fahad Ali Gillani, Founder and writer of Cavallo Black – a platform dedicated to Old Money fashion and timeless dressing. Connect with me on LinkedIn

My story: Chringe to Old Money style

When I joined my BBA degree in 2022, I had no idea about the “old money” look. I wore flashy sneakers with big logos and mismatched clothes. My friends and cousins laughed at me. I didn’t feel confident.

Then in my second semester I saw a reel on Instagram of Iman Gadzhi. His calm, confident style with classic loafers and clean men’s men’s style changed how I saw fashion. I started searching for old money loafers, men’s brands like Gucci, G.H. Bass, Allen Edmonds, and Church’s. But the prices shocked me. How could I afford 50,000 PKR shoes when I only got 2,000 PKR pocket money per month?

At that moment, I decided: I wouldn’t let money stop me. I began giving tuition classes to kids in my area while studying. At first it was hard — students didn’t come easily. But I stayed consistent, teaching part‑time after university, and slowly built a small income. Those earnings became my first investment into my look.

Meanwhile, I explored thrift stores—online and offline. I found old money loafers for men’s pairs at 1,500–3,000 PKR (second‑hand but good condition). I polished them, styled them with simple outfits, and suddenly my whole presence changed.

From being the guy who was mocked, I became the guy people in my department copied. Even my family noticed and asked about my shoes. That’s when I realised: old money style isn’t about being rich, it’s about mindset, effort, smart choices.

My story shows that old money capsule wardrobe from scratch is possible even on a student budget.

What is an “old money capsule wardrobe”?

A “capsule wardrobe” means having a small set of clothes that all work well together and that you wear often. For a college student, this means choosing a limited number of items you can mix and match.

“Old money style” means a way of dressing that is quiet, timeless and refined. It uses good fabrics, neutral colours, minimal logos, and fits well.

college student, you get a strategy: build a small, smart wardrobe that looks polished and classic without needing big money.

Why build an old money capsule wardrobe in college?

It’s budget‑friendly: You buy fewer items but better ones.
It saves decision fatigue: Fewer clothes means less stress about what to wear.
It boosts confidence: Looking smart helps you in class, presentations, meetings.
It’s sustainable: Good clothes last longer and you avoid fast‑fashion waste.
It teaches you style mindset: you learn the value of fit, fabric, and coordination rather than just logos.

How to build your capsule wardrobe for different seasons

Here we cover key seasons: summer, autumn, winter. Use these to build your old money capsule wardrobe summer,autumn,winter.

Choose your colour palette

Pick 2‑3 neutral base colours and maybe one accent.
Examples: navy, beige, white (base). Accent: olive or light blue. Old Money+1
This helps everything mix well.

Essential pieces for summer (old money capsule wardrobe summer)

A crisp white button‑down shirt.
A plain high‑quality T‑shirt in white or black.
Lightweight chinos or tailored shorts (if allowed).
A linen or cotton blazer (optional) or casual unlined jacket.
A pair of loafers or minimal leather sneakers (logo‑free).
These items allow you to look smart even in warm weather.

Essential pieces for autumn (old money capsule wardrobe autumn)

A neutral knit sweater (navy or grey).
Dark jeans or chinos.
A blazer or structured jacket.
Leather loafers or clean leather shoes.
A light scarf or simple accessory.
Here you introduce layering and a bit more structure.

Essential pieces for winter (old money capsule wardrobe winter / affordable old money winter outfits)

A wool overcoat or neutral winter coat (camel, navy).
Thermal or good‑quality sweater (cashmere or wool‑blend).
Charcoal flannel trousers or dark jeans.
Chelsea boots or clean leather boots.
Minimal watch, leather belt, good gloves.
Now you’re focusing on how to build a capsule wardrobe for cold weather: layering, fabrics, structure.

You don’t need to break the bank — thrift stores or second‑hand boots and coat can work if condition is good. As one guide says: “Check thrift stores. You may find second‑hand pieces like leather loafers, vintage blazers, cashmere sweaters…” Rethink Beautiful

How to choose pieces smartly on a budget

Prioritise fit: Clothes that fit well look more expensive. The Modest Man
Use natural fabrics: cotton, wool, linen instead of cheap synthetics. The Modest Man+1
Buy less but better: fewer items, but quality ones. Old Money
Thrift or second‑hand when you can: big brand look for less.
Make sure to care for your clothes: polish shoes, mend when needed.

Common mistakes in old money dressing (and how to avoid them)

Thinking you need expensive brands or big logos — real old money style avoids big branding.
Buying lots of trendy items instead of classic pieces.
Using too many bright colours or clashing tones — makes mixing hard.
Ignoring fit (too loose or too tight).
Not caring for your items (wrinkles, unpolished shoes, faded fabrics) — defeats the purpose of timelessness.
So: What are some common mistakes in old money dressing? These are the ones above.

My budget‑friendly wardrobe plan from scratch

Here’s how I built my wardrobe from scratch (and you can follow a simpler version):

I saved extra from my tuition classes earnings.
I bought one good pair of loafers second‑hand for ~2,000–3,000 PKR.
I got a white button‑down and navy sweater.
I used dark jeans + chinos I already had.
For winter I got a thrifted coat, polished boots.
Over time I added a blazer and belt.
Now I mix these pieces and look smart without spending thousands.
You can build your own old money wardrobe from scratch with consistent effort.

Your next‑step checklist

Pick your 2‑3 neutral colours and accent.
Get your summer essentials first, then autumn, then winter.
Set a budget (for example: 2,000–5,000 PKR per item max).
Explore thrift stores and second‑hand online listings.
Invest in one footwear piece (like loafers) that you polish and maintain.
Focus on fit: alter if needed.
Use your clothes often — this is a capsule wardrobe.
Avoid logos, flashy prints, and overly trendy cuts.
Care for what you buy: polish shoes, iron shirts, repair when needed.

Final thoughts

Building an old money capsule wardrobe doesn’t mean you must be born into wealth. It means you make smarter choices, use your budget well, and look put‑together. For a college student with limited funds, the goal is to focus on quality, mix‑and‑match, and timeless style.

Remember: old money capsule wardrobe for college student is entirely doable. It’s about your mindset, your effort, and your smart choices just like my story shows. Start small, stay consistent, and your style will level up.

If you like, I can help you find affordable old money winter outfits options available in Pakistan or for online shipping here. Would you like me to pull those together?

FAQ’s

1. What is an old money wardrobe?

An old money wardrobe is a collection of timeless, high-quality basics like tailored blazers, loafers, and neutral tones that reflect quiet confidence, not flashy trends. It’s about dressing smart, classic, and polished regardless of your budget.

2. What is the 3-3-3 rule for clothes?

The 3-3-3 rule for clothes is a simple wardrobe challenge where you pick 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes, then mix and match them to create multiple outfits perfect for building a capsule wardrobe.

3. How to look good in old money?

To look good in old money style, wear pieces in neutral colors made from natural fabrics like wool or cotton, and avoid flashy trends focus on clean, classic outfits that last.

4. Why is Gen Z obsessed with old money?

Gen Z is drawn to the old money aesthetic because it reflects stability, timeless elegance, and aspiration offering a quiet escape from fast fashion and a chaotic world.

5. What colors define old money style?

Old money style is defined by classic, neutral colors like navy, beige, white, cream, grey, and olive tones that look elegant, timeless, and easy to mix and match.

Old Money Capsule Wardrobe for College Students