Polo Ralph Lauren’s New-Season Wardrobe Heroes

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Polo Ralph Lauren’s New-Season Wardrobe Heroes

Words by Ms Francine Heath | Photography by Mr Dham Srifuengfung | Styling by Mr Olie Arnold

22 November 2021

Though you might not think it, back in 1967 Mr Ralph Lauren was a disruptor. The future fashion legend confidently bucked the trend with his collection of (then rather unusually wide) handmade ties and the rest, as they say, is history. It’s this essence of staying true to his own vision that’s helped Polo Ralph Lauren become what it is today: strong, recognisable and revered. Each season, the clothes and accessories are made not only to be worn, but to be really lived in. The fabrics are trusty. The cuts are classic. The details are considered. And, of course, the branding is on point. Here are 12 picks from the latest line that exemplify all of the above and are guaranteed to become your new wardrobe heroes.

“I’ve always loved the freedom of taking a pattern or fabric and using it in an untraditional way,” Mr Ralph Lauren has said, and, spliced with a series of bold prints, this super light and stretchy cotton-mesh hoodie deftly demonstrates his point. Wear it with a bucket hat and layered up with denim or flannel.

Comfort and ease are central to Polo Ralph Lauren’s design philosophy, which is why there’s always a great checked shirt (or two) in each new collection. A tad smarter than most, this one is cleanly cut from cotton Oxford and has a neat button-down collar. The box pleat keeps the fit feeling nice and relaxed.

“On one level there’s an aspirational quality to having a polo player on it,” remarked Lauren once about his now iconic brand signature. On another level, he added, it’s a just a great shirt. This updated version of the original 1972 release remains conventionally sporty and typically refined. Underpin it with a crew-neck tee if you’re planning to pop the collar.

Buying jeans online can admittedly be tricky (read: a total minefield) at the best of times, but Polo Ralph Lauren’s all-American vibe won’t let you down if you’re searching for casual blue washes. This slim-cut, mid-rise pair is made from rigid denim that’s authentically whiskered and faded.

Ralph Lauren believes in longevity. About as timeless as boots can be, this Chelsea pair is made from soft, rugged suede in an earthy brown shade. Spray yours with a protector before the first wear to ensure they last a lifetime.

Not expecting to see a bucket hat here? Well, we’re championing the floppy-brimmed over more structured cowboy and baseball styles. A sleek interpretation of patchwork, this 1990s-inspired design is made from indigo, light-blue and beige cotton-twill that’s highly breathable. It’s embroidered with the label’s Polo Pony front and centre.

Lauren equates quality to fitted shapes and the finest materials. Ticking both boxes, these tapered cargo trousers are made from natural cotton blended with a dash of stretch and have flattened utility pockets. They’ll always look good with white, but we like them with bold colours (such as yellow), too.

We can testify that this hoodie is as soft as it looks. And not only is it soft, the curly faux shearling is consciously made using 100 per cent recycled fibres. It’s embroidered with the brand’s bear, which first arrived on the scene in 1991 after the designer received a stuffed teddy as a gift from his employees. This time, the cute character has got his ski gear on.

The winter knits in Polo Ralph Lauren’s latest drop showcase Nordic-inspired intarsia. This chunky cardigan is made from natural cotton blended with cashmere to ensure extra cosiness. Wear it in lieu of a novelty Christmas sweater.

A beanie will never let you down when colder days arrive, so it’s worth investing in one that’ll never feel itchy or scratchy. Fitting the bill, this ribbed style is knitted from pure cashmere and has a very subtle tonal version of the brand’s equestrian emblem.

We thought the peacoat was an unimprovable wardrobe classic ­– until we saw this down-filled version, that is. Taking cues from classic military-wear, this padded design is detailed with buttoned epaulettes and cuffs and has a streamlined double-breasted profile.

Polo Ralph Lauren’s team rummaged through the archives to discover the bold beacon motif that emblazons this shirt. The weightiness of the cotton-twill makes it ideal for wearing open over plain or striped tees.