Quick Answer
To achieve the timeless American Ivy League Old Money look, incorporate these essential elements:
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- Invest in key wardrobe essentials: navy blazers, Oxford button-down shirts, chino trousers, penny loafers, and cable-knit sweaters
- Choose quality pieces from heritage brands like Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Gant, J.Crew, and G.H. Bass
- Stick to a classic colour palette of navy, white, khaki, and olive green with occasional pops of colour in accessories
- Ensure proper fit through tailoring—the Ivy League style is about looking polished and put-together
- Layer effectively by combining blazers, Oxford shirts, and sweaters for sophisticated dimension
- Add subtle personality with tasteful accessories like repp ties, needlepoint belts, or argyle socks
- Dress appropriately for the occasion, adjusting formality while maintaining the core aesthetic
Key Points to Remember
- The American Ivy League style originated in early 1900s Northeastern preparatory schools and universities like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton
- This style reflects a conservative yet refined approach to dressing that exudes sophistication and affluence
- Focus on timeless, high-quality pieces rather than trends—these investments will form the foundation of your wardrobe for years
- A properly styled Ivy League outfit can elevate your presence at business meetings, job interviews, academic presentations, and social gatherings
Want to learn more? Continue reading the full article below ↓
This article is an in-depth style guide to help you achieve that coveted American Ivy League Old Money look.
With over three decades of experience in the fashion industry, we’ve seen countless trends come and go, but the Ivy League style has remained a timeless classic.
So, let’s explore how you can incorporate this refined aesthetic into your wardrobe and elevate your style game.
American Ivy League Style Origins
The American Ivy League style is rooted in the early 1900s uniforms of prestigious Northeastern United States preparatory schools and universities, such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
Inspired by traditional British preparatory school attire, this style has evolved into a conservative yet refined way of dressing that reflects the Preppy subculture’s elitism and affluent lifestyle.
It’s all about embracing classic pieces, paying attention to detail, and exuding an air of sophistication.
Ivy League Wardrobe Essentials
To nail the Ivy League look, you must understand the wardrobe essentials: clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Royal Navy Blazers
A three-button, single-breasted navy blazer is quintessential in any Ivy League wardrobe.
Opt for a well-fitted Old Money style blazer from brands like Brooks Brothers or Ralph Lauren for a polished appearance.
Wear it to corporate meetings, job interviews, or academic presentations to make a lasting impression.
Oxford Cotton Button Down (OCBD) Shirts
The American adaptation of the traditional British polo shirt, the Oxford shirt is made from thick cotton Oxford cloth and features a button-down collar.
Pair it with a blazer for a classic Ivy League ensemble, or wear it independently for a more casual look.
Brands like Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren offer excellent office settings and business casual dinner options.
Chino Pants
Straight-legged, flat-front trousers made from twill fabric are a staple in the Ivy League style.
Look for a versatile and comfortable option for chinos from brands like J.Crew or Gant.
Wear them to business-casual office events, weekend errands, or family gatherings for a put-together appearance.
Penny Loafers
Slip-on leather shoes with a distinctive slot on the front and penny loafers are a must-have for any Ivy League enthusiast.
G.H. Bass and Sperry offer excellent options that will complement your outfit perfectly.
Wear them to academic settings, semi-formal dinners, or business-casual office environments to add a touch of sophistication to your look.
Cable-knit Sweater
Wool or cashmere sweaters woven in ‘cable’ patterns – a raised, textured surface – are available in V-neck and button-up cardigan styles.
Brands like Ralph Lauren and Lacoste offer high-quality options for layering over an Oxford shirt during autumn gatherings, casual Fridays, or holiday dinners.
American Ivy League Style Example
Michael, one of our clients, a young entrepreneur, was invited to a prestigious business conference.
We worked together to create an Old Money look inspired by the Ivy League to help him make a lasting impression at the event.
We got Michael to wear a perfectly tailored double-breasted navy blazer from Brooks Brothers, a crisp white Oxford shirt from Gant, khaki chinos from J.Crew, and a pair of brown penny loafers from G.H. Bass.
For an extra touch of original preppy style, I accessorised Michael’s Ivy League outfit with a subtle repp tie from Ralph Lauren.
The result was nothing less spectacular as Michael’s confidence (and look) landed him a significant business deal and many valuable connections.
Styling Tips
Having a well-curated selection of Ivy League staples in your wardrobe, you’ll be prepared for any event that comes your way.
However, you should consider some extra styling tips when infusing your Ivy League attire with a classic, old-money feel.
Occasion is Important
When crafting your Ivy League-inspired outfits, it’s crucial to consider the occasion.
While wearing a full double-breasted suit might be appropriate for a formal event or a job interview, you can opt for a more relaxed look for a casual Friday at the office or a weekend outing.
Fit is Critical
Ensure that your clothing fits well, as the Ivy League style is all about looking polished and put together.
Invest in tailoring to achieve the perfect fit, as ill-fitting clothes can ruin the overall aesthetic.
Wear a Classic Colour Palette
Opt for neutral colours like navy, white, khaki, and olive green, with occasional pops of colour in your accessories.
This will help you create a versatile, timeless capsule wardrobe that exudes old-money sophistication.
Use Layering
Combine a blazer, Oxford shirt, and sweater for a sophisticated, multi-dimensional look.
This is especially effective during colder months or for more formal occasions.
Subtle Accessories
A repp tie, needlepoint belt, or argyle socks can add a touch of personality to your outfit without going overboard.
Brands like Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren offer accessories that perfectly complement the Ivy League style.
Wear Quality Clothes
The Ivy League style involves investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years to come.
Don’t be afraid to splurge on well-made garments from reputable brands.
They will form the foundation of your old-money wardrobe.
Take the First Step With The VOU’s Styling Quizzes
Start your style journey with our free resources. First, take our Face Shape Quiz to confirm your face shape and receive initial styling guidance.
Then, discover your most flattering colours with our Seasonal Colour Analysis Quiz.
Learn which garment styles suit you best through our Body Shape Quiz, and find your ideal personal style with our Fashion Style Quiz.
Transform Your Image with The VOU’s Professional Guidance
For comprehensive image development that goes beyond hat selection, The VOU offers expert styling services to ensure your complete look projects success and sophistication.
Our Professional Face Shape Analysis package provides you with a scientific analysis of your exact face shape, personalised hairstyle recommendations, customised facial hair styling guide, expert eyewear selection guidance, and detailed grooming recommendations tailored to your unique features.
For the most comprehensive transformation, consider our Complete Image Transformation Package.
This premium service includes our Professional Face Shape Analysis, Seasonal Colour Analysis, Body Shape Analysis, Fashion Style Analysis, Wardrobe Curation Guide, and Personal Brand Development.
Through this complete package, you’ll develop a cohesive style that communicates success and sophistication across all aspects of your appearance.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in curating eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
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