In fashion, the term 'old money' is often used for a classic, preppy and understated style with polos, shirts, trousers and loafers. It is not an official dress code and does not have to be literally linked to wealth. In summer, you can translate the style into light colours, calm patterns and simple combinations.
What old money actually means
Online, the term usually refers to an imagery of classic leisurewear: polos, knitwear, smart trousers, shirts and loafers. That image is highly stylised and does not say how people from wealthy families actually dress. So use it mainly as a style reference.
The five principles
- Fit above all. A polo that sits on the shoulder, trousers that just touch the shoe. Too tight or too loose takes the calm out of an outfit.
- A calm colour palette. Cream, ivory, white, light blue, navy, sand, olive and brown often fit within this aesthetic, but other colours are not forbidden.
- Texture instead of print. Piqué, fine knitwear and a subtle stripe add depth without shouting.
- Limited branding. Small or no visible logos often match the understated look.
- Repeatable combinations. A few pieces that work together make this style easy to keep up.
Do and rather not
| Do | Rather not |
|---|---|
| Knitted polo or piqué polo | Sports polo with a large logo |
| Pleated trousers in cream or beige | Cargo shorts with pockets |
| Cotton shirt with an open collar | Shiny shirt with a print |
| Loafers, boat shoes or calm sneakers | Eye-catching sports sneakers suit the classic version less well |
| A simple watch | Eye-catching chains and caps |
Three summer outfits
Lunch in the city. The Alistair piqué polo in cream with the fine stripe detail, worn with Harrison trousers with pleats and a tapered leg. Cream on beige, tone on tone, with brown suede loafers. This is the core of the style in one outfit.
Weekend by the water. The ivory cream Julian is a regular-fit piqué polo with a quarter zip and a bird's-eye knit pattern. Combine it with navy trousers for contrast or with the cream Winston, a slim-straight high-waist pair of trousers.
Summer dinner. The Hamilton shirt in white with an Italian collar, top button open, sleeves turned up twice. Wear it with dark trousers and loafers. On a cool evening, choose the Theodore polo in light blue instead of the shirt: an open polo without buttons is just as polished.
The details that make the difference
- Socks: invisible socks, visible socks or no socks can all work; choose based on shoe, comfort and occasion.
- Belt: leather or suede suits the classic look well; the exact same shade as the shoes is not necessary.
- Sleeves: the right length depends on the polo design and your arm. Above all, check that the sleeve is not tight.
- Care: a crisply pressed collar and clean shoes say more than any brand.
The colour palette in practice
A limited colour palette makes combining easy. These three examples suit the classic preppy look well:
- Light on light: cream polo, beige or cream trousers, brown loafers. Soft and summery, ideal for daytime.
- Light on top, dark below: white shirt or ivory polo with navy trousers. The most versatile, from lunch to dinner.
- Blue on blue: light blue polo with navy trousers. Calm, nautical and slightly less predictable than white.
Bright colours depart from the most understated version of this style, but can be used deliberately as an accent.
Materials that carry the style
Texture plays a big role: piqué, fine knitwear, twill and herringbone give more detail than a completely smooth surface. The exact fibre does not automatically say how luxurious or cool a garment feels; yarn, thickness and construction are just as important.
From August to September
The same style can keep working in September by adding a cardigan, jacket or darker trousers. You do not have to automatically replace light colours as soon as the season changes.
Where to start
If you want to try the style, start with what you already have: for example a knitted polo, smart trousers and a white or light blue shirt. Take a look at our polos, trousers and loafers.
Shop the look
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, cream
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, beige
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, ivory cream
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Theodore: open polo in lyocell, light blue
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between old money and an understated, timeless style?
They are close to each other. Old money refers to a classic, preppy tradition with polos, loafers and club wear. An understated, timeless style is broader and is mainly about quality without logos. In practice, many people use the terms interchangeably.
Which colours suit old money for Men?
Cream, ivory, white, light blue, navy, sand, beige, brown and olive green often appear within this style, but the palette is not mandatory.
Do you wear a polo tucked in or out?
Both work. Tucked in usually looks more formal; untucked works if the length and hem are suitable for it.
Can I also wear old money to the office?
Yes, if the dress code at your workplace allows it. Dark colours are not required; adapt the combination to the setting.
