There’s no argument that mastering the old money aesthetic is the way to showcase success, confidence, and a timeless, refined, understated elegance.
Old money accessories are critical to achieving the Old Money look – their finishing touches are designed to elevate your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.
A well-chosen watch, a pair of classic cufflinks, or an elegant pocket square speak volumes about a gentleman’s status without needing ostentatious displays of wealth.
Old Money Essential Accessories
Accessorising your old-money look is an art any gentleman must master – and here are some of the key accessories you need to create a sense of timeless elegance.
1. Wristwatches
A classic timepiece is the cornerstone of any old money accessory collection.
Opt for a watch with a simple, understated design from an iconic brand known for its craftsmanship and heritage, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Choose a leather strap for a more traditional look or a metal bracelet for versatility.
2. Cufflinks
Cufflinks add a touch of refinement to any dress shirt.
Look for cufflinks made from precious metals such as gold or silver, or choose a classic design featuring mother-of-pearl, onyx, or enamel.
Monogrammed cufflinks are a subtle way to add a personal touch to your outfit.
3. Pocket Squares
A pocket square is a small yet powerful accessory that can elevate a suit or sports coat.
Choose a pocket square made from silk or linen in a classic pattern such as paisley, polka dots, or a simple solid colour.
The key is choosing a pocket square that complements your tie without matching it.
4. Repp and Bow Ties
A well-chosen tie or bow tie can make a statement without being overly flashy.
Opt for ties made from high-quality silk in classic patterns such as stripes, dots, or a subtle print.
For a more formal occasion, a bow tie in a solid colour or a classic Preppy pattern such as houndstooth or gingham can add a touch of old-world charm.
Old Money Accessories Styling Tips
One of the hallmarks of the old money style is the ability to adapt one’s accessories to suit any occasion.
A gentleman should have a versatile collection that can be mixed and matched to create different looks.
Accessories for Formal Events
For formal events such as weddings, white tie, or black-tie affairs, wear a classic dress watch, a pair of gold or silver cufflinks, and a simple white pocket square that will complement a tuxedo or dark double-breasted suit.
Accessories for Business Meetings
In a business setting, your accessories should convey professionalism and reliability.
A dress watch with a leather strap, a silk tie in a classic pattern like argyle, polka dots, or stripes, and simple cufflinks will project an image of competence and success.
Accessories for Casual Events
For a casual old-money look, you can afford to be a bit more relaxed with your accessories.
A vintage-style watch with a leather strap, a knit tie, and a patterned pocket square can add a touch of Old Money flair to a casual outfit.
Accessorising Tips
- Prioritise quality over quantity, such as accessories made from expensive materials such as full-grain leather or 18k gold.
- Choose handmade accessories or crafted using traditional techniques.
- Pay attention to the details, such as the stitching on a leather watch strap or the engraving on a pair of cufflinks.
Accessorising on a Budget
While this classic style is often associated with luxury brands and high-end accessories, a savvy shopper can achieve the old-money look on a budget.
Look for accessories made from high-quality materials such as full-grain leather, silk, or sterling silver.
Pay attention to the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the piece.
A well-made accessory from a lesser-known brand can often rival the quality of a luxury brand at a fraction of the cost.
Slowly build your collection over time rather than acquiring a complete accessory collection.
Invest in a few key pieces each year, choosing versatile items that can be mixed and matched with your existing capsule wardrobe.
Styling Beyond Old Money Accessories
Knowing some of the most popular accessories required to augment a classic old-money style is just a small step towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
And if you want to learn, we’re here to help; start by knowing your body type and unique colour palette so you can select clothes for your body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
If you feel overwhelmed, worry no more – we’re here to help you in three easy and free steps:
1. Find Your Body Type
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body type is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body type, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Color Palette
Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, multiple outfit ideas, the most relevant fashion brands for your unique look, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Last but not least is mastering how to style according to occasion, location, season, and time of the day; this is where our professional styling services for men, created by our expert image consultants and fashion stylists, come in.
Our paid styling packages are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market. Each is backed up by expert stylists who will guide you step by step in creating a personal wardrobe that communicates affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must know your body type and colour palette and how to style according to the occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today and save headaches, time, and money; the first styling assessment is on us!
It’s time to show the world the confident and successful you, a gentleman of exquisite fashion taste.