This post is a little late…but still, the annual back to school list of Old Money wardrobe items is a long-standing tradition here on the blog.
So if you’ve procrastinated and not done your off-to-college or last-year-of-high-school shopping, good for you. This is the one time that putting something off until the last minute will serve you well.
And of course, if you need a go-to guide book for dressing well and not breaking the bank, you can always pick up a copy of Old Money Style (for Guys) and Old Money, New Woman (for Gals). But let’s just focus on the essentials to help you be the original OMG on Campus this fall.
First, the ladies…
I’m going to broadly recommend the following, and then beg Amy, Elle, the 2 Jan’s, Ms. Hemingway, Ms. Bishop, and Good Golly Miss Molly (you know who you are; where have you been?) and all of our other loyal and faithful Old Money Gal Tribe Members to comment and contribute.
I have not visited the states in almost two years, so I have no idea of what’s available, who’s still in business, and what items are a good value right now as far as women’s attire is concerned.
Nevertheless, onward through the fog…
For starters, button-down 100% cotton long sleeve blouses, striped and solid colors, Ralph Lauren or Brooks Bros.
100% cotton short sleeve polo pullovers by Ralph Lauren, Brooks Bros., Lacoste, LandsEd, or LL Bean.
100% cotton or 100% wool crew neck or V-neck sweaters.
Quilted Barbour or Barbour-style hip length jacket for football games.
Khaki pants, Ralph Lauren, Brooks Bros., LandsEnd, LL Bean.
Ragg wool socks by LL Bean.
Subjecting myself again to blog-wide controversy and/or eternal damnation, I’ll nevertheless go out on a limb and suggest a pair of Stan Smith Adidas sneakers (classic green trim, only, please.)
Penny loafers in brown leather.
And the little, but not too little, black dress…and black heels or pumps.
So that was a quick ladies’ check list. Let’s move on to the Old Money Guys.
The 100% cotton button down shirts from Mercer and Sons (blue oxford, best choice), Ralph Lauren, Brooks Bros., LL Bean, or LandsEnd. Start with blue, then white, then blue & white stripes.
The khakis, cotton pants, or corduroy pants from Ralph Lauren,Brooks Bros., LL Bean, or LandsEnd.
The same Barbour style jacket recommended above. The same wool socks recommended above. The same penny loafers recommended above. And even the same Stan Smith’s recommended above. Dressing Old Money Style is so simple, and it’s so convenient to steal and wear your boyfriend’s clothes without anyone even noticing! I know! It’s crazy!
The cotton or wool crew neck or V-neck sweaters, with the Holy Grail being the Shaggy Dog from J Press.
The LL Bean boot for getting to class in cold, wet weather.
And the classic, Old Money ensemble of the blue blazer, dress shirt, and grey slacks for almost any social occasion. Feel free to mix, match, and layer the sweaters, polo shirts, and boots with this for your own, individual look.
So that’s dressing well in a nut shell, to put it poetically.
I’m eagerly awaiting your comments. Thanks again for supporting this annual tradition.
- BGT