Old money fashion is quiet and refined, and it always looks expensive. One of its core pieces is a well-made, understated sweater. Whether it is a weekend in the countryside or a city lunch, the right knit does most of the work. Here are the five old money sweaters every woman should own.

1. The cream cashmere turtleneck

Nothing says old money like a cream turtleneck in soft cashmere. It is warm but light and perfect for layering: under a trench coat, with tailored trousers or with a pleated skirt on a cold day. Stick to cream, ivory and oatmeal, and avoid logos.

Woman in a cream cashmere turtleneck

2. The navy crew neck

A navy crew neck is a true classic. It is clean, a little academic and never out of place. Choose a fine knit with no branding and let the collar of a white shirt show at the neck. Pair it with beige trousers, riding boots and simple gold studs.

Woman in a navy crew neck sweater over a white shirt with beige trousers on a lake terrace

3. The ivory cable knit

The cable knit, or fisherman sweater, comes from heritage knitwear and gives richness through texture, not labels. Wear it loose over tailored trousers, or half-tucked into straight jeans.

Woman in a cream cable knit sweater and camel scarf by a sunny cafe window in winter

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4. The camel sweater

Camel is one of the most elegant colours you can wear. A camel crew neck or V-neck in wool or a wool blend is flattering and works with white trousers, pencil skirts and dark denim.

Woman in a camel sweater and white wide-leg trousers on a harbour promenade

5. The fitted button-up cardigan

This is the French take on old money: a fitted cardigan in grey, stone or cream, buttoned up and worn as a top. Add pearl studs or a silk scarf and it is a full outfit.

Hands buttoning a knitted cardigan, with the BLENIN label inside the collar

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How to choose a good sweater

  • Check the label. Wool, cashmere or a blend where natural fibres come first feels better and lasts longer.
  • Look at the knit. A tight, even knit keeps its shape. If you can see a lot of light through it, it will stretch.
  • Keep the colours calm. Cream, camel, navy, grey and oatmeal are the easiest to combine.
  • Fold, never hang. Hanging stretches the shoulders.

FAQ

What is the most old money sweater?
A cream cashmere turtleneck or a navy crew neck. Both go with almost everything.

What colours are best for old money sweaters?
Cream, ivory, camel, navy, grey and oatmeal. Burgundy and forest green work as accent colours.

How do I wear a sweater the old money way?
Keep the fit neat, tuck it into high-waisted trousers or layer it over a shirt, and add a leather belt and simple jewellery.

Where can I shop BLENIN sweaters?
In our women's sweaters collection and the quiet luxury edit for women. For men, see quiet luxury sweaters for men.

— BLENIN Team

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