I’ve spent way too many hours on Pinterest pinning “old money summer style” boards, and here’s what I’ve noticed.
The same 25 looks keep showing up, season after season. They don’t chase trends. They just work.
That’s the whole appeal, honestly. Old money style isn’t about logos or labels.
It’s about pieces that fit well, fabrics that breathe, and colors that feel like a Nantucket porch in July.
Think cream linen, navy stripes, and a straw hat that’s seen a few summers already.
I started building my own summer wardrobe around this aesthetic two years ago. My closet got smaller, but somehow my outfit choices got easier. Funny how that works.
What “old money style” actually means
The term gets thrown around a lot, but at its core, old money dressing borrows from East Coast prep, French countryside ease, and a touch of British countryside polish.
Brands like Ralph Lauren built entire empires on this look, and you can read more about the heritage behind it on Ralph Lauren’s brand history page.
The fabrics matter more than the labels. Linen, cotton poplin, seersucker, and lightweight wool blends dominate.
Colors stay neutral or soft: white, cream, navy, sage, camel, and the occasional pop of red or yellow for contrast.
1. The white linen shirt and tailored shorts combo
This one is the backbone of summer dressing. A crisp white linen shirt, sleeves rolled up, paired with tailored khaki or navy shorts. Add loafers or espadrilles and you’re done.
I wore this exact combo to a lunch in the south of France last summer (okay, it was actually a friend’s backyard, but the linen made it feel fancier).
It photographs beautifully on Pinterest too, which is a bonus if you’re building a style board.
2. A flowy midi dress in a soft floral print
Old money summer dresses lean toward small florals, not loud ones. Think tiny sprigs on a cream or pale blue background, not giant tropical prints.
The silhouette should feel relaxed but not sloppy.
A midi length with a slight A-line shape works for almost every body type, and that’s not just marketing talk, I’ve tried this on at least six different friends with completely different builds.
3. Tennis whites, even if you don’t play tennis
The tennis skirt trend isn’t going anywhere, and honestly, I get it. A white pleated skirt with a polo shirt looks put-together without trying too hard.
Pair it with white sneakers or tennis shoes for the full effect. IMO this look works best for brunch, not actual tennis, but who’s checking.
4. The classic striped breton top
Navy and white stripes are practically the uniform of coastal old money style. A breton top tucked into white trousers or a denim skirt feels effortless every single time.
This is one of those pieces that genuinely earns its spot in a capsule wardrobe. I’ve owned the same striped top for three years and it still looks fresh.
5. Wide-leg linen trousers
Forget skinny jeans for summer. Wide-leg linen trousers in white, cream, or navy keep you cool and look elevated even with a basic t-shirt.
These pair well with:
- A simple tank top and gold jewelry
- A fitted button-down for office-appropriate days
- A bikini top for a beach-to-lunch transition
6. A structured straw tote bag
Accessories make or break the old money aesthetic, and a straw tote is non-negotiable.
Look for one with leather handles and a slightly worn-in look (new ones somehow look too try-hard).
7. The polo dress
A polo dress is basically a polo shirt that grew up. Collar, button placket, and a flattering length that hits just above or below the knee.
White, navy, or yellow versions all photograph well for outfit posts.
8. Boat shoes or loafers (no sneakers required)
Footwear is where a lot of people go wrong. Sneakers feel too casual for this look. Boat shoes, loafers, or simple leather sandals complete the picture instead.
| Outfit Element | Best Colors | Where It Shines |
|---|---|---|
| Linen shirt | White, cream | Casual lunches |
| Tennis skirt | White | Brunch, errands |
| Wide-leg trousers | Navy, cream | Day to evening |
| Striped top | Navy/white | Beach days |
9. A pastel cardigan over your shoulders
This is such a small detail, but it changes everything about how an outfit reads.
Draping a light cardigan over your shoulders, sleeves tied loosely in front, adds that “I just stepped off a yacht” energy.
10. White denim, always white denim
White jeans get a bad reputation because people worry about stains, but they’re a summer staple for a reason. Pair them with a fitted black or navy top for contrast.
11. The button-down maxi dress
A long, flowy shirt dress in linen or cotton works for almost every summer occasion. Belt it at the waist for definition, or leave it loose for a beach day.
12. Gold hoop earrings (small, not statement-sized)
Jewelry stays minimal in this style. Small gold hoops, a delicate chain necklace, maybe a single bangle. Nothing chunky, nothing that screams for attention.
13. The crochet or knit top
Crochet tops feel handmade and a little nostalgic, which fits the old money vibe perfectly. Pair with high-waisted shorts or a linen skirt.
14. A wide-brim straw hat
This accessory does double duty: sun protection and instant style upgrade. Look for one with a simple ribbon band in black or navy.
15. The classic Oxford shirt dress
Similar to the maxi dress but shorter and more structured. An Oxford shirt dress in light blue or white feels preppy without trying too hard.
16. High-waisted denim shorts with a tucked tee
Simple, but it works every time. The key is the fit, high-waisted, not too short, with a slightly relaxed tee tucked in.
17. Monogrammed accessories
A monogrammed tote, towel, or even a small pouch adds that personal, heirloom-like touch.
You don’t need an actual family monogram, by the way. Plenty of brands let you add initials to basic pieces.
18. The wrap dress in solid colors
A wrap dress in navy, white, or a soft sage green flatters most body types and transitions easily from day to evening.
19. Linen blazers over swimwear
This sounds odd until you see it in action. A lightweight linen blazer thrown over a swimsuit looks intentional, not like you forgot to get dressed.
20. Espadrille wedges for a little height
When you want height without sacrificing comfort, espadrille wedges are the answer. They’re casual enough for daytime but elevated enough for dinner.
21. The classic white button-down as a cover-up
Forget the typical beach cover-up.
A men’s-style white button-down, worn open over a swimsuit, gives off effortless coastal energy.
22. Pleated midi skirts in neutral tones
Pleated skirts add movement and visual interest without being loud. Cream, taupe, and soft gray all work beautifully.
23. The quilted or woven handbag
A structured, woven handbag in tan or cream adds texture to an outfit.
This Town & Country piece on classic summer accessories covers similar staples if you want more inspiration.
24. Layered gold necklaces
A few thin gold necklaces, layered at different lengths, add subtle shine without overpowering an outfit.
25. The all-white ensemble
Saving the boldest for last. An entire outfit in shades of white, cream, and ivory looks intentional and a little luxurious.
Wow, this one genuinely turns heads when done right, I’ve tested it myself at a few summer events.
By the way, totally random thought, but doesn’t it feel like white clothing always looks better with a tan?
Not sure if that’s psychological or just contrast, but it’s one of those things I’ve noticed every single summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is old money style expensive to recreate? Not necessarily. The look relies on fit and fabric quality more than brand names. Thrifted linen and basic neutrals can absolutely work.
Can old money style work for petite or plus-size women? Yes. The silhouettes are generally relaxed and adjustable. Tailoring makes a bigger difference than size when it comes to this aesthetic.
What colors should I avoid in old money fashion? Neon colors, busy logos, and loud prints generally clash with this style. Stick to neutrals with occasional muted accent colors.
So, which of these looks are you adding to your summer wardrobe first? Save this for later and let me know in the comments which outfit you’re trying this week.
