The Guide to Ralph Lauren Styling
How to dress like you’re straight out of a Ralph Lauren lookbook.
As far as fashion icons go, few can hold a candle to the great Ralph Lauren.
From high-luxury to the classic sportswear, each collection is created to honour authentic American style; timeless with a healthy dose of idealism and fantasy of eras past or even those yet to arrive.
What truly sets each collection apart, however, is the designer’s signature styling. While the clothes themselves are spectacular, there’s a way in which Mr. Lauren puts them together that can’t be replicated — however, you can put your own spin on Ralph style by paying close attention to some of his favourite moves...
You can’t flip through a Ralph Lauren campaign or watch a runway show without seeing a version of the classic Half Tuck. It starts with a neutral underpinning — typically a T-shirt, though a henley or turtleneck also works in the cooler months.
A button-up shirt is then layered overtop the underpinning, tucked into your shorts or pants, and then unbuttoned from the collar all the way down to the final button or two before the waistband.
This creates a sense of drama and visual depth, showing off the multiple layers and colours of your look at once.
This is another simple, easy-to-execute look that really is greater than the sum of its parts: pairing a simple knitted T-shirt or polo with a tailored suit.
This creates a pleasing juxtaposition in formality that effortlessly dresses down a suit, offering a more casual, understated appeal.
A softly tailored linen suit breathes beautifully and feels unmistakably modern when paired with a knit tee or Polo shirt in the summer months.
Sometimes a signature Ralph Lauren styling move involves taking a wardrobe staple and wearing it in an unconventional way, like wearing a sweater without pulling it over your head.
We’ve all seen the tried-and-true Ivy League interpretation of this: a sweater wrapped around ones shoulders with the arms casually tied around the neck. This is a look Ralph wholeheartedly embraces, but one he made truly his own by further adapting it slightly.
Sometimes a sweater isn’t meant to be worn on the upper body at all — enter: the sweater belt. Take the arms and wrap them around your waist from back to front, then tie them in a simple knot at your front or side.
This adds a pop of colour and textural interest in an unusual way, though doesn’t appear overly jarring or unfamiliar.
When Ralph Lauren designs swimwear, it’s with more than just the pool or beach in-mind. For example, the Traveler Swim Trunk: beachwear reimagined as a sophisticated warm-weather essential.
Whether choosing a classic solid colour or vibrant floral print, styling makes all the difference. Layer yours with a crisp linen shirt by the pool, a cashmere sweater draped over the shoulders as the sun sets, or even a tailored blazer for dinner.
With polished details and a refined fit, it’s sure to stay in your rotation season after season.
