This collection of prepwear staples strikes the perfect balance for effortlessly stylish daytime dressing. Choose super-soft knits, tailored shirts, relaxed polos and well-cut pants, all proudly bearing the instantly recognizable Polo logo. Jersey maxi dresses, timeless blue jeans, well-cut jackets are all casual classics that will slip seamlessly into your closet. You can see this convention play ralph lauren t shirt out at elegant events. When a couple goes out to an event together to a wedding, ball, soiree, cocktail party, opera, etc., the convention is for the woman to be the star of the show and for her escort to be her elegant foil. Hence at most formal events, men are expected to dress wearing dark colors, while women can wear very brightly colored outfits that can be easily spotted across the room.
Naturally a silk blouse looks nicer than a cotton mens shirt, but even with stuff like linen trousers, they just seem more luxe on women. Something I credit a lot to more dramatic cut, focusing on drape and flow. A silk scarf around the neck of the tweed jacket might be closer. Second, to the extent that men dress for other men, the primary goal is to be taken seriously.
But even the women’s white dresses and floppy sun hats make me think how well white linen and straw go together. As one of the premier heritage brands in the U.S., Ralph Lauren has outfitted some of the most influential figures in the country, including the First Lady. Michelle Obama, who took great pride in supporting the American fashion industry, wore an off-the-shoulder Ralph Lauren gown during a state visit to the U.K. “We always take into account where we are going and that country’s cultural norms,” Meredith Koop, Obama’s stylist, told Harper’s Bazaar of their strategy for picking designers for the First Lady to wear.
This is what we sometimes refer to as high/low dressing. And while it’s much easier to do with the freedom of womenswear, it does have the potential to make both men and women look more spontaneous and more personal. The first was all tweed and velvet, patchwork and paisley. Lots for the menswear enthusiast to dig their teeth into.
One of Lauren’s most recognizable brand hallmarks originated in the early days of his company. The polo shirt—with its bold color, sharp collar, and contrast-stitch logo—was introduced in 1972, just five years after the designer went out on his own. Forty-five-plus years later, it’s still one of the most beloved pieces in the collection. 1972 marked the opening of Ralph Lauren’s store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, his first freestanding store. In 1972, Lauren released a short-sleeve cotton shirt in 24 colors. This design, emblazoned with the company’s famed logo—that of a polo player, created by tennis pro René Lacoste—became the brand’s signature look.