Old Money Style For Men

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Are you ready to learn how to achieve the Old Money Style for Men? Step into a world of timeless elegance and sophistication. The Old Money Style, a symbol of enduring elegance, has recently gained widespread admiration on social media. Behind its mystique lies a lifestyle built on refined manners and understated luxury, crafting a timeless style that defies fleeting trends.

The Ultimate Guide to Old Money Style For Men will take you on a journey through the key elements, from tailored suits to subtle accessories, to help you curate the perfect Old Money Aesthetic wardrobe.

Chapters:

1.     What is Old Money Style?

2.     How to dress Old Money Style for Men?

3.     Choose Fine Materials and Fabrics

4.     The Best Color Combinations

5.     Old Money Style: Knitwear & Sweaters

6.     Old Money Style: Shirts

7.     Old Money Style: Trousers

8.     Old Money Style: Suits & Blazers

9.     Old Money Style: Jackets

10. Old Money Style: Shoes

11. Old Money Style: Accessories

12. Summary

Michele Morrone x GUESS Collection

WHAT IS OLD MONEY STYLE?

The Old Money Style is not just a fleeting fashion trend; it’s a lifestyle rooted in a deep appreciation for tradition. It encapsulates a set of core principles and values that have been preserved over generations, marked by timeless elegance.

The Old Money Aesthetic is often associated with the upper class, particularly those who have inherited wealth over generations. Contrary to the common notion of luxury in extravagance, this style’s core lies in understated luxury.

Denis Cebulec in a tailored striped suit

HOW TO DRESS OLD MONEY STYLE FOR MEN?

There are certain characteristics that stand as pillars of the Old Money Style menswear wardrobe. In this article, we will step-by-step guide you through each defining element:

·         High-end Materials and Fine Fabrics: The Old Money Style men’s wardrobe is synonymous with the finest materials and fabrics. We will explore the materials that are the foundation of enduring elegance, such as cashmere, merino wool, and silk.

·         Neutral Color Palette: We will discover how you can achieve the Old Money Style color palette, by leaning towards timeless earthy tones, creating a harmonious blend that radiates understated elegance.

·         Luxury Brands with Timeless Designs: We will uncover the heritage brands integral to the Old Money Aesthetic, and how these brands differ from other high-end luxury brands that can be found on the high street.

·         Essential Wardrobe Pieces: From tailored jackets to classic knitwear, we will explore the wardrobe essentials that form the foundation of Old Money elegance.

Justus Hansen in navy blazer and chinos

FINE MATERIALS & FABRICS

The heart of Old Money Style menswear lies in carefully choosing natural materials that last, valuing timeless pieces over trendy fashion. Instead of buying clothes for just a season or two, the Old Money Aesthetic is built on selecting quality garments that can be passed down through generations.

Therefore, the main materials in the Old Money Style men’s wardrobe are premium materials such as:

·         Cashmere

·         Merino wool

·         Egyptian cotton

·         Linen

·         Silk

The core of the Old Money Style wardrobe is built on the highest-quality materials, showcasing a dedication to timeless sophistication that endures over the years and can be treasured for a long time.

Ultrafine 15.5-micron merino wool knit from Carissimi

Cashmere sweaters from Ralph Lauren

THE BEST COLOR COMBINATIONS

The Old Money Style is built on neutral and sophisticated colors that reflect timeless elegance without being flamboyant. Key shades include light tones like beige, white, and grey. For the fall and winter seasons, turn to darker hues such as navy, moss green, charcoal, and black for a classic seasonal touch. Essential to the Old Money Style is to stay clear of vibrant and flashy colors like yellow, orange, and lime green to maintain the refined and subtle aesthetic.

But it’s not only about choosing the right colors. Achieving the perfect Old Money Style men’s outfit also requires a thoughtful matching of the outfit colors.

Outfits in navy blue and white

Beige and brown color combinations

OLD MONEY STYLE: KNITWEAR & SWEATERS

In crafting the Old Money Style wardrobe, high-quality knitwear takes center stage as a fundamental element. Elevate your collection with premium natural materials like cashmere, merino wool, and alpaca, ensuring that each piece not only exudes style but also delivers unmatched comfort. The color palette is instrumental; favor subdued tones such as beige, cream, tan, navy, moss green, and black, harmonizing seamlessly with the timeless allure of this aesthetic.

Opt for knitwear from renowned brands dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship — like Carissimi, Loro Piana, and Brunello Cucinelli — to invest in garments that will endure for the years to come.

Julian Piket in a beige long sleeve polo

The timeless classics that make up the core of the Old Money Style knitwear wardrobe are:

·         Crewneck: The epitome of classic and timeless design, the crewneck sweater is incredibly versatile. Whether worn casually as it is, with a dress shirt for less formal business gatherings, or under a blazer for a semi-formal touch, it effortlessly adapts to various occasions.

·         V-neck: Serving as the younger sibling to the crewneck, the V-neck sweater offers a refined aesthetic. Its clean lines make it an excellent choice for both casual and semi-formal occasions, providing a stylish alternative to its classic counterpart.

·         Turtleneck: A timeless and elegant style, the turtleneck sweater adds a touch of sophistication. Perfect for casual occasions or layered under a blazer for an effortlessly refined look in semi-formal settings.

·         Half-zip Sweater: Striking a balance between modernity and tradition, the half-zip sweater is a key piece in the Old Money Style men’s wardrobe. Opt for a thin, fine-knitted version with a dress shirt underneath for less formal business occasions, or choose a thicker knit for cozy and casual winter days.

·         Long-sleeve Polo: Combining casual comfort with timeless sophistication, the long sleeve polo is a versatile touch in Old Money Style. Perfect for casual wear or under a blazer, it strikes a balance between ease and elegance.

Explore these styles in various materials and thicknesses, ensuring you find the perfect knitwear for every season.

Turtleneck in beige from Carissimi

Cashmere turtleneck matched with blazer

OLD MONEY STYLE: SHIRTS

Shirts play a pivotal role in the Old Money aesthetic wardrobe, seamlessly transitioning from formal to casual settings. To embody the quintessential Old Money Style, consider these essential shirt types:

·         Dress Shirts: A cornerstone of classic style, the dress shirt defines your look. Opt for a tailored fit with perfectly fitted shoulders, ideal sleeve length, and an elegant silhouette. Stick to simplicity in colors; a well-fitted white dress shirt suits most occasions. Choose Egyptian cotton for comfort, durability, and the understated sophistication synonymous with Old Money Style.

·         Oxford Shirts: A classic in the Old Money wardrobe, the Oxford shirt boasts a thicker cotton weave than its dress shirt counterpart. Versatile for casual occasions, wear it as is, layered under a thicker knitwear piece, or beneath a blazer paired with chinos.

·         Summer Linens: Ideal for vacations, linen shirts offer a relaxed fit, distinct from the tailored styles. Roll up the sleeves, and pair with suede loafers for a seamless blend into the French Riviera or Portofino during the summer.

·         Knitted Polo Shirt: An everyday essential, the knitted polo shirt effortlessly complements the Old Money Style. Crafted from Egyptian cotton, a fine merino wool or cashmere-silk blend, you can opt for the button-free design for a more sophisticated look. Wear it alone or beneath a blazer for a relaxed yet refined appearance. Pair with well-fitted chinos and suede loafers.

Andreas Weinas in a white dress shirt

Beige polo shirt summer outfit

OLD MONEY STYLE: TROUSERS

The right trousers are essential to completing the Old Money Style look, requiring a tailored fit and luxurious materials for a sophisticated appearance. Harmonizing materials and colors with the full outfit is crucial to achieving a seamless look. Below, we will explore the key trouser styles to build your wardrobe:

·         Dress Pants: An essential component of the Old Money wardrobe, dress pants demand classic colors like navy, charcoal gray, dark brown, or black. The tailored fit is paramount. Pair with a well-tailored dress shirt, add a blazer and a tie for formal occasions, and complement with oxford or monk strap leather shoes. Elevate the look with a leather belt matching the shoe color or opt for Italian dress pants with side adjusters for a sophisticated touch.

·         Dress Pants in Flannel: For the winter, a pair of dress pants in flannel will be an essential piece in your wardrobe that will keep you both warm and stylish at the same time. The flannel matches perfectly with a knitwear sweater in cashmere for a warm look. Go for timeless classic colors such as dark brown or charcoal gray to match seamlessly with your knitwear.

·         Chinos: Versatile for various occasions, chinos offer flexibility. Dress them down for everyday use or up for less formal social events. Stick to classic colors – navy, beige, tan, or cream. In particular the cream white chinos, a staple in every Old Money wardrobe, will effortlessly match with any knitwear or shirt in the muted color palette. Pair with a polo shirt and suede loafers for a relaxed look, or with a dress shirt and blazer for more formal occasions.

Navy flannel dress pants from Pini Parma

Beige chinos with brown leather belt

OLD MONEY STYLE: SUITS & BLAZERS

When thinking of the Old Money Aesthetic, tailor-made suits and blazers are often the first thing that comes to mind. The key to achieving the right look is choosing the right materials and a bespoke fit. Here are key considerations to embody the true Old Money Style when selecting suits and blazers:

·         Suits: The essence of Old Money Style lies in the perfect fit and luxurious materials. Opt for classic colors like navy, charcoal gray, and dark shades of brown. Both single-breasted and double-breasted suits are well-known pieces in the Old Money wardrobe. Complete the look with black leather oxford shoes, or experiment with monk strap shoes or leather loafers for an alternative touch.

·         Blazers: The blazer is a versatile wardrobe essential that seamlessly transitions between casual and semi-formal occasions. Elevate your look with a shirt and tie for formal events, or pair with chinos and suede loafers for a relaxed ensemble. Choose worsted wool for winter and linen or wool for summer, focusing on achieving an elegant fit. Traditional colors such as navy, beige, and various shades of brown, complement the Old Money Style effortlessly.

Carlos Galluzzo in a Silbon Moda suit

Adam Gonon in well-matched blazer outfit

OLD MONEY STYLE: JACKETS

Selecting the right outerwear is a pivotal step in achieving the full Old Money Style. Consider fabric quality, fit, and color as essential elements to embody the distinguished elegance of this aesthetic. Also layering is key in jacket selection – a carefully chosen layer that seamlessly integrates with the underlying outfit can make or break the overall appearance. Ensure a harmonious match of colors, materials, and formality level.

In the Old Money Style men’s wardrobe, the jacket styles that stand out are:

·         The Trenchcoat: An iconic masterpiece, whether double or single-breasted, with an elegant silhouette and tailored fit. Ideal for formal occasions or an elegant everyday outfit. Opt for navy or beige tones like tan or ecru, and prioritize water-resistant materials for comfort.

·         The Overcoat: A classic outerwear item, the tailored camel overcoat is timeless. Consider adding navy, black, or shades of grey to diversify your wardrobe.

·         The Tweed Fieldjacket: Originating from the English countryside, this jacket exudes heritage and refinement. Layer it over a knit sweater or a crisp, white shirt for an effortlessly stylish look.

Trench coat in classic beige color

Ali Gordon in a timeless overcoat

OLD MONEY STYLE: SHOES

Never underestimate the transformative power of shoes in completing an outfit. Well-maintained footwear in the right style ensures a lasting impression. When it comes to Old Money Style, the right pair of shoes is a non-negotiable component.

Kosta Williams in black Chelsea boots

The essential shoes for the Old Money Style men’s wardrobe are the following, ranked from most to least formal:

·         Oxford Shoes: The cornerstone of formal elegance, black calf leather oxfords are ideal for black tie events. For a semi-formal touch, consider dark brown suede oxfords for less formal social gatherings.

·         Monk Strap Shoes: Elevate your style for formal and semi-formal events with monk strap shoes, distinguished by their distinctive buckle closures. Choose black or dark brown calf leather for a timeless style.

·         Leather Loafers: A versatile choice, loafers blend comfort with style. From the penny loafer to the tassel loafer, include both styles in your wardrobe for versatility for various occasions.

·         Chelsea Boots: An everyday essential, Chelsea boots complement a range of casual and semi-formal outfits. Own them in both leather and suede to match the materials of your full outfit, sticking to classic colors like black and dark brown for timeless elegance.

·         Suede Loafers: A summer masterpiece, suede loafers exude elegance and pair well with light summer outfits. Perfect for everyday wear and semi-formal summer occasions.

For more styling tips and a guide to essential Old Money shoes, explore the article: The 6 Best Old Money Style Shoes for Men. 

Black tassel loafers from Morjas

Suede Loafers in sand from Myrqvist

OLD MONEY STYLE: ACCESSORIES

Selecting accessories is a refined art when embracing the Old Money Aesthetic. Each piece should exude sophistication, seamlessly enhancing the overall aesthetic.

·         Sophistication Matters: Exercise a discerning eye when choosing accessories for the Old Money Style. Opt for items that radiate sophistication and complement your ensemble seamlessly.

·         Avoid Chains and Rings: In adherence to the classic principles of Old Money Style, steer clear of extravagant chains and rings. Embrace a minimalistic approach, letting your ensemble speak volumes.

·         Classic Essentials: Stick to timeless accessories like a well-crafted watch, a quality belt, or elegant cufflinks. These classics elevate your style without overshadowing it.

·         Understated Luxury: Embrace the ethos of understated luxury in your accessory choices. Opt for designs devoid of visible branding, ensuring that your accessories enhance your style rather than detract from it. An exception can be made for high-end watches like Cartier or Patek Philippe, where a discreet brand emblem adds a touch of exclusivity.

Cartier gold watch with black leather strap

SUMMARY

As you conclude your journey through this guide, we hope it has empowered you with a deeper understanding of the Old Money Style. It’s not only about fashion, but also a narrative of timeless sophistication and understated luxury.

Don’t hesitate to go out and build your own wardrobe. Follow the principles we have laid out above, and you will see yourself embracing the Old Money Style wardrobe in no time.

Jerome Carlier in a fall outfit in Paris