Old Money T-Shirts and Polo Tops for Women: How to Wear Them

A T-shirt can look old money. It just has to be the right one: a clean shape, a good fabric and a calm colour, worn with tailored trousers or a skirt instead of joggers. Knitted polo tops go one step further and are the easiest way to look put together in summer and spring. Here are the six styles that work and how to wear them.

What makes a T-shirt or polo look old money

• Calm colours: white, cream, navy, black, soft stripes.
• A neat fit: close to the body but not tight, sleeves that end mid-upper-arm.
• Texture: ribbed knit, fine cotton or a knitted polo looks richer than thin jersey.
• No logos and no slogans.

The 6 styles

1. The knitted polo top

The signature piece. A short-sleeve knit with a collar and a few buttons. Tuck it into wide-leg trousers or a pleated skirt and it looks finished without trying.

Knitted polo tops

Classy Knitted Polo T-ShirtShop nowRibbed Knit Polo TopShop nowTextured Button Polo T-ShirtShop nowV-Neck Premium Polo T-ShirtShop now

2. The V-neck polo

An open V at the neck instead of buttons. Softer and a little more summery. Good with gold jewellery and a slim belt.

3. The plain white T-shirt

A good white T-shirt in thick cotton is the base of many old money outfits. Wear it under a tweed blazer, a cardigan or a herringbone jacket.

4. The striped T-shirt

A thin navy or black stripe is the classic Riviera top. Pair it with white jeans, cream trousers or a navy skirt.

Striped and summer tops

Zip-Up Short Sleeve T-shirtShop nowHollow-out Polo T-ShirtShop now

5. The ribbed knit top

A fine ribbed top in cream or navy looks more polished than a basic T-shirt. It works tucked into high-waisted trousers or a midi skirt.

6. The long-sleeve knit top

For spring and autumn, a thin long-sleeve knit does the same job with a little more warmth.

How to wear them

• Tuck it in. Into high-waisted trousers, jeans or a skirt. It changes the whole look.
• Add a belt. A thin brown or tan leather belt finishes the outfit.
• Keep the rest simple: loafers or flat sandals, small gold or pearl earrings.

Three easy outfits

• Cream knitted polo + beige wide-leg trousers + loafers. Office, lunch, travel.
• Navy polo + pleated midi skirt + flat sandals. Summer weekend.
• White T-shirt + tweed blazer + straight jeans. Smart casual for autumn.

What to wear them with

Belted Wide Leg TrousersShop nowPleated Knit Midi SkirtShop nowOld Money High-Waisted TrousersShop nowPremium Cotton JeansShop now

Keep reading

• Quiet luxury outfits for women
• Old money shirts and blouses for women
• Old money pants for women
• Old money loafers

FAQ

Are T-shirts old money?
Yes, if they are plain, well-fitted and in a good fabric. Wear them tucked into tailored trousers or a skirt.

What is an old money polo for women?
A short-sleeve knitted top with a collar and a few buttons, usually in cream, navy, white or black.

What colours are old money T-shirts?
White, cream, navy, black and thin navy or black stripes.

What do you wear with an old money polo top?
Wide-leg or high-waisted trousers, a pleated midi skirt or straight jeans, with loafers or flat sandals.