Winter is as good a time as any to focus on your capsule wardrobe. Whilst the festive period brings plenty of opportunities for fun and frivolity with partywear, the cooler temperatures also mean that when we’re not in a sequin frock, we’re often turning to elevated everyday staples. I’m talking about the cosy cashmere knits, tailored wool coats, well-cut denim and a series of boots, bags and other accessories that are fabulously well-made and reliable enough to see us through the season in style.
In the middle of winter, we of course have New Year, which for many is a natural time of change and refresh. “New Year, New Me” is an obvious trope, but it’s rooted in something valid. A new year is an opportunity for reassessment, and this can apply to our wardrobes as much as our mindsets. This doesn’t necessarily mean acquiring pieces that adhere to the trends predicted for the year ahead; it’s more about investing in timeless classics that will be worn, cherished and relied upon for decades to come. And a brand synonymous with this very notion is Ralph Lauren.
Let’s face it: Ralph Lauren needs no introduction. Founded in the 1960s, it is at the core of American fashion and its classic style has become a touchpoint for the country’s culture throughout the decades. When talking about fashion, the word “timeless” can often get thrown about, but Ralph Lauren and its diffusion lines such as Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo and Polo Ralph Lauren (to name just a few) consistently offer sophisticated staples that surpass seasonal fads.
One of the things that Ralph Lauren has always nailed is a unisex approach to design. It’s not that the garments come in ungendered sizing, made wholly for all, but more that the aesthetic is somewhat the same for both menswear and womenswear. Some of the brand’s most iconic pieces, such as the logo cable knits, the striped shirts and the teddy-motif jumpers are all made for, and worn by, everyone. Not only this but there’s a definite menswear-inspired ethos—I surely can’t be the only person out there who has borrowed my dad’s or brother’s signature Ralph Lauren shirt for a more oversized fit.
This season for Ralph Lauren is no exception, with chic essentials that are worth the investment thanks to their sheer wearability. Think denim shirts, quilted jackets, Fair Isle patterns and sumptuous slip dresses, all in a tasteful neutral palette. To demonstrate this, I asked content creator and Who What Wear UK columnist Jessica Skye to style four looks she’ll be wearing this winter (and winters to come), selected completely from the Ralph Lauren and Polo collections. Jess is known for her refined taste, and she has put together outfits perfect for this busy time of year when we find our brimming calendars take us from meeting to errand to appointment, from one lunch date to another dinner—all without the time to nip home and change. Scroll for four looks that will have you covered.
Style Notes: “Quiet luxury” has been one of the buzziest terms in fashion this year, and this look encapsulates the vibe perfectly, especially with the jumper’s extra-high neck and Jess’s choice to wear her coat over her shoulders. There’s nothing chicer than a tonal ensemble, and white trousers are the perfect accompaniment to beige or neutral hues. Here, Jess has created a delicious vision of crème caramel or latte-inspired pieces that feel elevated but are also comfortable. The secret to adding interest when dressing in a head-to-toe palette is to mix and layer texture. Case in point: Jess has opted for a wool coat and jumper to contrast with the cotton trousers, tweed bag and suede boots.
Style Notes: Everything about this outfit feels so inherently Ralph Lauren. The A/W 23 collection sought inspiration from the American West and cowboy culture, which is surely more authentic for Ralph Lauren than any brand. Jess’s interpretation feels classic and cool but also sophisticated. Double denim is often something people feel weary of, but by layering a Fair Isle tank over the top of this denim shirt, the look feels cosy and the blue hues are broken up. This flared bootleg cut is re-emerging for jeans, elongating the leg and working with many shoe styles, but I love that Jess has offered something unexpected in her choice of sandal. The other accessories also speak to the Western theme without feeling gimmicky; the belt with a large silver buckle and rust-coloured suede saddle bag look as if they were made for each other and work perfectly with the denim.
Style Notes: Another classic Ralph Lauren look, Jess’s styling has some Western undertones, but this time draws more on the equestrian theme. By swapping sandals for pointed-toe cowboy boots or mules for riding boots, the look immediately feels a little sportier and preppier, helped along by the white shirt and Polo-logo cap. Preppy styling has dominated autumn/winter trends in recent years, and it’s all about combining tradition with a twist. The touch of tweed with the longline coat and bag feels classic, but paired with the sports cap, it gets an unexpected and contemporary edge. This white shirt is actually part of the menswear collection so it fits slightly differently, reinforcing just how much of Ralph Lauren’s menswear collections can be worn by everyone, making the pieces ideal festive gifts. I love how Jess has buttoned it to the collar and tucked it neatly into the jeans, instead of taking the obvious route and wearing it open and loosely over the trousers. However, both ways work just as well.
Style Notes: We love a slip dress or skirt with a cosy knit on top. Thiselegant yet easy combination is the definition of day-to-night styling (just swap the knit for a blazer and add some lipstick to take this from the office to dinner). Jess’s decision to pair it with sandals makes it feel a little more transitional or ideal for evenings, but you could easily swap out the sandals for boots on cooler days. Take note of Jess’s knitwear choices in all of these outfits—timeless and autumnal brown is the season’s most loved colour that has taken centre stage, perhaps even over black. A softer tone for wool that balances perfectly with the cream satin, this contrast of fabrics is an effortless trick.
Discover more of Ralph Lauren’s collections here.
