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What’s This About

This guide names ten designer brands linked with the Old Money style. That is the quiet, classic look of families who have been rich for a long time. For each brand, it lists the pieces to know and how formal they are.

Key Points

01Knowing which designer brands define the Old Money style helps you build that look yourself.

02The brands below have long histories and a reputation for quality. Their pieces can lift a wardrobe.

03These labels have long dressed the upper classes. Working a few of their pieces into your wardrobe is a first step towards the old money look.

Treat the ten entries below as a shortlist, not a shopping list. Each one says what the brand is known for, then gives its must-haves and how formal they are. Our guide to the classic “Old Money” aesthetic explains the look itself.

Start with the formality levels. If most of your week is casual, look first at the brands marked casual to smart-casual, such as Barbour and Tod’s. If you need clothes for the office, start with the business-casual to formal entries, such as Brooks Brothers and Turnbull & Asser.

1. Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren draws on the Preppy subculture, the neat, expensive style linked with young people at private schools, and its way of dressing. No designer captures the Old Money look quite like it.

From its polo shirts to its Purple Label suits, the brand sums up polished, upper-class style.

Must-haves
Navy double-breasted blazer, crisp Oxford shirt, equestrian-inspired accessories.

Formality level
Casual to formal.

2. Brooks Brothers

Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers is the oldest clothing retailer in the United States.

It has been a favourite of everyone from presidents to Wall Street bankers. It is known for its tailoring and fine fabrics.

Must-haves
Classic style double-breasted suits, dress shirts, striped ties in repp, a ribbed fabric.

Formality level
Business-casual to formal.

3. Barbour

This British brand is famous for its waxed cotton jackets. They suit outdoor pursuits such as hunting and sailing.

Barbour jackets have been worn by style icons like Steve McQueen and members of the Royal Family.

Must-haves
Waxed cotton jackets, quilted gilets, chunky knit jumpers.

Formality level
Casual to smart-casual.

4. Burberry

Burberry is another famous British label. It stands for luxury and tradition.

Its signature trench coats and cashmere scarves are old money staples.

Must-haves
Trench coats, cashmere scarves, checked button-down shirts.
Formality level
Smart-casual to formal.

5. J. Press

J. Press is a classic name in Ivy League style, the look linked with a group of eight respected universities in the north-east of the US. It has dressed students and professors since 1902.

Its tweed sports jackets and Shetland wool jumpers are like a secret handshake among the US East Coast elite.

Must-haves
Tweed sports jackets, Shetland wool jumpers, repp stripe ties.
Formality level
Casual to business-casual.

6. Gucci

Gucci may be trendier than other brands on this list. But its equestrian-inspired designs and fine leather goods still suit the old money look.

Choose classic pieces such as horse-bit loafers or a silk scarf.

Must-haves
Horse-bit loafers, silk scarves, traditional style suits.
Formality level
Smart-casual to formal.

7. Hermès

This French fashion house is a famous status symbol. It is known for its silk scarves, leather goods and the much-wanted Birkin bag.

A Hermès pocket square or tie adds a touch of luxury for a classic BCBG old-money look. BCBG, short for ‘bon chic bon genre’, is an informal French term for a style that follows middle-class tradition: classic and in good taste.

Must-haves: Silk pocket squares, neckties, leather belts.
Formality level: Business-casual to formal.

8. Tod’s

Tod’s is an Italian luxury brand known for its fine leather shoes and accessories.

Its famous Gommino driving shoes are a favourite of jet-setters and royals.

Must-haves
Gommino driving shoes, leather jackets, belts, and bags.
Formality level
Casual to smart-casual.

9. Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli is known for fine Italian cashmere.

The brand stands for quiet luxury, with a focus on fine materials and craft.

Must-haves
Cashmere jumpers, tailored trousers, suede jackets.
Formality level
Smart-casual to formal.

10. Turnbull & Asser

This British shirtmaker has made bespoke shirts and ties since 1885. For a bespoke shirt, the house turns your measurements into a personal paper pattern. It has dressed everyone from Winston Churchill to James Bond.

Must-haves
Bespoke dress shirts, silk neckties, pocket squares.
Formality level
Business-casual to formal.

Dress Old Money With The VOU

We hope this guide helps you find your way into the Old Money style.

Building a designer wardrobe can feel daunting, and that is where The VOU can help.

We specialise in helping young men achieve the Old Money look.

Take the First Step With The VOU’s Styling Quizzes

Start with our quizzes. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to see which face shape yours is closest to. It also gives first styling suggestions.

Then, see which colours the seasonal colour approach suggests for you with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz.

See which cuts are usually recommended for your build with our Body Shape Quiz. Then explore the styles that suit your taste with our Fashion Style Quiz.

Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance

For help choosing designer pieces, The VOU’s stylists offer paid styling services. These range from single analyses to a complete package.

Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package gives you a stylist’s assessment of your face shape from the photos and measurements you send. It also includes personalised hairstyle recommendations, a 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.

The Complete Image Transformation Package includes our Fashion Style, Seasonal Colour, Body Shape and Face Shape analyses. It also includes a brand-specific shopping guide and two weeks of support.

The package brings the analyses together into one plan for your clothes, colours and grooming.

10 Old Money Designer Brands Every Gentleman Must Know