Top 5 Ultimate Old Money Essentials + Outfit Ideas to Wear Them
In this blog post, I’ll break down the top ultimate old-money essentials and provide you with outfit ideas that can easily be styled for various occasions. Whether you’re heading to a formal event or just running errands, I’ve got you covered with practical yet chic combinations that embody the essence of quiet luxury. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. The Tailored Blazer: A Timeless Power Piece
When it comes to the old-money aesthetic, one piece that never goes out of style is the tailored blazer. A well-fitted blazer can elevate any outfit, turning casual attire into something polished and refined. From business meetings to casual weekends, the tailored blazer is versatile and can be styled in a multitude of ways.
Outfit Idea #1: The Power Look for Work or Formal Events
For a sophisticated and polished look, opt for a light gray wool blazer paired with a high-waisted pencil skirt. The light gray color adds a modern touch, while the wool fabric gives off that classic, old-money vibe. Pair it with a simple white silk blouse, luxurious and understated, and classic black leather pumps.
Example Outfit:
- Light gray tailored blazer
- White silk blouse
- High-waisted black pencil skirt
- Black leather pumps
- Silver hoop earrings
- Black leather crossbody bag
Go shop this Example Outfit Now:
- > Light gray tailored blazer
- > White silk blouse
- > High-waisted black pencil skirt
- > Black leather pumps
- > Silver hoop earrings
- > Black leather crossbody bag
This outfit is perfect for a work meeting, formal event, or a sophisticated brunch. It’s clean, minimalistic, and exudes authority without trying too hard. The trick is to keep the accessories simple but elegant: a pair of understated silver earrings and a classic leather bag.
Outfit Idea #2: Casual Elegance for the Weekend
For a more casual take on the blazer, try pairing it with straight-leg jeans and a neutral-colored turtleneck. The key to making this combination work is balancing the relaxed fit of the jeans with the sharpness of the blazer. This look effortlessly combines comfort with chic, making it perfect for a weekend outing or a casual meeting.
Example Outfit:
- Navy tailored blazer
- Beige turtleneck sweater
- Light blue straight-leg jeans
- Tan leather loafers
- Camel-colored wool scarf
- Brown leather handbag
When choosing footwear, opt for a pair of loafers, which are quintessentially old-money and give the outfit a more polished finish. The camel-colored scarf adds warmth to the look, and the brown leather handbag brings in a subtle hint of luxury.
Styling Tips:
- Always go for a blazer with a structured fit. It should be sharp but not overly stiff.
- Neutral colors like navy, gray, and beige are classic and timeless.
- If you want to add a pop of personality, try a blazer with a unique texture, such as tweed or houndstooth, but keep the overall look understated.
2. The Cashmere Sweater: Soft, Luxurious, and Timeless
A cashmere sweater is the epitome of refined luxury. It’s soft, versatile, and adds an element of understated elegance to any outfit. Cashmere sweaters are especially useful for layering in cooler months and can be styled in a way that works for both casual and more formal occasions.
Outfit Idea #1: Cozy and Elegant
For a classic, cozy look, pair a soft beige cashmere sweater with a pair of white high-waisted trousers. The neutral palette is timeless and clean, giving off an aura of effortless elegance. To add a bit of sophistication, choose a pair of pointed-toe flats in a muted color like taupe or black.
Example Outfit:
- Beige cashmere sweater
- White high-waisted trousers
- Taupe pointed-toe flats
- Gold hoop earrings
- Black leather tote bag
Go shop this Example Outfit Now:
- > Beige cashmere sweater
- > White high-waisted trousers
- > Taupe pointed-toe flats
- > Gold hoop earrings
- > Black leather tote bag
This is a perfect outfit for a leisurely lunch with friends or a trip to the farmer’s market. The combination of the soft cashmere and structured trousers keeps the look chic but not overdone. The addition of simple jewelry, like gold hoops, adds just the right amount of polish.
Outfit Idea #2: Layered Chic for the Office
For a more professional look, layer a navy cashmere sweater under a tailored blazer. Pair it with a midi skirt in a neutral color such as camel or gray, and finish the look with a pair of black ankle boots. This outfit strikes the perfect balance between warmth and elegance, making it ideal for cooler days at the office.
Example Outfit:
- Navy cashmere sweater
- Gray tailored blazer
- Camel midi skirt
- Black ankle boots
- Structured leather handbag
This outfit is perfect for the office or any formal occasion where you want to stay warm while still looking polished. The cashmere sweater adds softness to the structured blazer, creating a balanced look that’s both comfortable and stylish.
Styling Tips:
- Opt for cashmere sweaters in neutral tones such as beige, navy, or gray for versatility.
- Choose a slightly oversized fit for a relaxed look or a more fitted sweater for a tailored silhouette.
- Don’t be afraid to layer your cashmere sweater with other luxury pieces, like a tailored coat or a silk scarf.
3. The Classic Pair of Loafers: Effortless Footwear
Loafers are the quintessential “old money” shoe. Comfortable yet stylish, loafers give off an air of sophistication without being too flashy. They’re perfect for everyday wear and can be styled with a wide range of outfits, from casual to business attire. Whether in leather, suede, or patent, loafers offer a chic and timeless look.
Outfit Idea #1: Elevated Casual Look
Pair a pair of classic black leather loafers with slim-fit jeans and a cashmere sweater. This outfit embodies the essence of old money, subtle, stylish, and effortlessly chic. The black loafers add a bit of polish to the otherwise casual ensemble.
Example Outfit:
- Black leather loafers
- Slim-fit jeans
- Light gray cashmere sweater
- White leather crossbody bag
- Simple gold necklace
Go shop this Example Outfit Now:
- > Black leather loafers
- > Slim-fit jeans
- > Light gray cashmere sweater
- > White leather crossbody bag
- > Simple gold necklace
This is the perfect outfit for running errands or grabbing coffee with friends. The loafers bring sophistication to an otherwise simple look, while the cashmere sweater adds a cozy touch.
Outfit Idea #2: Formal Elegance
For a more formal look, pair black leather loafers with a midi wrap dress and a tailored coat. The loafers add a sense of quiet luxury to the outfit, making it suitable for everything from an afternoon tea to a dinner party. The key here is to let the loafers be the statement piece while keeping the rest of the outfit simple and elegant.
Example Outfit:
- Black leather loafers
- Black midi wrap dress
- Camel-colored tailored coat
- Black leather clutch
- Silver jewelry
This combination strikes the right balance between formal and comfortable. It’s perfect for an event where you want to look put-together without sacrificing comfort. The loafers lend a sense of refinement, while the camel-colored coat adds warmth and elegance.
Styling Tips:
- Loafers should always fit well, with enough room to be comfortable but not so much that they look sloppy.
- Opt for classic leather or suede loafers in neutral tones like black, brown, or navy.
- When wearing loafers, keep your clothing sharp to avoid looking too casual.
4. The High-Quality Watch: A Subtle Statement of Luxury
When it comes to old-money essentials, accessories play a crucial role, but the key is always in the subtlety. A high-quality watch is one such piece that carries a sense of timeless luxury. Unlike more flashy, statement-making jewelry, a well-crafted watch speaks volumes with its understated elegance. It’s both functional and stylish, acting as an excellent complement to a wide range of outfits. From my own personal experience, a good watch never feels out of place, whether paired with a casual look or something more formal.
Outfit Idea #1: Casual Chic with a Hint of Refinement
For a chic yet laid-back look, pair a leather strap watch with a white button-down shirt and high-waisted jeans. This ensemble screams old-money vibes in the most effortless way possible. The key here is the watch: something simple, with a minimal dial and a leather strap in a color that complements the rest of your outfit. The watch adds an air of sophistication without drawing too much attention.
Example Outfit:
- Classic leather strap watch with minimalist dial
- White button-down shirt
- High-waisted blue jeans
- Brown leather loafers
- Beige trench coat
- Simple gold necklace
Go shop this Example Outfit Now:
- > Classic leather strap watch with minimalist dial
- > White button-down shirt
- > High-waisted blue jeans
- > Brown leather loafers
- > Beige trench coat
- > Simple gold necklace
This is a great look for a weekend day out or even a casual office day. The watch anchors the outfit, bringing a level of thoughtfulness to the simplicity of the other pieces. Whether you’re meeting friends for lunch or running errands, this is an outfit that allows the elegance of the watch to shine without overshadowing the rest of the look.
Outfit Idea #2: Evening Elegance
For a more formal evening look, a sleek, gold or silver watch can serve as the perfect finishing touch. Pair your watch with a tailored dress or a silk blouse and midi skirt combo. The dress should be elegant but not over-the-top, think something that hits just below the knee in a neutral tone, paired with a pair of heeled pumps. Your watch will become an elegant yet functional accessory that ties the entire outfit together.
Example Outfit:
- Silver or gold dress watch with a minimal dial
- Navy silk blouse
- Black high-waisted midi skirt
- Black heeled pumps
- Leather clutch in neutral tones
- Simple diamond stud earrings
This look is ideal for an evening event or dinner party where you want to look polished without overdoing it. The watch in this instance becomes a piece of functional luxury, elevating the entire ensemble.
Styling Tips:
- Stick to watches with classic dials, think Roman numerals, minimal lines, and no excessive embellishments.
- Leather straps in neutral colors like black, brown, or tan offer the most versatility, but you can also go for a metal bracelet in gold or silver for a more refined vibe.
- A quality watch can be the centerpiece of your accessories, so don’t overload the look with other jewelry, let the watch do the talking.
5. The Cashmere Scarf: An Elegant and Practical Touch
Lastly, one of the most quintessentially old-money accessories is the cashmere scarf. Soft, lightweight, and luxurious, a well-chosen scarf can take an outfit from simple to extraordinary with minimal effort. Cashmere scarves come in various colors, but neutral tones like gray, beige, and camel are particularly timeless. These scarves not only keep you warm but also act as a sophisticated way to add a touch of refinement to any look.
Outfit Idea #1: Cozy and Classy
Pair a camel-colored cashmere scarf with a tailored wool coat and a simple white shirt. The scarf’s warm, neutral tone blends beautifully with the wool coat, while adding a luxurious touch. This is the perfect ensemble for a cold winter’s day when you want to stay stylish and warm without compromising on elegance.
Example Outfit:
- Camel-colored cashmere scarf
- Black wool coat
- White fitted blouse
- Black leather gloves
- Dark-wash skinny jeans
- Black leather ankle boots
Go shop this Example Outfit Now:
- > Camel-colored cashmere scarf
- > Black wool coat
- > White fitted blouse
- > Black leather gloves
- > Dark-wash skinny jeans
- > Black leather ankle boots
This outfit strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re heading to an elegant outdoor event or simply going for a walk in the city, the cashmere scarf provides that final elegant touch that can elevate even the most basic of outfits.
Outfit Idea #2: Evening Refinement
For an evening event, a cashmere scarf in a soft gray or off-white can add a sophisticated touch to your ensemble. Pair it with a simple black dress and a tailored coat for an effortlessly elegant evening look. The beauty of a cashmere scarf is that it’s versatile enough to add to a more formal outfit without making it too busy.
Example Outfit:
- Gray cashmere scarf
- Little black dress (LBD)
- Black tailored coat
- Black leather heels
- Black leather clutch
This outfit works beautifully for an evening at the theater, a dinner party, or even an elegant date night. The scarf’s soft texture adds depth to the monochrome color palette, while keeping the overall look chic and understated.
Styling Tips:
- Keep your scarf size proportional to your outfit. If you’re going for a simple, fitted coat, opt for a thinner scarf. If you’re layering over bulkier fabrics, choose a thicker scarf to add texture.
- Neutrals are key for cashmere scarves, but don’t shy away from soft pastels or subtle patterns like plaid for an extra touch of sophistication.
- The scarf should not overwhelm the rest of your outfit, so keep it simple and let its texture and quality shine.
Complementary Colors and Textures: Creating a Harmonious Look
When styling old-money essentials, it’s important to think about complementary colors and textures. The goal is to create a look that feels balanced and elegant. Neutral tones like beige, gray, navy, and camel are the foundation of the old-money aesthetic, but incorporating various textures, such as wool, silk, and leather, adds depth and richness to the outfit.
Complementary Color Pairings:
- Navy and beige: A classic combination that feels timeless and sophisticated.
- Gray and camel: These colors work well together to create a calm, monochromatic look.
- Black and white: A sharp, chic pairing that never goes out of style.
- Soft pastels (like powder blue or blush pink) with neutrals: Add a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the outfit.
Texture Tips:
- Wool: A great material for blazers and sweaters, offering warmth and structure.
- Cashmere: Ideal for sweaters and scarves, providing softness and luxury.
- Leather: Perfect for shoes, bags, and belts, adding sophistication and polish.
- Silk: A luxurious choice for blouses and scarves, adding an element of fluidity and elegance.
Wrapping It All Up: How to Build Your Ultimate Old Money Wardrobe
Achieving the perfect old-money aesthetic is about more than just buying the right pieces, it’s about creating a wardrobe that reflects timeless elegance, quiet luxury, and an appreciation for high-quality items. Whether it’s a tailored blazer, a cozy cashmere sweater, a classic pair of loafers, a sophisticated watch, or a luxurious scarf, these pieces work together to create a wardrobe that exudes understated glamour.
What’s important to remember is that the old-money style isn’t about being flashy or following the latest trends; it’s about creating a wardrobe of essentials that will never go out of style. From my own personal experience, investing in these timeless pieces will not only make your wardrobe more versatile, but they’ll also help you achieve a sophisticated and polished look for years to come.
By incorporating these key pieces into your wardrobe and mixing and matching them in ways that suit your personal style, you’ll be able to create outfits that are both functional and chic. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal occasion or keeping things casual, these old-money essentials will always have you looking your best.
Now it’s your turn, what are your favorite old-money essentials? How do you style them? Let me know in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation on all things classic, timeless, and chic! I’d love to hear your ideas and see how you bring these pieces to life in your own wardrobe.
I’m Gemma, a passionate lifestyle blogger sharing my creative world with you. Gemitaliano.com is my little corner of the internet, glad you’re here.
