The Old Money aesthetic is defined by a timeless, refined colour palette that exudes elegance and sophistication.
From crisp whites to rich navy blues, these hues have endured and continue to be favoured by those with discerning tastes.
In this article, we’ll explore the key colours of the Old Money style and provide tips on how to masterfully combine them for a classic and contemporary look.
Old Money Style Color Palette
Mainsail White
An off-white that doesn’t feel stark or cold and yet works well with shades of blue.
It is a timeless shade of white that exudes elegance and sophistication.
White, the symbol of cleanliness, simplicity, and luxury, is indispensable for the Old Money style.
An elegant crisp white dress shirt always promises elegance as an eye-catching white blazer or iconic white dress pants.
Summer Sea Blue
Inspired by the petals of a hydrangea bush near the water in July, this blue works well with other blues and the occasional wild card colour.
Summer Sea reflects tranquil waters, it embodies opulence and relaxation.
Sailor Red
Definitely to be used in moderation, lest the red, white, and blue palette take over.
This bold shade has a blue-and-white formula that can sometimes be too predictable.
It is a deep, proud red symbolising maritime traditions and adventure.
Night Sky
This is a navy blue that might show signs of ticking or trim or other nautical icons around the edges but can also be dramatic on its own.
Navy blue is an indispensable colour for a formal and noble look. It evokes starlit evenings, it carries an air of mystery and sophistication.
You can create a sophisticated atmosphere with a men’s single or double-breasted blazer, tailored suit, and formal accessories such as navy blue silk ties or pocket squares.
Beige, Cream, and Khaki
Beige and cream tones, which create a soft and friendly atmosphere, are ideal for creating an effortless but eye-catching style.
A beige double-breasted blazer, khaki chinos, or cream linen dress pants offer timeless elegance.
Black
Adapting to every occasion and style, black forms the basis of the Old Money aesthetic.
It always provides a noble and elegant look as a suit, black fabric pants, black patent leather brogues, or a classic accessory.
Natural Shades of Brown
Earth-inspired brown tones add warmth and depth to Old Money wardrobes.
It offers natural elegance with jackets, shoes, and bags.
Earthy Shades of Green
Green, which evokes luxury and magnificence, makes an eye-catching addition to the Old Money palette.
A dark green wax jacket or a forest green cashmere sweater adds richness to your style.
Touch of Pastel Tones
Pastel colours are ideal for spring and summer.
Tones such as baby pink, light blue, or lavender can create an elegant vibe in a casual Oxford shirt or a semi-formal dress shirt.
How to Combine Old Money Style Colors?
All White
Nothing looks quite as classy and pristine as an all-white look.
From casual old money look to formal wedding wear, a good white outfit works for everyone.
Also, this monochromatic look is ideal for the summer season, thanks to its fuss-free, uber-cool vibe.
Don’t go overboard with multicolour accessories, you can add a bit of navy blue or brown, but stick to white as much as you can.
Nautical Preppy Colors Combination
Combining mainsail white, summer sea blue, red, and navy, also known as the New England colour, creates a traditional Preppy look with a nautical vibe.
Shades of Brown + Gold
Gone are the days when brown was the least favourite hue to add to our wardrobe.
With more people leaning toward neutral colours, brown has made its well-deserved place in our closets.
Create iconic outfits by pairing brown with gold!
The flashiness of gold and neutrality of the brown balance each other out perfectly, making it a look for the books.
Baby Blue + White
This colour combination looks crisp and clean and feels like a breath of fresh air.
This uber stylish-looking colour combination can be worn for both, formal and casual settings alike.
To enhance the look of this pairing, add gold accents that will help pull it all together.
Overall, this colour duo has a very refined look and feel.
Styling Tips
Start with a Neutral Base
Create a timeless backdrop based on neutral tones.
Begin by building your outfit around a neutral base such as a crisp white shirt, light khaki chinos, a baby blue polo shirt, or a cream turtleneck.
For a more sophisticated neutral base, you can go for a light pink Oxford button-down shirt.
These versatile pieces serve as the perfect canvas for layering on colour and texture.
Mix Textures
Experiment with different textures to add depth and dimension to your outfit.
Pair a luxurious velvet blazer with a cotton shirt layered with a cashmere wool sweater.
Add a silk tie or pocket square for accessories with suede Oxford dress shoes to complete the look.
Create Contrast
Embrace contrast by pairing light and dark colours together for a striking effect.
Mix black dress pants and a white blazer, a dark navy blazer with cream chinos, or style a white tailored double-breasted suit with dark brown loafers.
The Old Money colour palette is a testament to the enduring power of simplicity and refinement.
By incorporating these timeless hues into your capsule wardrobe and following the styling tips provided, you can effortlessly achieve a sophisticated and stylish look.
Remember to start with a neutral base, mix textures for added depth, and play with contrast.
With these colours and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Old Money style.
Styling Beyond Old Money Colours
Before you go, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette, as the main factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then you can be styled by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from heritage fashion brands that depict an old-money style gentleman of high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style, in less than 5 minutes, thanks to our 3 simple steps, below:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different physiques, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man – free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour 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 shape and unique colour palette; 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, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
Only now you can style by occasion, location, season, and time of the day – here’s also where our expert image consultants and fashion stylists come in.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, owning luxury clothes isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape and colour palette and only then style by 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.