If you want to master a look that’s both effortlessly elegant and timeless this summer, old money style sets the perfect standard. It’s all about timeless, simple pieces that never go out of fashion. Think soft, neutral colors, clean cuts, and quality fabrics that feel comfortable and look polished. This style is less about flashy trends and more about quiet elegance that suits any occasion.
In this post, I’m sharing 17+ old money summer outfits that are easy to put together and perfect for warm weather.
Whether you like flowy dresses, tailored pants, or light blazers, these outfits will help you stay cool while looking refined. They’re great for everything from casual days out to more dressed-up events. If you want to keep your summer wardrobe stylish and classic, you’ll love these ideas.
Let’s get started!
What Is 'Old Money' Style?
Old money style is all about looking classy and effortless. It’s a timeless way of dressing that focuses on quality, simplicity, and elegance instead of following flashy trends. The look is polished but never too much, with pieces that feel classic and always stylish.
Here are a few key features of old money style:
- Neutral and soft color palettes, like beige, white, navy, and pastel tones.
- High-quality fabrics such as linen, cashmere, and cotton.
- Clean, tailored fits that are comfortable yet refined.
- Minimal patterns, with an emphasis on solids or delicate designs.
- Subtle accessories like elegant watches, pearl earrings, or structured handbags.
- Timeless shoes like loafers, ballet flats, or simple leather sandals.
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Why Old Money Style Is Perfect for Summer
Old money style is all about looking and feeling comfortable while staying polished, which is exactly what you need during the warmer months. It’s timeless, effortless, and perfect for summer living.
One of the reasons this style works so well in the summer is the focus on light, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk. These materials help you stay cool and comfortable, even on the hottest days. The neutral and soft color palette—think whites, beiges, and pastels—also fits perfectly with the bright and airy vibe of summer, giving your outfits a fresh and clean look.
Another reason it shines in the summer is its versatility. Flowy dresses, tailored shorts, breezy button-ups, and simple sandals are staples of old money style and work seamlessly for a variety of summer occasions, from casual beachside lunches to elegant dinner dates.
Old money fashion keeps style simple and effortless, so you can enjoy summer while looking chic. With timeless, high-quality pieces, your outfits stay polished and comfortable for any occasion. Perfect for warm, sunny days, it’s a blend of cool, classic, and sophisticated.
17+ Polished Summer Outfits to Nail the Old Money Look
Here are 17+ polished and timeless outfits that perfectly embody old money style for summer. Each look combines elegance with comfort, making it easy to stay stylish for any occasion!
Ready to Transform Your Style? Capsule Chic Guide + 100 Summer Looks is Here!
If you’re looking to simplify your closet and create a wardrobe that truly feels like you, you’ll love my new ebook, Capsule Chic: A Step-by-Step Guide + 100 Summer Looks. It’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide that walks you through how to build a summer wardrobe that’s stylish, versatile, and effortless—for the season and beyond.
Here’s a look at what’s inside:
- A thoughtfully curated summer capsule wardrobe with all the essentials (plus shoppable links).
- 100+ stylish summer outfit ideas perfect for casual days, vacation, work, and more.
- Timeless advice on accessorizing, layering, and mixing and matching to make every piece work harder for you.
- Four chapters focused on the bigger picture—helping you create a year-round wardrobe you’ll actually enjoy wearing.
- Outfit planners, checklists, and much more.
This guide is packed with inspiration for the season and practical tips to help you build a wardrobe that works all year long—it’s like having two resources in one.
Whether you’re revamping your closet from scratch or just fine-tuning your style, Capsule Chic will walk you through each step to create your most effortless and stylish summer yet.
Style Tips to Nail the Old Money Look
Achieving the old money look is easier than you might think. It’s all about focusing on simple, refined pieces and prioritizing quality over quantity. Here are some practical tips to help you nail this timeless style:
- Stick to Neutral Colors: Choose soft, muted tones like beige, white, navy, and pastels. These colors create a clean and understated look.
- Opt for Quality Fabrics: Invest in breathable, high-quality fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk, which not only feel great but also look effortlessly elegant.
- Wear Tailored Fits: Choose clothes that fit you well. Blazers, trousers, and dresses with clean lines will give you that polished, put-together vibe.
- Keep Accessories Minimal: Stick to simple pieces like a leather watch, small pearl earrings, or a structured handbag. Avoid anything too flashy or over-the-top.
- Prioritize Timeless Pieces: Look for items like a crisp white shirt, a classic trench coat, loafers, and flowy midi dresses that never go out of style.
- Focus on Effortlessness: Old money isn’t about trying too hard. Go for understated, natural looks that exude quiet confidence.
- Focus on Hair, Nails, and Grooming: Keep hair styled simply and neatly—think sleek ponytails, loose waves, or a natural blowout. Nails should be clean and polished in neutral or classic shades like nude or soft pink.
These tips will help you carry the old money aesthetic with ease, keeping your style polished and sophisticated every day.
Where to Shop for Old Money-Inspired Pieces
The old money aesthetic emphasizes quality over quantity, so finding the right pieces is key. While designer items are certainly part of the look, you can absolutely build the style within your budget by sticking to pieces that are well-made and timeless in design. Here are a few go-to options:
- For Investment Pieces: Ralph Lauren, Massimo Dutti, and Reformation are great places to find tailored staples like blazers, trousers, and shirts.
- More Affordable Options: Crew, Everlane, Banana Republic, Aritzia, and Mango offer high-quality basics that align perfectly with the old money style.
- High-Quality Basics: For wardrobe essentials like crisp white shirts, neutral sweaters, and tailored trousers, Uniqlo, COS, and Arket offer great options with clean lines and minimalist designs.
- Sustainable & Vintage Shopping: Shop from vintage stores or platforms like Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, or local thrift shops to find classic pieces from luxury brands at a fraction of the price. Sustainability is also part of the understated elegance old money style represents.
- Footwear: For classic loafers or sandals, try brands like Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, or Cole Haan.
- Accessories: For timeless accessories like leather handbags, watches, and scarves, explore brands like Longchamp, Tory Burch, or Ferragamo. Minimalist jewelry pieces can be found at Mejuri or Monica Vinader.
Focus on items that feel timeless and well-made—it’s the quality and design that truly capture the old money look, not just the brand name. Keep an eye out for tailoring, neutral tones, and clean cuts for a wardrobe that feels effortlessly polished.
Conclusion
Old money style is a perfect blend of elegance and ease, making it ideal for summer. With its focus on simple, timeless pieces and neutral tones, it’s a way to look polished without overthinking your outfits. Whether you’re heading to brunch, a casual day out, or an evening event, this style keeps you looking classy and comfortable.
By sticking to high-quality fabrics, clean cuts, and understated accessories, you can create a wardrobe that feels effortless yet refined. With the tips and outfit ideas in this post, you’re ready to bring the old money vibe into your summer looks. Keep it simple, stay confident, and enjoy a season of timeless style!
Stay inspired daily! Follow us on Instagram for the latest trends, stylish outfit ideas, and creative style inspiration!
For more fashion inspo, check out the following posts:
- 12 Easy-to Copy Old Money Outfit Formulas You’ll Love
- Old Money Summer Capsule Wardrobe + 15 Outfit Ideas
- 10 Elegant Casual Summer Outfits You’ll Want to Copy
- 10 Linen Pants Outfit Ideas That Look So Chic
- Old Money Capsule Wardrobe Essentials Guide + Outfit Ideas
- 8 Old Money Colors to Nail That Expensive Style for Spring & Summer
Hi, it’s Judy!