shirt + Trousers + Boots | Camel V-neck cashmere sweater, light blue Oxford shirt, khaki chinos, brown suede Chelsea boots |
Remember, the key to nailing the Old Money look is to keep things classic, understated, and high-quality.
Avoid flashy logos, trendy pieces, and anything that feels too try-hard.
The goal is to look effortlessly elegant like you were born into a world of impeccable taste and style.
Master the Old Money Look with The VOU
Gentlemen, if you’re ready to take your Old Money style to the next level, look no further than The VOU’s styling services.
Our team of expert stylists, myself included, are here to guide you on your journey to sartorial excellence.
We’ll work with you one-on-one to curate a timeless wardrobe that reflects your unique personality and lifestyle while staying true to the principles of Old Money dressing.
From perfectly tailored suits to casual weekend looks, we’ll ensure you always look and feel your best.
But The VOU’s services go beyond just looking good—we’re here to help you embody the confidence, sophistication, and joie de vivre that come with mastering the art of dressing well.