Iconic Old Money Designer Brands for Stylish Gentlemen (2024)

Gentlemen, what comes to mind when you think of timeless, refined style?

For us, it is always the classic “old money” aesthetic.

You know, that effortless look of luxury and sophistication that seems to have been passed down through generations of wealthy families?

As stylists with over 30 years of experience, we’ve helped countless young men achieve this coveted appearance.

Today, we want to share some iconic designer brands that embody the essence of old money style, allowing you to elevate your wardrobe and exude an air of refined elegance.

Iconic Old Money Designer Brands

These labels have rich histories of dressing society’s upper crust, and by incorporating their pieces into your wardrobe, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of old money style.

Ralph Lauren

No designer captures the old money looks quite like Ralph Lauren.

From the brand’s signature polo shirts to its preppy Purple Label suits, Ralph Lauren is the epitome of polished, patrician style.

Must-haves
Navy double-breasted blazer, crisp Oxford shirt, equestrian-inspired accessories

Formality level
Casual to formal

Brooks Brothers

Founded in 1818, Brooks Brothers is the oldest clothing retailer in the United States.

The brand has been a favorite of everyone from presidents to Wall Street bankers, known for its impeccable tailoring and fine fabrics.

Must-haves
Classic suits, dress shirts, repp stripe ties

Formality level
Business-casual to formal

Barbour

This British brand is renowned for its waxed cotton jackets, perfect for outdoor activities like hunting and sailing.

Barbour jackets have been worn by icons like Steve McQueen and members of the Royal Family.

Must-haves
Waxed cotton jackets, quilted vests, chunky knit sweaters

Formality level
Casual to smart-casual

Burberry

Another iconic British label, Burberry, is synonymous with luxury and tradition.

The brand’s signature trench coats and cashmere scarves are old-money staples that exude refined elegance.

Must-haves
Trench coats, cashmere scarves, checked button-down shirts
Formality level
Smart-casual to formal

J. Press

J. Press is the epitome of Ivy League style, outfitting students and professors alike since 1902.

The brand’s tweedy sport coats and Shetland wool sweaters are like a secret handshake among the East Coast elite.

Must-haves
Tweed sport coats, Shetland wool sweaters, repp stripe ties
Formality level
Casual to business-casual

Gucci

While Gucci may be trendier than other brands on this list, its equestrian-inspired designs and luxe leather goods scream old money.

Opt for classic pieces like horse-bit loafers or a silk scarf to elevate any outfit.

Must-haves
Horse-bit loafers, silk scarves, traditional style suits
Formality level
Smart-casual to formal

Hermes

This French fashion house is the ultimate status symbol, famous for its silk scarves, leather goods, and the coveted Birkin bag.

A Hermes pocket square or tie can add a touch of luxury to any old money look.

Must-haves: Silk pocket squares, neckties, leather belts
Formality level: Business-casual to formal

Tod’s

Tod’s is an Italian luxury brand known for its sumptuous leather shoes and accessories.

The brand’s iconic Gommino driving shoes are a favorite of jet-setters and royals alike.

Must-haves
Gommino driving shoes, leather jackets, belts, and bags
Formality level
Casual to smart-casual

Brunello Cucinelli

If you want to splurge on the finest Italian cashmere, look no further than Brunello Cucinelli.

This brand epitomizes understated luxury, focusing on exquisite materials and craftsmanship.

Must-haves
Cashmere sweaters, tailored trousers, suede jackets
Formality level
Smart-casual to formal

Turnbull & Asser

This British haberdashery has been crafting bespoke shirts and ties since 1885, dressing everyone from Winston Churchill to James Bond.

Turnbull & Asser shirts are made from the finest Egyptian cotton and feature mother-of-pearl buttons.

Must-haves
Bespoke dress shirts, silk neckties, pocket squares
Formality level
Business-casual to formal

Dress Old Money Like a Pro

Gents, we hope this guide has inspired you to embrace the timeless sophistication of Old Money style.

However, building a designer wardrobe can be daunting, especially on a budget, and that’s where The VOU comes in.

We specialize in helping young men like you achieve the coveted Old Money look without breaking the bank.

Our team will work with you one-on-one to curate a personalized wardrobe full of classic, high-quality pieces.

When you look good, you feel good – and that confidence and poise will radiate into every aspect of your life so – find your unique style with The VOU’s fashion style analysis today.

Laurenti Arnault

With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalized looks that depict old-money sophistication.

Ru Amiri

With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specializes in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.

Iconic Old Money Designer Brands for Stylish Gentlemen (2024)

FAQs

What brands does old money wear for men? ›

Old Money Aesthetic for Men: A Breakdown
BrandSpecialityKnown For
Cesare AttoliniHandmade SuitsSoft and Light-weight Fabrics
SantoniShoesHigh-Quality Craftsmanship
Brunello CucinelliCashmere FabricsClassic Designs
Tramarossa and Marco PescaroloDress Pants and SlacksQuality Materials and Expert Workmanship
1 more row

What to wear for a old money style man? ›

Choosing Classic Colors: Navy, charcoal gray, and medium to dark shades of brown are the go-to choices. They exude understated elegance and versatility, allowing you to dress them up or down for various occasions. Patterns: In terms of patterns, opt for subtle choices like pinstripes, herringbone, or classic checks.

What are the best old money brands? ›

Explore famous old money fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Hermès, Chanel, and Brooks Brothers, and understand why they are synonymous with prestige, luxury, and exceptional craftsmanship.

What are luxury brands for men? ›

Our men's luxury brands

From Dior to Fendi, Loewe and Bottega Veneta, you will discover the major luxury houses that shape men's fashion.

What do upper class men wear? ›

Impeccable custom-made suits. Sophisticated blazers. High-quality dress shirts. Versatile polo shirts.

What did rich men wear in the 90s? ›

Preppy clothing was popular in the US, where wealthy young men wore khaki slacks, canvas boat shoes, and navy blue blazers with breast-pocket monogram or gold buttons bearing a family crest.

How to dress like a rich man casual? ›

Rich men tend to wear t-shirts that are solid colors, with no logos or writing on the front. The clothes you wear should be plain with minimal branding or other writing on them. Looking expensive is not about the price tag of your clothes or accessories, but about how you put them together.

What is the old money clothing style called? ›

Also known as quiet luxury, an old money aesthetic is timeless and elegant and prioritises well-made, high-quality, understated garments over flashy designer logos and branding.

What do wealth managers wear? ›

Traditionally, business attire for financial advisors meant wearing the typical suit and tie in all instances of client-facing activities.

Is Hermes old money style? ›

These six old money brands — Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, Lanificio Colombo, Kiton, Hermes, and Ralph Lauren — each bring their unique characteristics to the table.

Is Louis Vuitton considered old money? ›

Luxury Old Money Fashion Brands

From iconic fashion houses like Chanel and Gucci to heritage brands like Hermès and Louis Vuitton, these labels offer exceptional craftsmanship, impeccable tailoring, and unparalleled attention to detail.

Which brand is best for men? ›

Levi's is one the reputed shirt brand in providing a wide range of collections for men and women. It has wide range of shirts collection for men with different styles and design giving the elegant look while wearing which makes it one of the best shirt brands for men in India.

What are the hottest designer brands now? ›

So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of luxury fashion!
  1. CHANEL. Chanel is a brand with a legacy etched in fashion history. ...
  2. LOUIS VUITTON. ...
  3. GUCCI. ...
  4. PRADA. ...
  5. DIOR. ...
  6. HERMÈS. ...
  7. SAINT LAURENT. ...
  8. CARTIER.
Jan 25, 2024

How wealthy men dress? ›

Rich men tend to wear t-shirts that are solid colors, with no logos or writing on the front. The clothes you wear should be plain with minimal branding or other writing on them. Looking expensive is not about the price tag of your clothes or accessories, but about how you put them together.

What are old money clothes called? ›

"Old money" clothing style reflects a timeless and understated elegance associated with established wealth. Characterized by classic, high-quality pieces, it often includes well-tailored suits, traditional patterns like houndstooth or pinstripes, and quality fabrics such as tweed or cashmere.

How to dress like a rich man on a budget? ›

How to Look Rich On A Tight Budget – Best 18 Tips
  1. Avoid logos and remove all tags from your clothes. ...
  2. Tailor your clothes to fit your body. ...
  3. Know your clothes/fabrics. ...
  4. Wear tasteful and unusual accessories. ...
  5. Take care of your clothes: Polished always looks expensive. ...
  6. Shoes are critical to creating that rich person look.

Is Ralph Lauren an old money brand? ›

Ralph Lauren

It's about as close as you'll get to an old-money basics brand, making it a great place to pick up staple pieces like polo, sweats, knitwear and T-shirts.

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