11 Old Money Essentials + Outfit Ideas
The old money style has been trending for a couple of years now. So far, it is the only trend I’m willing to be behind, and the reason for that is simple: It uses classic items that have been around in menswear for years and style them in a way that looks elevated and elegant.
A clear sign for me of how timeless the old money aesthetic is, is the fact that the main associated brand with it is Ralph Lauren, a brand that has been selling almost the same items for decades.
There are a ton of YouTube videos, Tik Toks, and guides online covering essentials for this style, I tried to give my own take here making each item a versatile one that you can wear with other styles, and a couple of good tips to make sure you get the best look possible without buying items that you don’t need.
In the end you’ll find a couple of outfit ideas with me wearing the items.
My 11 Old Money Summer Essentials
Item 1: White or Navy Polo Shirt
This one will depend on your particular body shape, if you have an overall lean build go for the white polo shirt, especially if you have a muscular build, it accentuates your body well. Now, if maybe you don’t have the leanest of builds a navy polo will also work for you.
Where to get them:
White Polo Shirt:
- Mine: Tommy Hilfiger, there’s a lot of criticism for the brand and I understand that, but so far this one has worked great for me.
- Alternative: Ralph Lauren, a safe option you can’t go wrong with.
Navy Polo Shirt:
- Mine: H&M, I totally understand if you want a higher quality alternative. In particular this one from H&M it’s 100% cotton.
- Alternative: Sunspel, especially if you want to look like James Bond.
Item 2: Knitted Polo
The knit and especially the pattern elevates the overall look of the shirt. I suggest you get them in colors that fit the overall “Old Money Aesthetic”, for a knitted polo that’s beige, cream, and brown.
Where to get them:
- Mine: It’s from H&M and again I totally understand if you want another option.
- Alternative: Abercrombie & Fitch: The style is just beautiful, and they have 4.9 stars on almost 300 reviews, so not much else to say.
Item 3: Navy Pants
Here comes one of my hacks to help you have more versatile items: Instead of going for linen, go for 100% cotton pants, they are super breathable and can be used the whole year for several styles. The color is also versatile and works great for business casual or just smart casual styles.
Where to get them:
- Mine: Are from a brand called Manhattan, which unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find online.
- Alternative: You can go wrong with a pair from Suit Supply like this one.
Item 4: Beige Pants
One of the most important staples for an old money look. They are also a versatile pair that I suggest you get in 100% cotton to use the whole year with several styles of clothing.
Where to get them:
- Mine: Are from H&M, and they are a pair I don’t suggest you get unless you are on a tight budget, I much rather go next time for a pair of 100% cotton ones, like the navy pants I have. However; if you’re on a tight budget they are good enough pair.
- Alternative: Suit Supply seems like almost an investment now at days, and they have this pair of sand pants that I’m totally getting soon.
Item 5: Minimal White Sneakers
A minimal pair of white sneakers are a safe option for most looks, even the old money ones. To be honest, this is probably like the one hundred time you hear about them and the reason for it is that they work pretty well, especially if you are into versatile items like me.
Mine: Cole Haan, I just love them! In my country we have a phrase we call the three b’s and these shoes are just that: bueno(good), bonito(nice), barato(cheap).
Alternative: Suit Supply, a safe alternative for almost anything.
Item 6: Loafers
They have been a classic for decades. I got mine in black, but I’m planning to get a pair in brown soon.
Where to get them:
- Mine are from Cole Haan and again I just happen to love the brand and I’m tempted to get another exact pair of the horseback loafers in brown, but I’ve decided not to. I need to test more brands for my readers.
- The pair I’m planning to get that screams old money style: Suede Penny Loafers
Item 7: Sunglasses
This is the part where I give you another hack. Don’t buy them online, go to a Sunglass Hut and actually see how each pair fits your face. We all have different face shapes. I liked a pair of Prada sunglasses at the store, they had a huge discount, but the fit was off.
I went with a pair of Clubmasters from Rayban that fit my face well and were around $100.
Also, the outfit I was wearing that day does qualify as old money style.
Item 8: White Dress Shirt
This is actually a menswear essential that falls outside the old money style. It’s a versatile shirt that fits almost any circumstance. It’s also an item that I might suggest you get a linen one if it’s your second white dress shirt.
Mine: It’s from Calvin Klein. I don’t like it because it’s made of too much polyester.
Cotton alternative: A white oxford shirt from Ralph Lauren is probably the most old money style shirt we’ve ever seen.
(Fashion Hack)Linen alternative: Quince is a brand I’m starting to fall in love with(and that’s dangerous), they have amazing quality clothing with hundreds of good reviews at great prices. A perfect option for a shirt you’ll probably only be wearing during summer.
Item 9: Brown or Black watch
To be totally transparent I don’t have much experience with watches, I know they are important for the Old Money style, and that’s why I’m going for a minimalist watch from Fossil, in my opinion it fits the style and it’s also a versatile accessory that I can use with many more styles.
Here a video of Antonio from Real Men Real Style giving you some timeless Old Money Watch alternatives.
Item 10: Reversible Belt
Another one of my favorite hacks, I got mine from Zara and it works great for me. One side is black and the other one brown.
I don’t have links to Zara, but here’s a higher quality alternative from Banana Republic.
Item 11: Shirt Stays
My last fashion hack and the item I’ll leave you with. During summer you’ll probably be wearing just one layer of clothing, that means that overall fit of each item is key. Shirt stays are my best hack to make any shirt look good.
If you’ll be wearing no-show socks like me, then please learn from my mistake and get shirt stays the ones that attach to the shirt and your thighs.
Old Money Outfit Ideas For Men
Look 1: Knit Polo + Navy Pants
Look 2: Knit Polo + Beige Pants
Look 3: White Polo + Navy Pants
Look 4: White Polo + Beige Pants
Look 5: Navy Polo + Beige Pants
Look 6: White Dress Shirt + Navy Pants
