Old money summer style is simple. Light fabrics, calm colours and a good fit. No logos and nothing that tries too hard. Below are the ten pieces that make most old money summer outfits work, for women and for men, with ideas for how to wear them.
The colours
Keep the palette light: white, cream, sand, beige, light blue and navy. Add one soft colour at most, like pale pink or sage. Light colours reflect the sun and look fresh, and they all go together, so packing is easy.
The 10 pieces
1. A white linen shirt
The most useful summer piece. Wear it tucked into trousers, open over a swimsuit or with the sleeves rolled at dinner. Linen creases, and that is fine. It is part of the look.
2. Linen or light cotton trousers
Wide or straight, in beige, white or navy. They look smarter than shorts and keep you cool. For men, a drawstring linen trouser is the easiest option for holidays.
Linen trousers for men
3. A knitted polo
A knitted polo is the old money answer to the T-shirt. It has a collar, so it looks put together, but it is soft and easy to wear. Tuck it into trousers or a pleated skirt.
Shop the look
4. A pleated midi skirt
A midi skirt in navy or cream works for lunch, dinner and travel. Pleats move well in the wind and look elegant with flat sandals.
5. Tailored shorts
Choose longer, tailored shorts over short denim cut-offs. They should end just above the knee. Wear them with a polo or a shirt.
6. A striped shirt
A thin blue and white stripe is the classic weekend shirt. It looks good with white jeans, linen trousers or over swimwear.
Striped shirts
7. A simple summer dress
One plain dress in white, navy or a small print covers most evenings. Look for a clean shape without heavy details.
8. A light knit for the evening
Evenings by the sea can be cool. A cotton or light wool sweater over the shoulders is practical and looks relaxed.
9. Loafers or flat sandals
Suede-look loafers for men and flat sandals or slides for women. Skip chunky sneakers and flip-flops in town.
Summer shoes
10. A straw hat and simple sunglasses
A straw hat, tortoiseshell sunglasses and a canvas or straw bag finish the look. That is all the accessories you need.
Three easy summer outfits
- Lunch by the sea: white linen shirt, beige wide trousers, flat sandals.
- Town walk: cream knitted polo, navy pleated skirt or linen trousers, loafers.
- Dinner: striped shirt or simple dress, a knit over the shoulders, small gold jewellery.
Keep reading
- Old money color combinations: 10 outfit ideas
- Quiet luxury summer outfits and tips
- Old money pants for women
FAQ
What is old money summer style?
Light natural fabrics like linen and cotton, calm colours, tailored shapes and no logos. Think linen shirts, knitted polos, tailored trousers and loafers.
What colours are old money in summer?
White, cream, beige, sand, light blue and navy. Add one soft colour at most.
Are shorts old money?
Yes, if they are tailored and end just above the knee. Avoid very short or distressed denim.
What shoes go with old money summer outfits?
Loafers, boat shoes, espadrilles or simple flat sandals.
