Cold weather is where old-money style is easiest to get right. The pieces are naturally heavier and more structured, the palette darkens, and layering does the work that color does in summer. The principle is the same as ever: good cloth, a narrow palette, a clean line, and nothing that shouts. Here are six outfits for the colder months.
The winter palette
Camel, charcoal, navy, chocolate brown, cream and forest green. Build every outfit from two or three of these. Texture replaces color: a cable knit against a smooth trouser, herringbone against a fine-gauge knit, suede against wool.
1. The city overcoat
A camel or charcoal overcoat over a fine turtleneck, charcoal wool-blend trousers and brown suede loafers or Derbies. The overcoat is the most important winter purchase; it is what people see first. Choose a length that covers the jacket or knit beneath and ends around mid-thigh to knee. See the Marlow Overcoat and how an overcoat should fit.
2. The country weekend
A cream cable-knit sweater, dark trousers, a quilted field jacket and suede shoes or boots. This is the most classic old-money winter look, and the cable knit carries it. Look at a thick cotton cable knit with a half-turtleneck collar or browse jackets and parkas.
3. The office in winter
A quarter-zip knit over a collared shirt, herringbone trousers with a higher rise, loafers. Smarter than a hoodie, warmer than a shirt alone, and it reads senior without a suit. A quarter-zip knit and herringbone wool-blend trousers make the pairing. For more, see how to dress to look more senior at work.
4. The dinner turtleneck
A black or charcoal turtleneck, grey trousers, a dark overcoat and polished shoes. The turtleneck replaces the shirt and tie for evening and looks deliberate on its own. Keep it fitted at the shoulder and smooth through the body. See the Dunmore Turtleneck.
5. The cardigan layer
A button-through cardigan over a polo or open-collar shirt, dark trousers, loafers. A cardigan softens the look while keeping the structure of a jacket. Leave the bottom button undone. Browse knitwear.
6. The trench and knit
A belted trench over a crewneck or roll-neck, straight trousers, clean leather sneakers or loafers. The most versatile in-between outfit for wet, mild winter days. Browse the coats collection.
Accessories that finish the look
- A check or plain wool-blend scarf, worn simply looped.
- A ribbed knit beanie in a neutral tone for genuinely cold days.
- Leather gloves and a plain watch. Nothing else.
What to avoid
- Logo puffer jackets and technical outerwear with tailored pieces.
- Too many colors at once. Two neutrals and one texture is enough.
- Overcoats that are too short or too tight to button over a knit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the old-money winter look for men?
Overcoats, cable knits, turtlenecks and wool-blend trousers in camel, charcoal, navy, brown and cream, finished with suede or leather shoes and no visible logos.
What coat is most old money?
A camel or charcoal overcoat in a wool blend, cut to cover the layers beneath and end around the knee. A belted trench is the classic alternative for wet weather.
Are turtlenecks old money?
Yes. A fine or medium-gauge turtleneck under an overcoat or worn alone with tailored trousers is one of the most consistent pieces of the style.
How do I layer for old-money winter outfits?
Work from thin to thick: shirt or fine knit, then a sweater or cardigan, then the coat. Keep each layer slightly looser than the last so nothing pulls. See how to layer for autumn.
Where to start
An overcoat, one cable knit, one turtleneck and one pair of dark trousers will cover most of a winter. Begin with knitwear and the trouser collection.