Journal ·
Old money style in India: how to look sharp in the heat
Old money style means quiet clothes that look expensive because of their cut and fabric, not their logo: high-rise pleated trousers, plain shirts, knit polos, loafers. In India it works best in breathable cotton and linen, in light neutral colours, with a looser cut that lets air move.
The five pieces
- 1High-rise pleated trousers in beige, navy or black
- 2A white or light blue cotton or linen shirt
- 3A fine knit polo for evenings
- 4Loafers or espadrilles, no socks in summer
- 5A plain leather belt and a simple watch
Rules that make it work
No visible logos. Neutral colours that match each other. Tuck the shirt in. Trousers that touch the shoe without bunching. Fit beats price: a well-cut trouser from a small brand looks more expensive than a famous logo on a bad fit.
For Indian weather
Choose cotton or linen over polyester, light colours for daytime, and a straight or wide leg rather than skinny. Pleats help here: the extra room keeps cloth off the skin. Roll shirt sleeves twice and skip the jacket.
Three outfits
Office: navy pleated trousers, white shirt, brown loafers. Wedding day events: beige trousers, white linen shirt, espadrilles or loafers. Dinner: black trousers, cream knit polo tucked in.
Casa Amara’s Drop 001 trousers are made for exactly this look: pleated, high-rise, cotton twill, in navy, beige and black for men and beige and navy wide-leg for women. See the men’s and women’s trousers.