18 Old Money Style Secrets Every Dude NEEDS to Know!

I only recommend products I love and I think you will, too. If you click on links I provide, I may receive a little compensation. Learn more.

Wanna Look Effortlessly Rad Like Beckam Or Clooney? Here’s The Ultimate Old Money Style Guide (Men Edition) Just For You!

Dressing like old money men can be as easy as pie. 

Yup, you heard me right. No need to spend a bomb if you have an eye for elegance. With the right styling tips and a few essentials in hand, you’re all set to leave the best first impression ever.

That calls for a quick but comprehensive guide detailing the rules of old money aesthetic, must-have pieces in your collection and some do’s/don’ts. Lucky you, for I have exactly what you need!

Here’s the all-encompassing manual on acing old money style for men without dithering.

Old Money Style For Men – The Basics

First things first, let’s go through the golden rules that capture the essence of the old money aesthetic:

1. Declutter Your Wardrobe

Building an old money wardrobe begins by throwing away everything that’s not old money. This includes skinny jeans, joggers, and sweatpants for starters. 

Especially if you wish to delight in quiet luxury 24/7, you’ve got to dump all the quirky accessories you own. No hipster choices, or bohemian shirts. Streetwear should be the last thing in your imagination by now.

2. Quality Over Quantity

Elegance comes from confidence in personality as well as clothes. The finer the craftsmanship and tailoring, the higher the sophistication you exude. Cashmere, Silk, Linen, Corduroy, etc., are some fabrics that should be in your good books.

In addition, avoid chasing quantity. Invest in versatile, timeless pieces that you can rotate now and then for sustainable fashion. 

3. Create A Neutral Palette

Neutral tones are not just a symbol of royalty, but a practical choice. It’s convenient to mix and match different pieces. Plus, the subdued colors resonate well with the notion of a classic, non-flashy style. 

Light shades like beige, white, cream, pale blue, and light olive are perfect for summers/springs. On the other hand, you can go with charcoal, gray, navy, burgundy, and brown for winter/fall.

4. Minimalist Branding

There’s no problem with buying branded clothes, but the ostentatious labels they often come with. So, make sure your clothes are free of such a display. 

Teeny tiny labels on the inside — absolute green flags. Massive logos that scream money — A BIG NO.

5. Invest In Timeless Footwear

Often an underrated character, footwear is the real game-changer. You think you’ll do well with your basic sneakers below a casual suit. But if you want to settle anywhere near old money, there’s no way you’re stepping out without buying the right shoe.

Oxfords and Loafers are some statement footwear options to elevate your style without really going overboard on a budget.

What To Include In Your Wardrobe?

Once you’ve brushed up on the above rules, here are some essentials to build an old money wardrobe for men:

1. Polo Shirts

Polo shirts are as common as grass. And why not? They are clean, classic, and charismatic. Just take care of your color palette (refer to point 3 above) and shirt quality, and you’ve crossed the first box off this list!

2. Button-Ups

Button-ups are the staple of an old money wardrobe. Throw them under a tailored blazer and you’ve got a formal outfit. Or wear a tight-fitting one with khaki pants for a dreamy date night. 

3. Cashmere

There’s a subtle charm in cashmere sweaters that stands unbeatable. Neither too bulky nor skintight, it’s the perfect fabric for suave men on chilly days. 

You can wear it over a button-up shirt for a semi-formal look, or pair a turtleneck cashmere with a topcoat to put on a majestic show!

4. A Navy Blazer

Another all-time favorite when it comes to quiet luxury, a navy blazer is a smart, contemporary choice to look tidy but not flamboyant. With this in your wardrobe, you can easily switch between casual and formal attires on the go.

5. White Trousers

Wear white, but not the blinding type. Go for shades like off-white, cream, or warm whites that are soft on the eye. For casual events that have a breezy vibe, relaxed-fit white pants are an ideal choice.

To take the formality up a notch, step into naturally tapered pants that end right above your ankle.

6. Tuxedos

We’ve covered casual and formal, but what about special occasions like a ceremony or business parties? 

Suit up for confidence! A classic black tuxedo is an impeccable addition to an old money wardrobe — it has a professional and noble flair. As if you’ve arrived right out of a gala!

7. Chinos

A splendid replacement for jeans and joggers, chinos can be your new go-to casual pants! Not only are they lightweight and easy to wear, but the poise they have, my oh my!

Opt for a relaxed fit instead of a slim fit to retain the classy look. You can effortlessly pair them with full-sleeve polo shirts and button-ups.

8. Minimalist Accessories

Watches, belts, and cufflinks. The three musketeers that defend your old money style. 

The simpler these accessories are, the better. Even if you don’t rely on a watch, invest properly in timeless pieces. Trust high-quality leather for durability and sophistication for belts, wallets, and bags.

Neatly designed gold and silver cufflinks are a way to go. Moreover, silk stands unrivaled for pocket squares and ties. 

Additional Tips to nail old money aesthetic for men

Some extra precautions won’t hurt you. Here’s a slice of them to put you on the right track:

1. Pick Vintage Pieces

A straightforward answer to old money aesthetic, keep an eye out for vintage clothing that you can easily add to your wardrobe. For instance, leather jackets, turtleneck sweaters, and classic trench coats.

2. Pay Attention To The Cuts & Tailoring

Well-fitted clothes are a hallmark of the quiet luxury aesthetic. Your silhouette becomes polished and refined, which represents your identity. Plus, customized tailoring allows you to show your personal style along with your respect for culture and heritage.

3. Choose Classic Patterns

Always prefer classic patterns and color palettes over whatever’s trendy. Herringbone, Plaid, Club Stripes, Houndstooth, etc., are some options associated with old-money-styled men.

4. Grooming Matters (A Lot!)

You can elevate your appearance with the right clothes, no doubt. But how you carry yourself is the real secret ingredient. Right from head to toe, you’ve got to work on every inch to truly rule this aesthetic.

Classic hairstyles, neatly trimmed nails, and well-maintained facial hair are some cues. Not to forget a subtle perfume to beat unpleasant body odors!

5. Mix Casual & Classic Smartly

There’s no harm in blending contemporary choices if they go well with the traditional. For instance, you can wear polo shirts with shorts for a sporty summer rich boy look! Or add some modish tie (but not flashy, please) to your suit.

Bottom Line on old money style man

I’m sure old-money style doesn’t seem that big of a challenge now, right? Most of the pieces listed in the blog must be in your wardrobe. And if not, no need to spend a hefty amount on big brands. 

You can thrift vintage pieces at reasonable prices or go online. For instance, look at this crew neck sweater that’s a reason itself to adopt the old money style. And it’s affordable!