A bright Hamptons-style veranda showcasing a summer wardrobe with a white shirt, cream trousers, navy Breton top, and tennis skirt, accompanied by a basket bag and pearl earrings on a wicker chair, surrounded by soft hydrangeas and gentle morning light.

How to Nail the Summer Old Money Look (Without Breaking the Bank!)

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The Perfect Summer Old Money Wardrobe Base

I’ve spent years perfecting this look, and here’s what I’ve learned works best:

Essential Pieces You Need:
  • High-waisted linen trousers (seriously, these are game-changers)
  • Crisp white button-downs
  • Breton stripe tops
  • A few well-fitted midi dresses
  • Classic tennis skirts
  • One perfect blazer for evening

A slim woman in cream linen trousers and a white button-down shirt stands on a sunlit Hamptons-style veranda, with a white railing and a wicker chair nearby. Her basket bag and natural pearl studs are visible as soft shadows dance on the wooden deck, framed by blurred hydrangea bushes in the background.

The Color Story

Listen, this isn’t about flashy colors or wild patterns. Think:

  • Cream
  • Soft white
  • Navy
  • Beige
  • Muted pastels

I always tell my friends – when in doubt, go neutral. It’s literally impossible to mess up.

A woman adjusts her navy Breton stripe top tucked into a pleated tennis skirt in a bright, minimal dressing room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Morning light fills the space, highlighting her simple gold bangles and a cream structured leather tote nearby. The room's white built-ins and vintage mirror enhance its clean lines and sophisticated ambiance.

Fabrics That Scream Luxury (But Whisper Price)

Here’s what to look for:

  • Linen (even if it wrinkles, that’s part of the charm)
  • Cotton
  • Light knits
  • Satin for evening pieces

A model in a midi-length satin slip dress and cream blazer sits at a seaside cafe terrace during sunset, with minimal gold jewelry and nude strappy sandals. A small vanilla leather bag rests on the bistro table, with Mediterranean blues creating a dreamy background bokeh.

The Devil’s in the Details

Small touches that make a huge difference:

  • Pearl earrings (even fake ones look amazing)
  • A structured basket bag
  • Simple gold jewelry
  • Classic leather sandals
  • A good straw hat

A bright studio apartment filled with light, featuring a person arranging a capsule wardrobe on a brass clothing rack, including linen blazers, white button-downs, and neutral knits. Nearby, a selection of pearl accessories and cream and tan leather goods is displayed. Large windows contribute to the soft, even lighting in the scene.

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Putting It All Together

My favorite foolproof combinations:

  1. High-waisted linen shorts + tucked-in striped tee + basket bag
  2. Tennis skirt + fitted knit top + minimal sandals
  3. White button-down + beige trousers + pearl studs

A woman in high-waisted linen shorts and an ivory knit top walks across a manicured lawn in a private tennis club garden, wearing a classic straw hat with a black ribbon, a delicate gold chain necklace, and leather slide sandals. Early morning light casts a soft glow, with mist rising in the background and rose gardens in soft focus.

Pro Tips From My Fashion Fails

Trust me, I’ve made some mistakes along the way:

  • Don’t overdo the accessories
  • Skip anything too trendy
  • Avoid super bright colors
  • Keep makeup natural and fresh

A woman in a pale blue midi dress sits on a cushioned chair on a luxurious hotel suite balcony during magic hour, adjusting a delicate gold anklet. She wears pearl drop earrings and nude ballet flats, with city views and climbing bougainvillea creating a soft-focused background.

Real talk – you don’t need to spend a fortune. Focus on fit and fabric quality over brand names. I’ve found amazing pieces at thrift stores that look way more expensive than they are.

Remember, old money style is about looking effortless, not trying too hard. It’s that “I just threw this on” vibe that actually takes a bit of planning to achieve.

A vintage boutique interior bathed in afternoon light, featuring a model wearing high-waisted beige trousers and a striped silk blouse, browsing through racks. She carries a structured basket bag and is adorned with minimal gold jewelry and caramel brown leather loafers, surrounded by antique mirrors and brass fixtures that reflect a warm ambiance.

Now go forth and rock that sophisticated summer look! And hey, if your linen gets wrinkled or your hair gets messy, that’s totally part of the charm.

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