Ralph Lauren Style for Women Over 50
Have you been following my Salute to American Designer Series? So far, I’ve featured Tory Burch and Donna Karan. Today, we focus on the American fashion Icon Ralph Lauren.
Lauren is known around the world for his all-American style, which is a sporty cross between the country club and classic old-money themes like nautical and equestrian. Here’s a closer look at his one-of-a-kind style and how to get the Ralph Lauren look.
What is Ralph Lauren’s Style?
There’s no question that Ralph Lauren is a designer with his heart in the U.S.A. Every item of clothing he designs is a bit of wearable Americana. It’s classic and classy, and women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s can’t get enough of Lauren’s casual style. Elegant designs. Common themes include
Nautical Style – ie: The Kennedys in Cape Cod is always a favorite.
The Wild West makes a recurring appearance in his work, with ample use of leather and suede, as well as fringe, beading, and denim shirts.
The All-American Collegiate Look is another obvious inspiration for Lauren, with many of his Fall collections resembling an idyllic college campus in the ‘50s: Loafers, plaid skirts, horn-rimmed glasses, and all. He even incorporates a slightly sporty element, which is often considered a hallmark of American fashion, with his iconic polo shirts and racing stripes.
To wear Lauren is to feel truly made in America! Want to play a bit of chic dress-up? Try these tips to be the ultimate Lauren lady:
1. Start with Preppy Basics
What makes Lauren’s looks so wearable, even with a wide array of influences? They have a solid foundation. That foundation is preppy style, so start your outfit with some country club elements.
Try wearing a button-up blouse instead of a T-shirt. Go for a pair of chinos or khakis instead of always wearing jeans. Loafers offer a refreshing alternative to sneakers or ballet flats.
Don’t be afraid of a nice fitted cardigan or a strand of pearls! Adding a bit of argyle, plaid, or tweed to your look is another great way to achieve that Lauren preppy vibe.
Adding one or two of these pieces to your look lays a solid foundation for the aesthetic you’re after, but don’t go head-to-toe in prep. You need to leave room to
2. Add a Wearable theme
The perfect contrast for the one to two preppy items you’ve added to your outfit? A touch of nautical style, linen, red, white, and blue, stripes, gold buttons, or a touch of cowgirl – i.e., swapping out one fabric for suede or leather, or it could be as literal as adding a beaded or fringed element to your look. Denim, oversized belt buckles, and western-inspired booties will also fit the bill.
Just remember, to look like a Lauren model (and not costumey), stick to one to two preppy elements paired with one to two cowgirl elements.
3. Throw in a Dash of Ladylike
Keeping with the preppy theme mentioned above, an element of ladylike style won’t go astray in a Lauren-inspired ensemble. Try pastels instead of always wearing neutrals. Don’t be afraid of soft floral prints, particularly miniature ones, as they mix feminine and Western influences perfectly. By choosing more fitted pieces, such as cropped pants and curve-hugging cardigans, you keep the look grounded and appropriate for any situation.
There you have it: a simple guide to dressing chic and All-American, the Ralph Lauren way. All these pieces from his latest spring collection are fabulous to add to your wardrobe.
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