The Best Colors for Old Money Men (With Outfit Examples)
Old Money style is all about understated elegance, heritage, and refinement—and that includes a very specific color palette. Unlike fast fashion trends that chase neon shades and loud patterns, the Old Money color scheme is subtle, rich, and timeless. These colors are not only versatile but they also project quiet confidence and sophistication. In this guide, we explore the essential colors every Old Money man should embrace—and show you exactly how to wear them.
1. Navy Blue: The Foundation of Quiet Sophistication
Navy is the most dominant color in an Old Money wardrobe. It’s more refined than black and more versatile than grey. From tailored blazers to sweaters and outerwear, navy embodies structure, calm, and status without being flashy.
Wear it with:
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White Oxford shirt, beige chinos, and brown loafers
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Navy cashmere sweater over a striped dress shirt with grey trousers
Keyword: navy
2. Beige & Khaki: Classic and Casual
Beige and khaki shades are favorites for chinos, trench coats, and summer suits. These earthy tones suggest country clubs, sailing weekends, and Ivy League campuses.
Best Pairings:
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Beige chinos with a navy blazer and brown loafers
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Khaki trench coat over a white shirt and grey slacks
Keyword: beige
3. Grey: Reserved and Polished
Grey symbolizes discipline and maturity. Whether it's in light grey wool trousers or a charcoal overcoat, this color adds weight and elegance to any outfit.
Outfit Example:
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Charcoal wool blazer, pale blue Oxford shirt, and grey trousers
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Light grey cashmere pullover with off-white chinos and suede loafers
Keyword: grey
4. Forest Green: Aristocratic and Earthy
Forest green is rich, quiet, and rooted in English countryside heritage. You’ll find this shade in waxed jackets, sweaters, and velvet dinner jackets.
Style Ideas:
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Forest green Barbour jacket with cream corduroy trousers
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Green wool sweater with beige chinos and brown brogues
Keyword: forest green
5. Burgundy & Maroon: Reserved Boldness
Burgundy offers just the right hint of personality without overpowering the outfit. It works best in accessories, sweaters, or blazers with texture (think corduroy or wool).
Try This Look:
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Burgundy v-neck sweater over a striped shirt, navy trousers, and loafers
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Maroon silk tie with a cream dress shirt and grey blazer
Keyword: burgundy
6. Camel: Understated Luxury
Camel and tan hues are elegant and soft, often seen in overcoats, wool blazers, and sweaters. It works especially well in colder months to add warmth to layered outfits.
Outfit Match:
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Camel overcoat with a navy suit and brown Chelsea boots
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Tan wool turtleneck with grey flannel trousers
Keyword: camel
7. White & Off-White: Clean and Refined
White isn't just for shirts—it’s also key for trousers, summer knits, and even lightweight suits. When worn well, it adds crispness and contrast to deeper colors.
Classic Ensembles:
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White Oxford shirt with navy blazer and khaki chinos
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Off-white linen pants with a sky-blue shirt and loafers
Keyword: white
8. Brown: Rugged and Cultured
Brown in all its shades—chocolate, espresso, caramel—is a go-to for shoes, belts, and jackets. Brown signals warmth, confidence, and restraint.
Outfit Ideas:
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Brown suede loafers with navy trousers and a light blue shirt
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Chocolate corduroy blazer with cream trousers and a white shirt
Keyword: brown
9. Olive: Relaxed Yet Refined
A touch more casual than forest green, olive is perfect for utility jackets, chinos, and knitwear. It blends beautifully with neutral tones and is a subtle nod to military heritage.
Pair It With:
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Olive chinos with a navy knit polo
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Olive quilted vest over a beige cashmere sweater
Keyword: olive
10. Light Blue: Youthful and Polished
A light blue shirt or sweater brings a gentle contrast to deeper neutrals and brightens up more conservative outfits.
Try This Look:
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Light blue Oxford shirt with grey trousers and loafers
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Sky-blue polo shirt with khaki chinos
Keyword: light blue
Building a Cohesive Old Money Color Palette
Stick with muted, natural, and timeless tones. The best wardrobe is one where nearly every piece can mix and match effortlessly. Here's a cheat sheet of essential Old Money colors:
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Neutrals: Navy, beige, white, camel, grey
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Rich accents: Burgundy, forest green, brown
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Seasonal touches: Light blue, olive, off-white
Keyword: color palette
Final Thoughts: Speak Softly, Dress Sharply
The Old Money color philosophy is simple—look like you belong without ever trying too hard. These colors help you blend in with elegance, yet stand out with class. Stick to quality fabrics, traditional tailoring, and this refined palette, and you’ll be dressing like a true gentleman of legacy.
