A few days ago a “moment” on Twitter caught my eye. Ralph Lauren had released a “Friends” capsule collection, inspired by the iconic tv show (one of my favorites too). I immediately headed over to the Ralph Lauren site to check out this collection, Once I was there and had seen the “Friends” exhibit (which was mostly women’s fashion) I started to browse the Ralph Lauren fall 2019 collections for the Polo and RRL stores. Now, I don’t normally visit Ralph Lauren too much. Something about the excess of graphics and logos turns me off. Mr. Lauren is an incredible designer, but he is also an amazing promoter convincing millions of people to be his walking billboards too. I’ve never felt attracted to this type of merchandising. I hardly ever wear a logo, with the exception of a few little, embroidered crocodiles.
Logos aside, once I started browsing Polo and RRL, I began to see how great this fall’s collection is. Honestly, I was a little surprised. I’m so used to thinking about Ralph Lauren as polo shirts and chinos, that I hadn’t taken the time to look at some of the other great pieces they were putting together. Prompted by this discovery, I visited my local store in the King of Prussia mall. I even shared some of my discoveries on my Instagram stories. Are you following me on insta yet? You should. Click here. As far as Ralph Lauren’s fall collection, I think the real big winners this fall are suits, sport coats, and sweaters. The new Varick slim-straight jeans are pretty great too.
Between my deep dive online and my trip to the store in-person, I’ve pulled together my favorite items from this fall’s collection. I’m presenting them here with a quick description of what I like about each one too. Please feel free to reach out with any questions on the items or how to style them!
The Best of Ralph Lauren Fall 2019 Part 1
1. Slim Straight Selvedge Jeans: I really liked the cut of these. Not too skinny, not too straight. Perfect for bigger guys like me who want to still wear something with a tailored look.
2. Glen Plaid Twill Suit: My next suit purchase is going to be a double breasted suit. I’ve been very into them lately. I love this glen plaid pattern too!
3. Aran Wool-Cashmere Cardigan: Nothing says “crisp, fall weekend” like a chunky cardigan. I can just imagine sitting on the couch, windows cracked, and watching football (maybe a nap or two) in this sweater.
4. Cotton Crew Neck Sweater: Ok, I’m hi-key obsessed with this sweater. I told you Ralph Lauren’s sweater game was strong this season. This sweater is one of the reasons why.
5. RL67 Glen Plaid Jacket: Supposedly inspired by one of Ralph’s personal favorite jackets, this sport coat is everything a sport coat is supposed to be. Looks at those pockets!
6. Fair Isle Sweater: Ok, I know. Another sweater. But seriously, look at this thing. I love fair isle sweaters, and this one is incredible.
7. Suede Chelsea Boot: A boot with a heavy rubber sole is a must for cold weather. This suede Chelsea is as stylish as it is functional.
8. Rugby Shirt: rugby shirt is back. This was a must-have item when I was growing up, and this navy and gold was always my favorite.
9. Herringbone Sport Coat: This sport coat reminds me of the jacket David Beckham wore to Wimbledon this year, but in a cold weather version. Pair it with a blue Oxford shirt, repp tie, and dark gray flannels for a classic look.
10. Slim Stretch Chinos: I’m not a huge fan of stretch fabrics, but chinos are one of the few places I’ll make an exception. They’re casual and comfortable.
11. Chambray Shirt: Want to wear a button down, but want it more casual than a dress shirt? Try a chambray shirt. A shirt like this is perfect with a pair of chinos.
12. Three-Piece Flannel Suit: A suit like this is so versatile. Wear all three pieces for a more formal look. Wear it as a classic gray flannel suit. Break it up and wear the trousers and jacket separately. This is like six outfits on one.
The Best of Ralph Lauren Fall 2019 Part 2
13. Doeskin Double-Breasted Blazer: Again on that double-breasted kick.This jacket would pair well with the trousers from that flannel suit or even a pair of jeans (light or dark).
14. Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Sweater: I LOVE this color. I mean, look at that purple. The color is what sold it for me.
15. The Earth Polo: Everyone knows about Ralph Lauren polos. Nothing groundbreaking there. However, these shirts are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. I thought that was pretty cool.
16. Plaid Twill Workshirt: Fall. Flannel. Overshirt. Enough said.
17. Varick Slim Straight Jeans: Really into Ralph Lauren’s slim straight cut. At this point that should be obvious.
18. Wool-Blend Peacoat: I think the proportions on this coat are spot on. The lapels are the right size. The buttons are done right. This is how a peacoat should look.
19. Cotton-Wool Shawl Cardigan: Ok, last sweater, I swear. But how great is this cardigan? I’m picking up major Steve McQueen vibes here.
20. Handmade Silk Tie: The texture of this tie is absolutely beautiful. And I love the 3.5 inch width.
21. Denim Shirt: Like the chambray shirt above, this shirt is a simple way to add a touch of something special to any casual outfit.
22. Cotton Chinos: Dark green chinos are my new way to step out of my jeans/khakis comfort zone. They work with all the same shirts that jeans do, but bring something a little new to the party.
23. Wool-Blend Polo Sweater: This is more long sleeve polo than sweater, and it’s perfect for wearing under a suit or sport coat.
24. Soft Plaid Sport Coat: Another plaid sport coat. I told you sweaters and sport coats were the big winner this season. This would look perfect at Thanksgiving dinner.
So these are my picks for the best of Ralph Lauren Fall 2019. What do you think? Let me know! I’d love to hear what your favorites are.
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