The old money aesthetic is well known for its sophisticated, classy, and timeless designs, well-tailored silhouettes, and high-end fabrics.
Many think old money style is expensive, but you don’t need billions of dollars to achieve this look.
At the end of the day, it’s about styling and wearing the right clothing items to achieve this aesthetic.
What are the rules for old money style?
There are four ground rules that you need to follow if you want to have the old money style.
1. Do not wear printed clothes or (big) logos
Firstly, forget about any large logos. Wearing a graphic tee, or a varsity jacket will not help you towards this style. The Old Money Style is about understatement and sophistication.
2. Stick to the higher-quality fabrics
And the fourth rule is to stick to the higher-quality fabrics. Opt for fabrics like linen, wool, leather, cashmere and cotton. Fabrics like linen and wool reflect the style’s emphasis on quality and durability.
3. Have the right fitting
Fit is everything. Everything must be well-fitted and tailored. Avoid skinny jeans or excessively baggy pants.
4. Wear neutral colors
Secondly, stick to a neutral color palette. Old Money style favors a palette of neutral and muted tones, contributing to its timeless appeal.
Wear the colors:
- Brown
- Beige
- Black
- White
- Charcoals
- Whites
- Navies
- Khaki
How to Look Old Money
To achieve an Old Money look, go for well-tailored suits and blazers in classic colors. Pair with white or pale blue dress shirts.
Choose refined footwear like loafers, oxfords, or brogues. Complete the style with subtle accessories such as leather belts and simple, elegant watches.
Old Money Aesthetic Outfits
Let´s break down some stylish and typical Old Money Outfits.
Take a look at these old money outfits here below:
The Old Money Wardrobe
Now you know the rules, let’s start building your ”old money” wardrobe.
Pants and Trousers
First of all, you will need suit pants and trousers, looking for details like buttons, pleats, or side adjusters for a classy touch.
Invest in various colors as far as your budget allows. For casual settings, well-tailored chinos are ideal.
As I’ve said before, pants make the biggest difference in your outfit and when it’s time for your more casual situation you can always go for a well-tailored Chino.
Polos
Elegant, neutral, and fitted polos are essential. Textures are welcome but avoid big logos. Long-sleeve polos as well as short-sleeve polos are a great addition to your Old Money wardrobe.
T-Shirts
For T-shirts, you’ve got many options. Consider wearing cable knit designs or thicker, sweater-like materials for a premium look.
Shirts
Next up, you’ll need some button-up and button-down shirts.
Linen shirts are a must-have for the summer if you want to dress old money. And I can only give you one tip: linen, linen and linen.
An old money wardrobe will never be complete without a linen shirt. Opt for a white one if you’re choosing just one.
Striped button-ups or downs, typically in white with navy, and Oxford shirts are perfect for formal occasions.
And as for fit, go for a regular fit or a slim fit depending on your body type.
Sweaters
Choose high-quality fabrics like wool or cashmere for sweaters. Cable knit crew sweaters, thin cashmere ones, and classic quarter-zip sweaters are perfect for layering.
Coats
Moving on to coats, let’s focus on the ideal style. Buy a trench coat that is tailored and structured, giving you a polished look.
Wool is the material of choice for its elegance and durability. Fortunately, finding a high-quality wool coat on a budget is not so hard.
Suits
Every guy needs a suit in their arsenal. A well-tailored black, beige, navy, or gray suit will be a great choice.
Old Money Hairstyles
Old Money style hairstyles for men exude a polished, preppy vibe. Some examples of classic cuts are the side part, a slicked-back look, or a neatly trimmed haircut.
The key is to keep hair well-groomed and styled in a way that looks effortless yet refined, reflecting a rich vibe.
Must-have accessoires
Watches
Start by selecting a watch that aligns with the Old Money aesthetic – ideally, one with a leather band and a small face.
There are plenty of affordable watches like Casio, Longines Dolce Vita, Seiko, Seiko SUP 880, or Hamilton.
Belts
Moving on to belts, you’ll need just two: one black and one brown, to suit all occasions. The belts should be sleek, and minimalistic buckles are sufficient. They should complement, not dominate, the outfit.
Eyewear
Finally, don’t forget about eyewear to shield your eyes and finish the looks. Choose classic styles like Ray-Ban Clubmasters, Wayfarers, or Aviators. Avoid trendy, chunky designs and stick to classic, timeless pieces for a true Old Money look.
Footwear in Old Money Style
Classic leather penny loafers or oxfords are ideal for formal occasions. For casual outings, consider loafers or slim white leather sneakers. Avoid chunky styles like Air Force Ones or New Balance 550s, which are great options if you want to have a different style than the old money style.
Grooming
Old Money style extends to grooming. Opt for classic hairstyles, maintain well-groomed facial hair, and invest in quality skincare and fragrances.
Lifestyle
The Old Money aesthetic is as much about lifestyle and etiquette as it is about fashion. Incorporate elements of this style into your daily life to fully embrace its ethos.
Old Money Style on a budget
Achieving this look doesn’t have to break the bank. Focus on key pieces and look for quality items at affordable prices.
Tailoring can transform budget-friendly finds into elegant staples.
To sum up, achieving the Old Money aesthetic isn’t just about dressing well, it’s about the entire package.
You have to have good skin, good hair, and a good body as well to get the full old money aesthetic.
It’s a lifestyle that reflects elegance, quality, and understated sophistication.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Old Money Style
The old money style for men is a blend of timeless elegance and understated sophistication, showcasing tailored suits, classic polo shirts, and loafers in neutral and dark tones for a discreet, enduring approach to fashion.
To dress like old money on a budget, prioritize finding high-quality basics at affordable prices. Look for well-tailored pants, classic blazers, crisp button-down shirts, and simple midi dresses. Stick to neutral colors and timeless designs, which often appear more expensive. Thrift stores and sales are great sources for these items. Tailoring inexpensive garments can also elevate their look, fitting into the old money aesthetic without a high cost.
Yes, while staying true to its core principles, Old Money style can be adapted to modern fashion by incorporating contemporary fits and accessories.
To start an old money style, begin with essential pieces: tailored suits and blazers in classic colors like navy or gray. Add crisp dress shirts in white or pale blue. Choose quality footwear like loafers, oxfords, or brogues. Complete the look with subtle accessories such as leather belts and simple, elegant watches. Focus on quality and timeless designs for a wardrobe that embodies the old money aesthetic.
