How to Achieve the Old Money Fashion Style with These Simple Tips

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3 October 2023

 This post shows you how to dress in the old money fashion style .

Old money fashion style is a term that refers to the clothing and accessories of the upper class who have inherited their wealth and status from their ancestors. Old money fashion style is not about following the latest trends or flaunting expensive brands. It is about dressing with elegance, sophistication, and understatement. Old money fashion style is timeless, classic, and refined.

In this post, I will show you how to achieve the old money fashion style, whether you are a man or a woman. I will also give you some tips on how to accessorize, how to mix and match, and how to avoid some common mistakes. By the end of this post, you will be able to dress like a true aristocrat, without breaking the bank.

photos variation on old money style

Old Money Fashion Style for Men

If you are a man who wants to dress in the old money fashion style, here are some essential items that you should have in your wardrobe:

  • A navy blue blazer: A navy blue blazer is a versatile piece that can be worn with almost anything. It can be paired with a white shirt and khaki pants for a casual look, or with a striped shirt and gray trousers for a more formal look. A navy blue blazer can also be worn with jeans, chinos, or corduroys, depending on the occasion. A navy blue blazer should fit well, have a classic cut, and have gold or silver buttons.
  • A tweed jacket: A tweed jacket is another staple of the old money fashion style. It can be worn in the fall and winter, or in the spring and summer, depending on the weight and color of the fabric. A tweed jacket can be worn with a turtleneck sweater, a polo shirt, or a button-down shirt. A tweed jacket should have a herringbone, check, or plaid pattern, and have leather or suede patches on the elbows.
  • A cashmere sweater: A cashmere sweater is a luxurious and cozy item that can be worn in any season. It can be worn over a shirt, under a jacket, or on its own. A cashmere sweater can be in any color, but the most common ones are navy, gray, burgundy, or camel. A cashmere sweater should have a V-neck, a crew neck, or a shawl collar, and have a slim fit.
  • A white shirt: A white shirt is a must-have for any man who wants to dress in the old money fashion style. It can be worn with a suit, a blazer, a sweater, or a vest. A white shirt can be plain, striped, or checked, and have a spread, a point, or a button-down collar. A white shirt should be made of cotton, linen, or silk, and have a crisp and clean appearance.
  • A pair of khaki pants: A pair of khaki pants is a casual and comfortable item that can be worn with almost any top. It can be worn with a polo shirt, a button-down shirt, a sweater, or a jacket. A pair of khaki pants can be in any shade of beige, tan, or brown, and have a flat front, a pleated front, or a cuff. A pair of khaki pants should be made of cotton, wool, or corduroy, and have a straight or a slim leg.
  • A pair of loafers: A pair of loafers is a classic and elegant shoe that can be worn with or without socks. It can be worn with a suit, a blazer, a sweater, or a shirt. A pair of loafers can be in any color, but the most common ones are black, brown, or burgundy. A pair of loafers should be made of leather, suede, or canvas, and have a round or a square toe.
men in old money fashion style
men in old money fashion style
men in old money fashion style

Old Money Fashion Style for Women

If you are a woman who wants to dress in the old money fashion style, here are some essential items that you should have in your wardrobe:

few photos together showing old money fashion style
  • A little black dress: A little black dress is a versatile and elegant piece that can be worn for any occasion. It can be worn with a pearl necklace, a scarf, or a cardigan for a daytime look, or with a clutch, a pair of heels, or a statement jewelry for a nighttime look. A little black dress can be in any style, but the most common ones are sheath, shift, or wrap. A little black dress should be made of silk, wool, or cotton, and have a knee-length or a midi-length hem.
  • A trench coat: A trench coat is a stylish and practical item that can be worn in any season. It can be worn with a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, or a pair of jeans. A trench coat can be in any color, but the most common ones are beige, navy, or black. A trench coat should be made of cotton, wool, or leather, and have a double-breasted, a single-breasted, or a belted style.
  • A cashmere sweater: A cashmere sweater is a must have item that can be worn in any season. It can be worn over a shirt, under a coat, or on its own. A cashmere sweater can be in any color, but stick to neutral colors. A cashmere sweater should have a V-neck, a crew neck, or a boat neck, and have a slim fit or a relaxed fit.
  • A white shirt: A white shirt is a must-have for any woman who wants to dress in the old money fashion style. It can be worn with a suit, a skirt, a pair of pants, or a pair of jeans. A white shirt can be plain, striped, or checked, and have a collar, a bow, or a ruffle. A white shirt should be made of cotton, linen, or silk, and have a crisp and clean appearance.
  • A pencil skirt: A pencil skirt is a flattering and sophisticated item that can be worn for work or for play. It can be worn with a shirt, a sweater, a jacket, or a blouse. A pencil skirt can be in any color, but the most common ones are black, gray, or navy. A pencil skirt should be made of wool, cotton, or leather, and have a knee-length or a midi-length hem.
  • A pair of ballet flats: A pair of ballet flats is a chic and comfortable shoe that can be worn with almost anything. It can be worn with a dress, a skirt, a pair of pants, or a pair of jeans. A pair of ballet flats can be in any color, but the most common ones are black, nude, or red. A pair of ballet flats should be made of leather, suede, or canvas, and have a round or a pointed toe.
standing lady near bike
standing lady looking rich
woman wearing old money style

How to accessorize in the old money fashion style ?

Accessories are an important part of the old money fashion style, as they can add some personality and charm to your outfit. However, you should be careful not to overdo it, as too many or too flashy accessories can ruin the look. Here are some tips on how to accessorize in the old money fashion style:

  • For men, the most common accessories are a watch, a belt, a tie, and a pocket square. You should choose accessories that match or complement your outfit, and that are made of high-quality materials. For example, you can wear a leather watch, a leather belt, a silk tie, and a cotton pocket square. You should avoid accessories that are too trendy, too colorful, or too ostentatious, such as a smartwatch, a neon belt, a novelty tie, or a printed pocket square.
  • For women, the most common accessories are a necklace, a bracelet, a pair of earrings, and a ring. You should choose accessories that are simple, elegant, and timeless, and that are made of precious metals or pearls. For example, you can wear a pearl necklace, a gold bracelet, a pair of diamond earrings, and a ruby ring. You should avoid accessories that are too big, too flashy, or too cheap, such as a statement necklace, a plastic bracelet, a pair of hoop earrings, or a costume ring.
old money style woman standing and making selfie
lady with jewelry
hand with jewellery

How to mix and match and create different outfits with the same items ?

Mixing and matching is a skill that can help you create different outfits with the same items, and save you some money and space in your wardrobe. However, you should be careful not to mix and match items that clash or look tacky, as that can ruin the look. Here are some tips on how to mix and match in the old money fashion style:

  • For men, you should stick to a neutral and classic color palette, such as navy, gray, black, white, beige, brown, and burgundy. You should also stick to solid, striped, or checked patterns, and avoid anything too loud or too busy, such as floral, animal, or geometric prints. You should also balance the proportions and the textures of your outfit, and avoid anything too tight or too loose, too shiny or too dull, too smooth or too rough. For example, you can mix and match a navy blazer, a gray sweater, a white shirt, a pair of khaki pants, and a pair of brown loafers.
  • For women, you should also stick to a neutral and classic color palette. You should also stick to solid,checked , or striped patterns, and avoid anything too loud or too busy, such as geometric , animal, or floral prints. You should also balance the shapes and the lengths of your outfit, and avoid anything too revealing or too conservative, too short or too long, too fitte or too loose. For example, you can mix and match a little black dress, a beige trench coat, a white shirt, a pair of black ballet flats, and a pearl necklace.
standing couple wearing white clothes
couple near boat

How to avoid some common mistakes that can ruin the old money fashion style ?

There are some common mistakes that can ruin the old money fashion style, and make you look like a wannabe, a snob, or a fool. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:

  • For men, you should avoid wearing anything that is too casual, too sporty, or too trendy, such as a T-shirt, a hoodie, a baseball cap, or a pair of sneakers. You should also avoid wearing anything that is too branded, too ”look at me” style, or too colorful, such as a logo shirt, a neon jacket, or a pair of designer jeans with all those logos. You should also avoid wearing anything that is too old-fashioned, way too formal, or too eccentric, such as a bow tie, a tuxedo, or a monocle.
  • For women, you should avoid wearing anything that is too casual, too trendy, or too sporty, same as in mens’ case, such as a tank top, a sweatshirt, a beanie, or a pair of leggings. You should also avoid wearing anything that is too flashy, too colorful, or too branded, such as a sequin dress, a rainbow skirt, or a pair of logo shoes. You should also avoid wearing anything that is too old-fashioned, too formal, or too eccentric, such as a hat, a gown, or a tiara.
couples wearing old money style

7 Elegant Old Money Fashion Brands You Need to Know

. Some of the brands that are known for their old money fashion style are:

  • Loro Piana: An Italian luxury brand that specializes in cashmere, wool, and leather products, with a focus on craftsmanship and elegance.
  • Brioni: An Italian menswear brand that offers bespoke suits, shirts, and accessories, with a reputation for excellence and refinement.
  • Delvaux: A Belgian leather goods brand that produces handcrafted bags, wallets, and belts, with a history dating back to 1829.
  • Jil Sander: A German fashion house that is renowned for its minimalist and sleek designs, using neutral colors and simple shapes.
  • BODE: An American brand that creates one-of-a-kind garments from antique textiles and quilts, with a nostalgic and eclectic aesthetic.
  • Brunello Cucinelli: An Italian brand that combines luxury and casual style, using natural fabrics and earthy tones, and emphasizing ethical and sustainable production.
  • The Row: An American brand founded by the Olsen twins, that offers sophisticated and refined clothing, accessories, and footwear, with a muted and monochrome palette.

How to sew 6 easy projects in old money style ?

Old money style is not about flashy or trendy clothes, but rather about quality, sophistication, and understated elegance. To achieve this look, you can choose fabrics that are natural, durable, and neutral, such as cotton, linen, wool, silk, and leather. You can also opt for patterns that are simple, geometric, or floral, and colors that are muted, earthy, or pastel. Here are some examples of sewing projects that you can make in old money style:

few different clothing ,sewing proposition

I hope you enjoyed this post and learned how to dress in the old money fashion style. This style is not about being rich or snooty, but about being classy and graceful. You can achieve this style by choosing timeless, classic, and refined items, and by accessorizing, mixing and matching, and avoiding some common mistakes. By dressing in the old money fashion style, you will exude confidence, elegance, and charm, plus your good quality clothes will last much longer especially with good care.

This post showed you how to achieve the old money fashion style.

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I create sewing patterns, refashion projects, and practical tutorials designed to make sewing feel less intimidating and more creative. Most of what you see here starts with something I wanted to wear, remake, or figure out for myself, then I turn the process into a tutorial you can try too.

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