A male model in a white linen shirt and beige chinos leans against a whitewashed railing on a coastal terrace at golden hour, with a navy blazer draped on a chair, brown loafers, and a Panama hat; the Mediterranean Sea and cypress trees are visible in the warm evening light.

OLD MONEY SUMMER STYLE: A MAN’S GUIDE TO EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE

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The Old Money Look: What’s It All About?

Listen, I’ve spent years helping guys nail that perfectly polished summer look, and here’s the thing – creating that old money vibe isn’t about splashing cash on designer logos. It’s all about knowing the secrets to timeless, refined style.

Let me break this down real simple – old money style is basically what you’d wear if you spent your summers at fancy yacht clubs or garden parties at your family estate. But don’t worry, you don’t need the trust fund to rock this look!

Male model in a white linen shirt and beige chinos leans against a whitewashed railing on a sunlit coastal terrace during golden hour, with a navy blazer on a teak chair and brown loafers. A Panama hat and vintage watch complete the look, set against the Mediterranean Sea and cypress trees, captured in warm evening light.

Fabric Matters (Like, A Lot)

I cannot stress this enough – your fabric choices make or break the old money vibe:

  • Linen is your best friend (seriously, stock up)
  • Light cotton pieces are essential
  • Skip anything synthetic or shiny
  • Look for natural, breathable materials

Elegant yacht club dock at sunset featuring a subject in a navy blazer over an ivory linen shirt, light gray tailored trousers, and brown boat shoes, with tortoiseshell sunglasses and a minimal silver watch. The scene includes teak decking, polished brass railings, and a soft bokeh of moored sailboats in the background, captured with a shallow depth of field highlighting outfit details in natural maritime lighting.

The Color Code

Here’s the deal with colors – keep it classic and understated:

  • Navy blue (absolute must-have)
  • Cream and ivory
  • Soft browns
  • Classic tan
  • Crisp white

A model in a cream linen suit and white cotton dress shirt stands near blooming hydrangea bushes and manicured hedges at a Hamptons garden party, with suede tan driving shoes and a vintage silver chronograph watch. Crystal glasses and wicker furniture are softly blurred in the background, illuminated by late afternoon light with a subtle sun flare effect.

Essential Pieces You Need

Let’s get down to the actual items you should grab:

The Perfect Linen Shirt

I’m talking about a well-fitted white linen button-down. Trust me, you’ll wear this everywhere.

Tailored Trousers

Get yourself:

  • Light colored chinos
  • Linen pants in neutral tones
  • Well-fitted cotton trousers
The Navy Blazer

This is non-negotiable. Get one that’s:

  • Lightweight
  • Unstructured
  • Perfect for summer

A stylish individual in light brown linen trousers, a white button-down shirt, and navy suede loafers stands near a brass-trimmed revolving door in a luxury hotel lobby with marble floors and high ceilings. They carry a cognac brown leather messenger bag, with dramatic natural light streaming through tall windows, highlighting the architectural details of the space.

Styling Tips That Actually Work

Look, I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to:

  • Never mix more than three colors
  • Keep your fits classic (not too tight, not too loose)
  • Iron everything (wrinkled linen is fine, wrinkled everything else isn’t)
  • Skip the flashy accessories

A model wearing navy chinos, a white polo shirt, and a beige linen blazer sits in a wicker chair on a private tennis club veranda in the morning light. They're accessorized with white leather sneakers, a vintage Rolex watch, and clubmaster sunglasses, with crossed legs and tennis courts visible in the background, captured from a slight elevation with soft morning shadows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I see these all the time:

  • Over-accessorizing
  • Choosing trendy over timeless
  • Picking synthetic fabrics
  • Wearing clothes that don’t fit right

A well-dressed individual in tan cotton trousers, a light blue oxford shirt, and brown suede penny loafers poses in a historic library with dark wood paneling. A navy cardigan is draped over their shoulders, surrounded by shelves of leather-bound books and brass reading lamps, illuminated by warm afternoon light filtering through leaded windows, emphasizing the rich fabric textures and layering.

The Right Shoes Matter

Your footwear can make or break the look:

  • Penny loafers
  • Boat shoes
  • Classic white sneakers
  • Suede driving shoes

Model in white linen trousers and a pale pink oxford shirt, wearing a navy blazer, stands by a stone balustrade at a country club terrace during dusk. A manicured golf course is visible in the background, illuminated by golden hour lighting with subtle lens flare, emphasizing the elegant silhouette.

Look, nailing the old money summer style isn’t rocket science. It’s about choosing quality pieces, keeping things simple, and paying attention to the details. Start with these basics, and you’ll be looking like you summer in the Hamptons in no time.

Remember – it’s not about how much you spend, it’s about how you put it all together. Now get out there and show ’em how it’s done!

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