Old Money Chic: The Art of Style Revealed

The style of Old Money

The Old Money style embodies elegance and understatement. This fashion is characterized by classic, timeless pieces that reflect the wealth and traditions of affluent families.

What is Old Money Style?

Old Money Style refers to the fashion expression of wealthy families who have accumulated riches over generations. This style is characterized above all by its restraint and sophistication, rather than ostentatious displays. It's about subtle, yet high-quality clothing that exudes understated luxury.

Key elements of the Old Money style

A key characteristic of the Old Money style is high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Central elements include:

Natural materials: Tweed, cashmere, wool and cotton are typical materials.
Classic cuts: Timeless silhouettes such as tailored suits and A-line skirts.
Subdued color tones: Colors such as navy blue, grey, beige and olive dominate.
Fine details: Subtly used patterns such as stripes and small checks.

element	Description
Fabrics	Tweed, cashmere, wool, cotton
Cuts	Tailor-made suits, A-line skirts
Colors	Navy blue, grey, beige, olive
Pattern	Stripes, small checks

These elements together make the Old Money Style a fashion that emphasizes tradition and consistency. It aims to express quality and class without being ostentatious.

Classic clothing

In the Old Money style, classic clothing plays a central role. These timeless elements are crucial for achieving the elegant and sophisticated look.

Tweed and cashmere

Tweed and cashmere are two of the most important materials in the old money style. Tweed is a robust yet elegant fabric, often used for jackets and blazers. It represents durability and tradition.

Cashmere, on the other hand, is a luxurious, soft material often used in sweaters and scarves. It symbolizes elegance and comfort.

Material	Characteristics	Application
tweed	Robust, stylish, traditional	Jackets, blazers, skirts
Cashmere	Soft, luxurious, comfortable	Sweaters, scarves, vests

Shirts and blouses with button-down collars

Another characteristic element of the old money style is shirts and blouses with button-down collars. These garments are versatile and can be worn both formally and informally.

Button-down shirts were originally designed for polo to secure the collar. Nowadays, they represent a smart yet relaxed look.

garment	Characteristics	Application
Shirts with button-down collars	Versatile, sophisticated, classic	Office, leisure, formal occasions
Blouses with button-down collars	Elegant, stylish, versatile	Work, meetings, special events

These classic garments are essential components of the Old Money style and contribute significantly to the overall look.

Accessories for the Old Money Look

Accessories play a vital role in the old money style, as they complete and refine the overall look. Two of the most important elements are classic watches and leather belts paired with elegant shoes.

Classic watches

A classic watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a symbol of tradition and class. Watches in the old money style are characterized by their understated design and craftsmanship. Features such as an easy-to-read dial, an elegant leather strap, or a metal case perfectly complement the look. The watch should be simple and understated, conveying elegance.

watch type	Features	material
Dress Watch	Simple dial	Leather strap, metal case
Field Watch	Robust construction	leather or nylon strap
Diver Watch	Waterproof, rotating bezel	metal bracelet

Leather belts and shoes

Leather accessories are another key element of the old money style. A high-quality leather belt is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It should be made of fine leather and have a simple buckle. The color of the belt should match the shoes to create a harmonious overall look.

accessory	Features	material
leather belt	Fine leather, simple buckle	Smooth leather, suede
leather shoes	Classic style, well-made	Smooth leather, suede

Old-money style shoes are of high quality and classic design. Whether Oxfords, loafers, or brogues, they all embody elegance and craftsmanship. Ideally, they are made of high-quality leather and come in traditional colors such as black, brown, or oxblood.

Careful selection and maintenance of these accessories contribute significantly to an authentic appearance in the old money style.

Color palette and patterns

The color palette and patterns play a crucial role in the Old Money style. They convey an aura of classicism and timeless elegance.

Earth tones and classics

Earth tones are a hallmark of the old money style. These colors exude calm and stability and are perfect for an elegant yet understated look. Classic colors include:

Color	Description
Beige	Gentle and versatile
Brown	Warm and earthy
Dark green	Elegant and close to nature
Navy blue	Timeless and sophisticated
Gray	Subtle and sophisticated

Fine patterns and stripes

Patterns also play an important role in the old money look. They are usually subtle and understated, which gives them an air of elegance and sophistication. Preferred patterns include:

Pattern	Description
Houndstooth	Classic and elegant
pinstripes	Businesslike and smart
herringbone	Traditional and elegant
Checks	Country style and sophisticated

This color palette and patterns allow the wearer to create an appearance that is both understated and sophisticated. The hues and patterns are not only aesthetically pleasing but also reflect a deeper appreciation for quality and tradition.

Styling tips for the old money look

A stylish old money look requires sophistication and fine details. Two essential aspects of the old money style should be considered here: timeless elegance and the preservation of individuality.

Timeless elegance

Timeless elegance is at the heart of the Old Money style. This approach means that clothing and accessories never go out of fashion and always remain stylish. Choosing classic, well-cut pieces is crucial.

Quality fabrics : Invest in high-quality materials such as tweed, wool, and silk.
Classic cuts : Choose timeless cuts such as tailored suits, blazers and A-line skirts.
Color selection : Earth tones and neutral colors dominate, including navy blue, beige, grey and deep green.
Minimalism : Keep the outfit simple, without excessive embellishments or eye-catching patterns.

Table: Basic elements of timeless elegance

garment	material	Color
blazer	tweed	Navy blue
Tailored suit	Wool	Gray
A-line skirt	silk	Beige
Button-down shirt	Cotton	White

Preserving individuality

Despite the importance of classic elements, it's crucial to maintain one's individuality. The Old Money style allows for personal touches that are subtle and elegant.

Personal accessories : Wear unique but understated jewelry or heirlooms.
Tailor-made : Have clothes tailored to your body for a perfect fit.
Color accents : Although the color palette is classic, small splashes of color such as a pocket square or tie can add personality.
Mix and match : Subtly combine different textures and patterns to create depth and interest.

Table: Options for individuality

accent	Description
Unique jewelry	Exquisite, personal pieces of jewelry
Made-to-measure clothing	Perfectly tailored garments
color accent	A discreet pocket square or tie
Textures	Subtle combination of different materials