The Timeless All American Designs of Ralph Lauren
Is there anything more timelessly chic than the Ralph Lauren brand? Stepping into one of his stores feels like walking onto the set of a beautifully styled movie don’t you think?. Think preppy meets rustic ranch with a little old-world glamour thrown in for good measure. A high-end collected look oozing sophistication and innovation. Nobody mixes a crisp white shirt, a tailored blazer, and a bit of cowboy charm quite like Ralph. Whether it’s equestrian-inspired outerwear or a glamorous evening gown, his designs have that effortless, enduring quality we all love. Ralph has this magical way of blending classic Americana with rugged elegance. It’s no wonder his pieces have become forever favorites for those of us who crave understated luxury and timeless appeal. What’s not to love about his classic all-American lifestyle? Let’s chat about the timeless all American designs of Ralph Lauren. I have coveted his designs for years.
Why I Love Ralph Lauren
What’s not to love about Ralph Lauren? His designs just speak my language—timeless, classic, with a little rugged romance and a ton of charm. He makes you feel like you could be hosting a dinner party in the English countryside one minute and riding off into a Western sunset the next.I can’t usually swing the price tag on most of his designs, but every now and then I treat myself—or do a little happy dance when I score a gem on Etsy, Thred-Up, The RealReal, or good old eBay.
Shop this RL Look
The Brands
Ralph Lauren has a whole “stable” of collections—admittedly, it can get a little confusing—but each one reflects a different tier of his signature style. If you’re like me and love a good find, the more budget-friendly Lauren line often has beautifully made pieces that still capture that timeless Ralph charm.
The Purple Label
The Purple Label is the most luxurious and exclusive menswear line within the brand. It is known for its high quality tailoring, and is “crafted from the finest materials”.
Collection
Collection is the women’s counterpart (to the purple label). “Each piece is inspired by a vision of timeless luxury” craftsmanship and” modern elegance”.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Polo Ralph Lauren captures a sporty, all-American vibe with its preppy staples and classic casual wear.
Shop the RL Utility Jacket Look
Double RL (RRL)
Double RL, said to be the collection closest to Ralph Lauren’s heart (and mine), channels rugged Americana through vintage-inspired denim, classic workwear, and Western heritage influences.
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Lauren Ralph Lauren, a more accessible option, “blends polish with practicality, offering stylish options for everyday wear”. “Each collection tells a different story, yet all remain true to Ralph Lauren’s enduring vision of aspirational living and personal style”.
This Lauren Ralph Lauren chambray shirt was from several seasons back (maybe 5 yrs) still current like all of his designs. You can find this shirt on eBay here, and on Poshmark here. The pants can be found on eBay here as well.
Shop Ralph Lauren Look
Ralph Lauren’s Home Collection
The home offerings are not as vast as they once were with fewer furnishings and special collections. They still have many decorative accessories, some of my favorite fabrics and wallcoverings from past design projects in the line-up. Still present are great leather accessories, home fragrances, and bedding .
Shop Ralph Lauren Home (tap arrow to scroll)
https://shopmy.us/collections/1569072
Ralph Lauren Vintage
As I said above you can shop the resale outlets but Ralph Lauren has regular vintage drops on his website here.
Spring/Summer Favorites from Ralph Lauren
I am sharing my Spring and Summer favorites from Ralph Lauren. I didn’t include any of the items from the super high end collections (tempting for interest but frankly who can afford them?). What am I personally coveting? The fabulous floral striped linen duster, the ripped jeans (I know many of you hate them), the embroidered white linen jacket , and so much more. Sure many are pricey but you will never regret investing in Ralph. They are timeless and collectible.
Shop Ralph Lauren Style-all my faves from the website-(tap arrow to scroll)
You might also enjoy my post My Affair with Ralph Lauren here.
Shop Ralph Lauren at Resale
If you are a savvy shopper you can score many of Ralph’s designs at resale outlets. If I spot something I like and remain patient, I will often find what I am looking for. If you aren’t a regular resale shopper you might enjoy my post How to Score the Best Deals on eBay and Poshmark here.
Shop vintage Ralph Lauren on Etsy (I find the Etsy sellers to be pretty shrewd, so prices are often better on other sites). Thred-up often has the best bargains but be cognizant of the condition of the items.
Shop Ralph Lauren on eBay here.
Shop Ralph Lauren on Poshmark here.
Shop Ralph Lauren on the Real Real here.
Further Reading & Inspiration:
Discover the Timeless Elegance of Ralph Lauren: A Journey Through the Iconic Brand’s History and Legacy
From Tie Salesman to Household Name
50 Years of Ralph Lauren-Glamour
His latest book, Ralph Lauren a Way of Living-featuring his iconic homes in Jamaica, New York City, Colorado, and Bedord New York. His updated book Ralph Lauren 50 years, which highlights his 50 years in the business.
Ralph Lauren and the Ralph Lauren corporation, have come a long way from his early years as a tie salesman in the bronx. He remains the chief creative officer in his 80’s. Ralph Lauren’s collections are a testament to the brand’s vision and dedication to creating pieces that are both curated and timeless. Unlike so many designers who chase trends, Ralph Lauren’s designs always manage to feel fresh and current—without ever losing that timeless, classic appeal we all love. His vintage styles have a remarkable ability to retain their value, both in fashion relevance and resale market demand. Collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike seek out vintage Ralph Lauren for the brand’s consistent storytelling and commitment to authenticity and timeless design. As a result, many older pieces appreciate in value over time, solidifying Ralph Lauren’s legacy.
Thank you for reading The Timeless All American Designs of Ralph Lauren. Do you have some favorite designs from RL that you love?
Love his collections. The only things we can afford in Australia are the polo tops. My 18 year old daughter has discovered Ralph Lauren and she loves the clothes.
Hi Rita
So I have heard regarding the polo shirts. Apparently they are back in a big way!!
I have always liked the Ralph Lauren ‘preppy’ look and his styles are timeless. My favourite Ralph Lauren piece was a shirt I bought from Neiman Marcus (I think) back in the 1990s. It sticks in my memory, because it was so beautifully made and a size 2 (is there really such a thing?). I always stocked up at Henderson Hall (the Naval store in DC) on the polo shirts as the quality was so good, There is a quiet and understated luxury about Ralph Lauren and my 40 year niece now wears his clothes.
Hi Susan
His designs are timeless which is a rarity today! I love that your niece wears his clothes!
Cindy, I’m a Ralph Lauren shirt/poloshirt fan of many years standing. Mostly, I’ve bought brand new items with tags from ebay. When I compared the prices with Lauren shops here in Australia, even with postage from the US, it was by far the best alternative. His style is one I’m completely at home with, along with favourite similarly styled Aussie brands.
I wear my polos until they’re rags and hate throwing them out. I mostly buy Ralph Lauren Sport in the polos and then with the L/S shirts, whatever tickles my fancy. One of my most favourite shirts is a pale blueish-aqua gingham, beautifully tailored, with 3/4 sleeves and a peplum. It never fails to get comments.
Thank you for a wonderful post on the inimitable style of an icon.
Hi dear Prue!
Please share more of your favorite Aussie brands. I am completely smitten with Sally Phillips.
Hi Cindy. Another Aussie here. Scanlan Theodore is a well known Australian based label. Gerri (from Succession) wore a couple of the outfits on the show. Carla Zampatti is a famous brand, but the clothes are more formal. Mela Purdie is Australian, but probably geared for more travel wear (and a bit like Eileen Fisher). Alquema, is a Sydney based fashion label. Cable clothing (Melbourne based) do some nice pieces. But like you, I love Sally Phillips. I am waiting the arrival of the Joie skirt and shirt (in the black and white print), winter collection, I wish now I had ordered the olive colour instead. Zoe Kratzman (I mentioned before) is a favourite, but I think her summer collections are a bit better than the winter.
Susan thank you so much!! I am going to have fun looking these brands up. I am totally enamored with the Aussie lifestyle in fashion, home and garden!!
Cindy I have followed Ralph Lauren for so many years ..maybe 40 now! I loved his cosmetic line which had a short lifespan but still remember the eye pencils and lipsticks..so elegant. I have the retrospective book and a cookbook by his wife; the recipes are delicious. The sweaters with Western and Native American themes are classics and seemed like art objects when I first began to notice them in fine stores…now occasionally on sale in vintage websites. This early interest was also for Laura Ashley and a couple of Australian clothing brands which were popular; all of these items well made and classic. You wonder where that quality has gone now at times when examining products. Thank you, Donnie
Hi Donnie
I forgot about his cosmetic line! I am going to check her cookbook out as well. The quality of the earlier pieces…so much better. Do you think it is because of fast fashion?
Oh Cindy.
I so enjoyed your post.
You wear Lauren well, my friend.
When Chrislyn asked for “Ralph Lauren A Way of Living” for her 41st birthday, I was so excited to share within my written sentiment inside that the Lauren lifestyle launched the year she was born.
I remember the launch of his home line when I was a buyer for Frederick & Nelson in Seattle in 1983. I can still see the dreamy store windows and his lifestyle store within our store. We styled a dedicated fashion show in the Tea Room. I can still smell the green notes of “Lauren” as we took to all the floors to work the event. Ralph Lauren is a true American treasure.
Thank you for always lifting and inspiring me by your knowledge and passion for excellence in design and living. I am always here, just a little quieter.
Love,
Lynne
Hi Lynne!!
What fun you must have had!!
This spring I was reorganizing my closet and donating items. One thing I kept is my like new 17 year old Ralph Lauren cotton pullover sweater! I have pictures of me wearing it on vacation when it was brand new while eating lunch out with my husband all those years ago.
Hi Lynn
I have a couple of his sweaters (a few mothholes) from the late 70’s early 80’s as well. They are timeless!! Send me a pic!! I would love to see it!
I volunteer at a wonderful thrift store, in Boulder Colorado. Tru Thrift Store benefits our local Hospice. We get wonderful donations. Sometimes, families who’ve had such precious help from hospice donate whole closets full of beautiful wardrobes.
I’ve just started working with the vintage clothing donations. I love vintage, but have a lot to learn! One thing is for sure. Classic American brands are very prized. The fabrics, and workmanship are better in the older pieces. The wear, and patina is prized by shoppers. The young college crowd is super into thrifting. I am too!
Yes to Ralph Lauren – gold standard! Also LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, Levi’s, Wranglers, any western shirt with a Pearl snap. Preppy wrap skirts, madras. Hilo Hattie cotton Muumuu’s make super comfy house dresses. So fun!
Hi Lisa
How fun to be able to scour the incoming goods for treasures!!
Love this post today Cindy. I find RL at my thrift stores which is the only way I can afford them. None the less, I have some awesome pieces.
Hi Michell
Other than the Lauren line, I shop eBay, Poshmark, Etsy and thrift stores for RL treasures as well. Part of the fun is the hunt!
Here’s your laugh for today: I describe my style as Steven Tyler meets Ralph Lauren. 😆 (more fun than Rock n Roll meets Preppy Western) I just received a cool Denim Supply military jacket from ThredUp this morning! Only to find that I am NOT, in fact, a medium in that line. Ah well, one of the nice things about ThredUp is that the vast majority of their items are returnable!
Love today’s post. When we’re in NYC we always stop at his flagship store on Fifth Avenue, 5 floors of an impeccably restored mansion that feature his entire collection of clothing, accessories and home decor. As you observed, the top line is out of reach for us but what an inspiration to see it. Everything is tasteful. The man has great vision and discernment. However, I have noticed the designs are made for women who are tall and long waisted, I am neither. That hasn’t stopped me from finding and wearing his things, some over 30 years old.
Hi Sheila
I do find his sizing runs small. I always check the measurements. I shop resale outlets for his coveted designs and often times I score!
Thank you for this timely post Cindy. Yesterday, I enjoyed watching (on You Tube) the Fall 2025 Collection Ralph Lauren fashion show. The theme is Modern Romantics, feminine and moody. A few weeks ago, I watched the Spring 2025 Collection fashion show. I love seeing how effortlessly (seemingly) he styles his models. Each one captured the essence of spring and summer in the Hamptons. While the prices are out of reach (for most), it’s fun to be inspired to pull similar outfits from pieces in my own closet. My thrifted RL items are each a treasured find. -Donna
Hi Donna
I watched the fall collection too, and the Spring. He never disappoints.
Extra love for this post today! There is only one and no one compares to Ralph Lauren! For 40 years he has inspired my home and wardrobe. I still love every piece I own and consider them fantastic investments. Now my daughters (all in their 30s) love and wear his collections, too. Timeless. Classic. The essence of style. Thanks, Cindy!
Hi Andrea
I couldn’t agree more. I have coveted his designs since I was in high school!!