7 Key Elements of Old Money Style For Men

When it comes to clothing and style, the old money style for men embodies the ethos that, at times, is disregarded: a more elegant combination of wealth and style over hasty fashion. The new money would be less worried about the longevity of the piece of clothing, opting for a more fashionable, branded and likely trendier outfit. If you want to nail this old money look, then it is important for you to familiarise yourself with the basic principles of old-money wardrobe construction.

Old Money vs New Money: What Fits the Term Best

Its subtlety is one of the most defining characteristics of old money style and aesthetics. Old money is all about reserved wealth that cherishes excellent handwork and heritage. Their approach towards wealth and fashion is quite different. Here’s how the two differ:

Old Money

Now what is the old money style? It is classic style dresses crafted out of quality fabrics where no company insignias are worn or are kept well hidden in tone earth graphics, natural colours, and classic investment wear.

New Money

More attractive and appealing items, and in this case, market-based fashionable items, visible brands, as those items are all about making a statement and colour.

The old money style isn’t about trying too hard and looking for attention. It is about having an effortless air of taste and refinement.

Tips on How to Stylize Old Money Aesthetic Mode for Men

‘Old money outfits’ also known as ‘Waspy’ fashion style is only for those who enjoy real class with an appreciation of minimalism and beauty in simplicity. 

Here, we put them in words about what you must do to look like that.

Old Money Fashion Starter Pack

Old Money Fashion Starter Pack tops


Tops

  • A short-sleeve button-up from lighter shades, light blue, white and some pastels is common. Quality Shirt- Choose cotton or linen for the more even months of the year.
  • Polo shirts are produced of high quality, including pique cotton and soft merino wool. Stick to plain shades like navy blue, white and grey.
  • An indispensable accessory for layering is a cashmere sweater. Consider those which are V-necks and Crew necks in the colours of camel, navy and charcoal.
Old Money Fashion Starter bottoms

Bottoms

  • The right pants can help set up the outfit from the bottom.
  • Tailored trousers are done in a wool or cotton blend for the lowest roughened form of men’s old money style. Go for dark shades like khaki, navy and grey.
  • For a reserved old-money ensemble, know that chinos would work as well. Beige, olive or tan would work to set them over the polished wear.
  • Jeans can be part of an old money fashion wardrobe, but only dark-wash-fitted jeans that do not have rips or distress are ideal.
Old Money Fashion Bottoms

Shoes

  • Footwear is considered one of the oldest-money look’s most superior and sophisticated aspects.
  • Leather loafers, brogues, and oxford shoes are vital to complete your outfits. These must be in rich leather, made of the best quality and available in common colours like black, brown or tan.
  • Boat shoes or dull leather sneakers could look a bit preppy and come in handy for hypothetical casual outfits.
Accessories

Accessories

Old money approaches toward affordable items are simply limiting towards accessorising- less is indeed more.

  • Wristwatches can be quite classic yet sparing in responsibility. A nice women’s watch with a leather band or a one-hand vintage watch with a metal band will do.
  • High-grade leather belts with uncluttered, minimalistic clasps should be present.
  • Cashmere, wool scarves, and winter gloves surely complete the cold weather look but are made from classic materials.
  • All sunglasses should be as less tacky as possible and, of course, follow the wardrobe colour scheme. Classic aviators or wayfarers are a very good choice.

Additional Tips for Nailing the Old Money Aesthetic

Grooming

  • Neat hair is a must to nail old money. Hair should be neat and always clean. Go for modern yet old timeless hairstyles or simply a cropped design.
  • Whatever clothing you wear should be fitted and properly cut up to, including skirts and dresses. It should not be too loose nor clung to the body.
  • Men’s casual old money style consists of colour palettes with the likes of navy, beige, white and grey shades. These colours are practical and exude an air of elegance and sophistication.

Fill Up The Gradient

  • Filling up the older generation money fashion styles requires layers, especially during the winter season. Use less contrasting colours but in different fabrics like cotton tops, cashmere skirts, or woollen jackets.

Old Money Style for Men

Ignoring the negative side of the old money style, there are pluses and minuses for all the stylistic solutions.

Pros:

  • There is nothing dated about the old money style. Investing in these items means they are worth being worn for ages.
  • As the philosophy puts more emphasis on artistry and durable material, you will not have to replace the clothes every season.
  • No matter how the settings differ, be it a formal occasion or a casual meeting, you will always be comfortable being chic.

Cons:

  • There is no dispute; quality fabrics and good fit can be quite costly.
  • The hard part is there are no trends. Of course, it is extremely practical. However, an inescapable drawback is that this style is eternal, but there is not much room in which to play around with trends or be too bold with one’s style.

Maintenance

  • High-quality dress materials such as cashmere leather, wool, and others need special attention to maintain their appeal.

Where to Buy Old Money Clothes

To successfully achieve the old-money aesthetic, knowing the right brands to look for when buying clothes is pertinent. Some great places to buy clothes that portray the old money style for gents include.

Ralph LaurenThis is one brand that can never be left out when it comes to dressing for the old money age, Ralph Lauren integrates the American prep look with the European styling of clothes.
Brooks BrothersWith an emphasis on classic cuts, Brooks Brothers is the place to go for donned suits, tailored button-downs, and hockey blazers.
Brunello CucinelliPerfect for when you want a far more understated but elegant money scatterer, this high-end Italian knitwear maker also specialises in perfectly fitted trousers.
BurberryFor outerwear, this brand’s trench coats and scarves add regal British style to your wardrobe.
Loro PianaIf there’s one brand essential for old money style men’s winter layering, it’s this brand, which is a wholesale cashmere and wool products brand.
J. PressIt is convenient for stepping out of regrets with the sweats home from Ivy League ready to rush in j. excess, preppy basics like blazers and chinos come in handy from here.
But you can also buy vintage old money clothes from good consignment shops or online stores such as The RealReal and Grailed that deal with upscale fashion at bargain prices.

Old Money Style for Men: An aesthetic of classiness and tactfulness


Men who dress in the old money style have a certain class, which borders modesty and restraint. It is not about starring in the latest fashion trends or looking to show off wealth in expensive and ostentatious trends. Rather, it allows one to focus on the simple aspects of fashion that have never gone out of style. Old money fashion is defined by high-end fabrics skillfully cut and sewn into shape with some restraint in colours. 

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Old Money Style for Men Essentials

CharacteristicsDescription
Colour paletteAll colours depicted in the Old Money dress are typically very bland and subtle, further enhancing the sophistication of the apparel worn. The main colours include:

Navy: Most blazers, suits, or knitwear are made in this colour.

Beige and Khaki: These colours offer a smart casual style and are specifically used in chinos, trousers, or overcoats.

Charcoal Gray: Best suited for men’s tailored suits and outerwear.

White and Light Blue: Regular button-down shirts and polo shirts.

Earth Tones: Suitable colours for these types of attires may also include olive green, camel, or taupe, which may include knits or chinos.
Fabrics and TailoringThis style is characterised by artistry and expensive fabric- Old money. Core element fabrics include:

Wool: wool is a traditional material used in suits, blazers, and overcoats, which provides insulation and body shape.

Cashmere: The most popular of the fabrics in the top range is cashmere, which covers sweaters, scarves, and overcoats.

Cotton: And, of course, combed cotton is used for shirts, chinos and casual clothes.

Linen: It is suitable for hot weather due to its undemanding linen looks luxurious without being heavy.

Old money does not have any experience dressing in clothes that are too small or too big but instead have clothes that fit well but are not tight and are comfortable and classy.
PatternsIn this case lot of colour and design is mostly avoided in old money since that style is generally bold than scanty patterns are employed:

Pinstripes: These pinstriped patterns are understated but very stylish for suits and blazers.

Plaids and Checks: Worn lightly on shirts, scarves or tweed.

Herringbone and Houndstooth: These can also often be incorporated into outerwear design, as well as fitted suiting but rather subtle.
AccessoriesIn the old-money look, very few barely-there accessories serve the purpose of perfecting the outfit without overshadowing it.

Watches: There is no better old money accessory than a vintage timepiece or a classic leather strap watch. Choose classic brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, var. Jaeger-LeCoultre, but do not go with these modern styles.

Belts: Plain leather belts in black or brown with plain buckles and slight designs are important accessories. The belt needs to be coordinated with the shoes for better aesthetics.

Scarves: Cashmere or wool scarves in a clean tone are practical as winter clothing and are a great addition to the wardrobe.

Eyewear: Narrow eyeglasses like mirrors or ordinary style pull ways may sync with clothes categorised in the old money style.
FootwearWhen it comes to old-money style footwear, it is simply classic, stylish, flexible, and made of good material.

Leather Loafers: Loafers in tan, brown or burgundy colours remain indispensable in the old money closet. They are suitable for smart casual and formal wear.

Oxfords and Brogues: These formal sandals are very appropriate for formal regions. It is good to seek classic leather and traditional construction.

Boat shoes in neutral colours are essential for a preppy casual look.

Shoes and other types of footwear must always be cleaned and polished. This very attention to and concern with each detail completions the old money outlook.
Lifestyle and AttitudeOld money style refers not only to what one is wearing but also to how one carries himself. Some of the aspects associated with an old-money attitude include:

Controlled attitude with self-confidence: The old money man has a sense of assurance, which is expressed through his choice of clothes and his conduct. There is no need to expand one’s wealth.

Neatness of Dress: Classical hairstyles such as side hairstyles and waves that are properly ‘dressed up’ are core. Hair is similarly simple and purposeful, like clothes and never leaves attention.

Elegance in All Things: It is evident that the old money style does not only limit itself to dressing. It encompasses every sphere of life, from dressing to using the right measure of grooming.

It is a general comprehensive view that involves sophistication and class shunning fads and approval from others.
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How to Dress Old Money Aesthetic for Men

Putting together a wardrobe that falls under the old money aesthetic consists of chic, neat, simple cuts that never go out of style. Here’s how to hard live the look in this age of ease:

Old Money Gogo Fashion Basics Pack: Your Wardrobe Basics

If you are planning to cultivate a new old money style in you, then there are some basic clothes that you must acquire first.

tops

Tops

  • Button-Down Shirts: Sheer cotton or linen dress shirts for high-quality men in solid shades such as white, light blue, and other pale colours. These clean uniforms can be worn informally with chinos or more formally with a smart suit.
  • Polo Shirts: Pique cotton or merino wool polo shirt fabrics are good for the ‘smart casual’ look. Stick to white, blue or grey.
  • Cashmere and Wool Sweaters: Choose cashmere or merino wool when you love knitwear. Noun high necks, v-necks, crewnecks and even cardigans in nude, camel, charcoal and navy are elegant yet relaxed.
Bottoms

Bottoms

  • Tailored trousers. Menswear’s old money style incorporates a well-tailored pair of wool, cotton or linen trousers. Good colour choices would be beige and navy grey, which would coordinate well with blazers, sweaters or button-ups.
  • Chinos. A more dress-down chinos in khaki or olive colours may be worn. These are common in preppy plus Ivy League outfits and are ideal for casual strolls or when on the weekend.
  • Dark wash jeans. It may not have an “old money pants men” appeal; however, well-fitted dark wash jeans in a classic design should suffice over the weekend in less formal places. Don’t opt for ripped jeans and other fashion fads.
Shoes

Shoes

Old-money fashion requires quality shoes that will go with the classics of the wardrobe.

  • Leather loafers are second in importance after the suit for the old-money look, and loafers with brown, black and burgundy colours can go with formal and casual attires.
  • Brogues and Oxfords: Such shoes made from leather remain far from obsolete as they are used for formal events. Opt for simple and plain shoes with minimal embellishment.
  • Boat shoes are particularly useful in very hot climates and are often worn for the dress-down period. Wear neutral colours due to not being too fashion-minded, and wear them with chinos or shorts to create a smart casual chic.
Accessories

Accessories

  • Watches: In consideration of the watch, it can also be wise to choose simplicity like that found on a leather strap or vintage metal bracelet, not bulky or flashy designs. Don’t wear chunky and oversized watches or those with logos that are easy to spot.
  • Belt: A leather belt with minimalistic chic black or brown buckles is suitable even for the most elegant tailored trousers or chinos to complete the outfit.
  • Scarf and Gloves: Cashmere or wool scarves and leather gloves are suitable for winter. However, the colours should be very basic, thus looking graceful on you.
  • Sunglasses: Aviator or wayfarer sunglasses with traditional yet simplistic designs will retain old-money appeal but will not go out of trend.

More Objective Tips on How to Get “The Old Money Look”

Old money hairstyles male: Men’s old-money hairstyles consist of elegant and tasteful haircuts that have stood the test of time. These styles typically include a slicked-back look, side-part hairstyles, and short-clipped haircuts, such as Ivy League or crew cuts. Usually, these styles are clean, easy to manage, and worn with light products to look clean and crisp. It’s classic, no frills, no fads – headphones put on history.

Fit is Everything: Administer perfect account adjustment for those old money outfits men. That is rarely seen—ill-fitting. The same applies to breaking a suit; achieving a perfect finish of tailored trousers, be it chin straight leg or tapered, even jeans, is fundamental.

Neutral Colours: A simple neutral colour palette is imperative. Navy, beige, white, grey and earthy tones speak of the men’s old money style clothing that underclass sophistication.

Quality Fabrics: Embark on doing things such as getting materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and linen. These fabrics stand the test of time, and most skin the luxurious detail.

Pros and Cons of Old Money Style for Men

Like every other fashion aesthetic, the old-money style man will come with its pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Timeless Appeal
    Old money style barely goes out of fashion. When purchasing high-quality basic clothing staples ensures that the clothing is up-to-date in style even after decades.
  • Durability
    Quality materials such as wool, cashmere and especially fine-grained leather will endure long.
  • Effortless Elegance
    Old money style brings about refinement with clean, simple lines and subtle luxury without effort.

Cons:

  • High Costs: A high cost of buying good fabrics and proper tailoring is a requirement.
  • Limited Trend Flexibility: Emphasising timelessness reduces opportunities to include current aesthetics.
  • Maintenance: Another disadvantage is that such quality fabrics often require high maintenance. Cashmere, for example, would mean dry cleaning more often than usual.

Where to Buy Old Money Formalwear

To build an old money-inspired wardrobe, high-definition crafted and styled pieces by recently established professional brands are a must. Let us highlight the most important old money brands men categories, including sample brands, descriptions, target markets and approximate price levels.

CategoryBrandDescription Price
Suits and DaywearBrooks BrothersBrooks Brothers is recognized for perfect cuts and Ivy League designs, which should not come as a surprise to you with their variety of wool suits, blazers and formal clothing, which makes up the old money look.$800 – $2,500
Brunello Cucinelli
This Italian luxury brand is known for its bespoke tailoring and quality fabric. Their suits and blazers come in soft colours and structural perfection.

$3,000 – $6,000

Sweaters and Tee Shirts
Loro Piana
Loro Piana manufactures cashmere and wool luxury knitwear, including basic sweaters, cardigans and tops.
$1,000 – $3,000

Ralph Lauren Purple Label

The Purple Label of Ralph Lauren has good quality polo tees, pullovers, and other casual tops that suit the old-money look.

$500 – $2,500 
ShirtsTurnbull & Asser
This British-based company is popular for its custom, ready-to-wear, knee-length sundresses. This type of shirt is made of the best quality cotton and forms part of any older money set. 

$400 – $700 
Press J
J. Press shirting has Ivy League background classic button-downs and is a must-have in the modern old-money perspective wardrobe.
$100 – $300

Trousers and Chinos Brand
Incotex
Incotex is well known for their fitted trousers and suffixes.” They provide stylish, high-end, subtle coloured pieces that complement the old money style. 
$250 – $500
Brioni
Brioni designs elegant wool, linen, or cotton tailored trousers. The fit and quality of these pants are extraordinary and so suited for the old money setting. 
$1,000 – $2,000 

Footwear Brand
John Lobb
John Lobb makes high boots and tailor-made shoes of manifold types, including slippers and oxfords from genuine leather. These shoes can only be associated with olden craftsmanship and grace. 
$1,500 – $4,000
Church’s
Church’s brand sells sumptuous handwork leather shoes designed in the British style with full durability and absence of change in their outlines. Their depreciation and formal depopulated shoes are suitable for the old money image.

$700 – $1,500
OutwearBurberry
It is impossible to forget the iconic trench coats and the wool overcoats manufactured by Burberry, which CRC has noted are simply stunning and complement the old-money wardrobe.

$1,200 – $3,000
Barbour
Even in their casual range, Barbour is synonymous with the snow printer range, especially waxed jackets, which are highly required in winter.
 $400 – $700

Conclusion: 

Dressing like the old money is about presenting oneself elegantly while wearing classical, high-quality pieces that make any man feel rich. Investing in good materials, fit, and colour brings about a presence of clothes for one’s sophistication and elegance. Be it formal, smart casual, or preppy, the old-money ways of getting dressed will have one looking neat and fashionable without the help of logos or fads.