Find a way to update your tailored look with a touch of Polo Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lifshitz, not a name you recognise? That’s because the Brooklyn-born, Belarusian clothing magnate changed his name to the eponymous Ralph Lauren at the age of 16. A bit more familiar now right? A seller of handmade ties is how his classmates remember him – not bad going for a boy who soon became a millionaire. With a little help along the way (it was Brooks Brothers who gave him permission to use the ‘Polo’ moniker after a stint of work at the company), it was an unrelenting work ethic and a sincere knowledge for fashion that have created a legacy of excellent craftsmanship and an air of gentlemanly charm – traits that are spot on for aw12.
- It’s time to smarten up because a renewed love of tailoring, or at least, a more tailored silhouette is where it’s at for aw12. Offering up that wearability whilst sacrificing none of the sophistication, is Polo’s Americana twist. Take some burnt orange cords, team with a button front grey knit worn over a classic Tattersal check shirt and finish it off with a tie - not just any old tie, this one has Beagles on it – for a nod to maturity with a heavy dose of charm. It’s a look of grown up collegiate cool with a dash of rich colour thrown into the bargain.
- For the country gentleman in you, may we present an excellent alternative to the standard hiking boot and thick knit jumper combination? This manly get-up consists of all the elements of your standard country pursuits but golly gosh, has it been updated. Strike
while the sporting look iron is hot with a truly timeless rugby polo but remember to embrace those smart undertones. Throw on a classically cut blazer – a vintage cord does the trick - and make sure you’re wearing a button-down Oxford shirt before you pull that rugby top over your head.
- Sometimes you just need an easy throw-on look, but gone are the days when dragging something off the bedroom floor is acceptable – not that it ever really was, no, not even in your student days. Enter this bold initialled number. Given that this autumn/winter is all about an innovative knit it will prove a great investment. The same goes for a good pair of cords and a classic blue shirt; they both sit under the umbrella of lasting style which is, of course, Ralph’s biggest mantra. We can’t help but agree.
- For full-on Ralph, look no further. In this look, it’s as though the preppy polo player himself has dismounted his worthy horse and spruced up for a post-match celebration. This iconic top is in fact based on the lifestyle after which the brand is named so take inspiration from its swish influences by layering two similar styles (a double collar look is where it’s at) and team with a pair of freshly ironed chinos – creases need not apply. If you’re feeling in a particularly suave mood, throw a neutral-toned jumper over your shoulders for a bit of laidback, nonchalant charisma.
