Old money style is built on a small, calm palette. Navy, cream, camel, brown, grey, olive and white do almost all the work, and they are paired in a way that looks soft and expensive rather than loud. If you get the colours right, even a simple outfit looks put together. Here are the 10 old money color combinations we come back to most, with ideas for men and women.
The rules behind old money colours
- Two or three colours per outfit. More than that starts to look busy.
- One dark, one light. Most combinations below pair a deep colour with a soft one, like navy with cream.
- Muted, never neon. Choose dusty, earthy versions of a colour: burgundy instead of red, olive instead of green.
- Texture adds interest. When the colours are quiet, a cable knit, linen or wool does the talking.
10 old money color combinations
1. Navy and cream
The most classic of all. Navy gives structure and cream softens it. For men: navy pleated trousers with a cream or beige knit. For women: a navy skirt or trousers with a cream cardigan or shirt. It works in every season and every setting.
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2. Camel and white
Warm and fresh at the same time. A camel sweater or coat over white trousers or a white shirt is one of the easiest ways to look polished. Keep the shoes tan or white.
3. Burgundy and cream
The best way to add colour without breaking the look. Burgundy is deep and muted, and cream keeps it light. Try a burgundy knit with cream trousers and brown loafers.
4. White and navy
The summer version of navy and cream, and the classic sailing look. White trousers with a navy knitted polo, or a navy top with white linen. Add brown leather shoes and a belt.
5. Olive and ivory
Earthy and relaxed. Olive works best in outer layers like a trench, field jacket or chinos, with ivory underneath. It looks especially good in autumn.
6. Charcoal and soft beige
A cool, grown-up pairing for autumn and winter. A charcoal wool coat or trousers with a beige turtleneck or knit feels warm and calm. Black or dark brown shoes finish it.
7. Black and beige
For evenings. Black trousers, especially with a fine pinstripe, look softer with a beige or camel knit than with another black piece. It is dressy without looking stiff.
8. Brown and cream
Brown is the old money alternative to black. Brown shoes, a brown belt or a chocolate knit with cream trousers looks rich and relaxed, especially in warm weather.
9. Light blue and beige
A light blue oxford shirt under a beige sweater or cardigan is the easiest office outfit there is. Add navy or grey trousers and it works almost anywhere.
10. Tone on tone neutrals
Wearing several shades of one colour, like stone, sand, oatmeal and cream, is the most quiet luxury look of all. It feels soft and expensive without trying. Mix textures so the outfit does not look flat: a ribbed knit with linen, or cashmere with cotton.
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Colours to avoid
- Neon and very bright colours.
- Large, busy prints and big logos.
- Too many strong colours in one outfit.
- Shiny fabrics in bold shades.
How to start
Start with a base of navy, cream and one brown piece, like loafers or a belt. With navy trousers, cream trousers, a beige knit and a navy knit you can already make four outfits. Add burgundy, olive or camel later for variety.
For more ideas, read our guides to quiet luxury sweaters for men, quiet luxury pants for men and old money shoes for women.
FAQ
What are old money colors?
Navy, cream, white, camel, beige, brown, grey, olive and burgundy. They are muted, natural and easy to combine.
What is the most old money color combination?
Navy and cream. It is timeless, works for men and women and suits every season.
Is black old money?
Black is used, mostly for evening and in small amounts. Navy, brown and charcoal are more typical for daytime.
Can old money outfits have colour?
Yes, in muted shades. Burgundy, olive, forest green and soft light blue all fit the look.
Where can I shop these colours?
See the quiet luxury edit for men and the quiet luxury edit for women.
