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Everything you need to build your perfect spring wardrobe—from iconic Ralph Lauren classics to advice, inspiration and the season’s must-have pieces
 
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"I have always been inspired by the dream of America—families in the country, weathered trucks and farmhouses; sailing off the coast of Maine; following dirt roads in an old wood-paneled station wagon; a convertible filled with young college kids sporting crew cuts and sweatshirts and frayed sneakers."
- Ralph Lauren
"I know I have a signature. I know there’s a New England sensibility. I know there’s a cowboy sensibility. I think there’s a sports sensibility. They’re all mixed. But they all come from non-fashion. They all have an origin of being natural, timeless, real—comfortable sensibilities."
- Ralph Lauren
"I am constantly drawing inspiration from everything I see—the places I travel, the people I know and the movies I see."
- Ralph Lauren
"When I create a collection, I approach it with a cinematic point of view—I am not designing clothes, I’m creating a world."
- Ralph Lauren
"Every time I design clothes, I’m making a movie."
- Ralph Lauren
"Glamour is an attitude—it’s the expression of a certain kind of confidence. A glamorous woman is always elegant, but she also possesses an air of mystery and excitement. She’s dramatic—almost untouchable."
- Ralph Lauren
"My point of view is I’m designing for the person who buys the clothes, and I’m filling their world, and I’m not making a dress, I’m making a dress for them."
- Ralph Lauren
"I’ve never wanted to be in fashion. Because if you’re in fashion, you’re going to be out of fashion."
- Ralph Lauren
"The way I do collections and what inspires me is a story or theme that gets to me... that says I know how to build this. I don’t build a collection from the sleeve or from a specific fabric. I build it out of a dream."
- Ralph Lauren
"I like romance, I like glamour and I like realism. I think that’s a great combination."
- Ralph Lauren
"Classic, to me, is something that’s timeless, enduring. The things that never go out of style. Polo, the kinds of clothes I design are the kinds of things I believe in, the kinds of things that last forever. I love things that stay."
- Ralph Lauren
"I don’t want to be this year’s fashion. I want to be forever. The kinds of clothes I design are the kinds of clothes that are timeless. I don’t want to be last year’s look. So in concept of my designing, I’m always very conscious of the timelessness and of not being trendy."
- Ralph Lauren
"I started with the origins of tradition, but I was not bound by it."
- Ralph Lauren
"I try to project a constant sensibility about life. To me, the clothing is not—it’s not just clothes. It’s how you live and what your dreams are... I’m always designing clothes for those dreams."
- Ralph Lauren
"My dreams are my work. I design out of the things that I love."
- Ralph Lauren
"My ideas come from life; they come from work; they come from everyday living."
- Ralph Lauren
"I try to design into a world that is constantly moving, and moving me."
- Ralph Lauren
"The excitement for me of being in this business is not following, it’s leading and having an inspiration. I’ve given all my feelings out in terms of my clothes. I feel like I write through my clothes."
- Ralph Lauren
"To design without fashion in mind, to design something legendary that has a sense of timelessness, a foreverness that still excites us, is what I aspire to."
- Ralph Lauren
"I try to project a constant sensibility about life. To me, it's not just clothes. It's how you live and what your dreams are."
- Ralph Lauren
"Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever."
- Ralph Lauren
"For me, style is about quality, integrity and timelessness. It is free of trends but always feels fresh and new."
- Ralph Lauren
"Don’t be today’s look. Be a look that’s timeless. Don’t try to be yesterday’s news."
- Ralph Lauren
"I was influenced by British fashion, but not fashion. British people. You know, I think I’ve always been interested in the person and how they live and what their style is."
- Ralph Lauren
"I think I’ve always loved England because it was non-fashion. It was timeless. It was not about what was the latest new sleekness. It was about weathering and those things that get better with age."
- Ralph Lauren
"Personal style has to do with your own confidence. And the sense of knowing what looks good on you, and a way of expressing your individuality. Putting yourself together in an individual statement is what I most admire. And when you have confidence, I think it shows."
- Ralph Lauren
"Personal style is about a sense of yourself, a sense of what you believe in and wearing what you like."
- Ralph Lauren
"It’s easier to follow fashion than it is to have personal style."
- Ralph Lauren
"Fashion is very transient. It is trends that come and go. For me, it’s about timelessness and about style. A sort of non-fashion statement that’s very stylish. That’s what I’m about."
- Ralph Lauren
"It’s your choice to decide what looks good on you. What world you fit in. What do you feel about that. And don’t be afraid of having to be one look. Be anything you want to be. And be many things."
- Ralph Lauren
"Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you."
- Ralph Lauren
"For me, luxury is a sensibility, an approach to life. It’s not about the season’s newest anything. It’s about personal style and creating an environment of comfort and ease. Luxury is quality and timeless elegance."
- Ralph Lauren
"So what I believe in is this timelessness of some of these things. The timelessness of an attitude. The timelessness of an old tweed jacket and suede elbow patches."
- Ralph Lauren
"I think today, the world is one. Fashion comes from all over—from Japan, it comes from America, it comes from France, it comes from Italy, it comes from people on the streets. Fashion is all over the place. And the world is exciting now because so many things are happening at once."
- Ralph Lauren
"I have a vision for living. It’s about elements of style. It’s about all the things that I love, that I believe in."
- Ralph Lauren
"I like things that are worn. I don’t like newness... I still wear old things. And I wear new things. And the old things that I love are non-fashion. There’s a timeless quality and an unfashionable sensibility... they’re utility, the things you wear to work in, they’re things that have sort of an honesty."
- Ralph Lauren
"Fashion is about change. It’s about youth. It’s about aspiration. It’s about what’s going on in the world. It’s a blend of many things that are happening. Coming from many different directions. You have to be tuned in all the time."
- Ralph Lauren
"I’ve always believed one could live many lives through the way we dress and the places we travel to, even if just in our imagination. The world is open to us, and each day is an occasion to reinvent ourselves."
- Ralph Lauren
"I’m not about fantasies. I think I’m about quality and realness and earthiness and anti-fashion. I’m not about fashion. I’m about things that you own and keep that you cherish. I don’t throw out my clothes. They get better with age."
- Ralph Lauren
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RL Classics

Learn how these iconic items were reinterpreted by Ralph Lauren to become the epitome of American style

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As integral to the preppy lifestyle as the navy blazer and oxford shirt, the repp tie has earned its place in the library of Ralph Lauren classics
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First spotted on the backs of sailors in nineteenth-century France, the nautical stripe has evolved from military garb to stylish staple in little more than a century


Word of the Day
Brushed
A fabric finish in which the surface is brushed to produce a soft nap. Chino and flannel are two examples of fabrics that are often brushed for softness and comfort.

 
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What are some ways to dress up my polo shirts?
Incredibly versatile, the polo shirt can be dressed up or dressed down to suit the occasion. Most commonly worn on casual days, it can be dressed up in a number of ways. First, consider the color of the polo. Darker colors tend to be smarter and more appropriate for formal events. Pair the shirt with a blazer and dress pants for a simple yet elegant look. For another take on the formal look, opt for smartly tailored chinos and lace-up brogues—an appropriate option for a Friday at the office or lunch at the country club.
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Can I wear socks with my loafers and boat shoes?
Preppy style dictates that it is completely acceptable to wear your shoes without socks. In fact, we encourage it for the most part. While we cannot advocate the look of socks with boat shoes, thin socks with a classic loafer is always appropriate and timeless. For a fun and casual style, try a colorful pair to add variety and personality.
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Does wearing knits underneath my suit render it casual for professional settings?
It is completely acceptable to wear knits underneath a suit without crossing the casual line. Start with a knit in a color that will complement the suiting look. To maintain a streamlined silhouette, layer with sweaters in lightweight fabrics, such as cashmere and cotton, that won’t add bulk. Not only will adding knits to your outfit give you the opportunity to create new looks, it can also add polish while keeping you warm.
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What are some stylish ways to transition my wardrobe into spring?
After a season (or two) of freezing winds, snow and sleet, it can be tempting to dust off your white eyelet sundresses at the first hint of spring. Temper the transition by injecting your winter wardrobe with classic elements of warm-weather style—pastels, bright hues and light layers are the perfect antidote to dreary weather. Incorporate seasonal runway trends for an instant update, and don’t forget the power of a must-have accessory, handbag or new shoe to make a bold spring statement long before the flowers start to bloom.
View all Women's Q&A
What are the must-have accessories this season?
Spring’s shoes and accessories run the gamut, from classic Gatsby-inspired spectator styles to modern and minimalist pieces, but they all share one crucial characteristic: a light, airy quality that is evocative of leisurely mornings, romantic afternoons and evenings under the stars. Wicker and raffia motifs add levity to evening clutches and high-heeled sandals. Icy, metallic tones prove to be a versatile touch from head to toe, whether decorating a crocheted scarf, adding extra glamour to a python handbag or elevating a simple city sandal.
View all Women's Q&A
What is the best way to wear this season’s color-blocking trend?
Color-blocking is a chic way to add vibrancy to your wardrobe but after dark requires a more elevated approach than simply clashing shades. Streamline your look with a mix of layers in muted, contrasting tones, such as olive silk trousers with a drapey cardigan in cream or chocolate brown—the effect is one of louche luxury that is both classic and right on trend. For a more showstopping take on color-blocking, try varying shades of harmonious brights—for example, pair a short red dress with a fuchsia clutch and deep purple belt that nips in the waist. Color-blocking makes a major statement without relying on too many accessories and is a look that can be recreated with your favorite, most classic pieces. Err on the side of minimalism when adding accessories—sleek silver cuffs or a simple gold collar will punctuate the look without overpowering your saturated silhouette.
View all Women's Q&A
How can I add a warm-weather feel to the different rooms in my home?
With warm weather within reach, now is the perfect time to infuse your home with a summery feel. The warm months are known for being airy, easy and bright, so the thick, cozy textures and deep colors of winter can now be cleared away and replaced with natural materials that reflect the outdoors. Replace dark, leather accents with tall glass hurricanes and vases encased in a natural woven shell. The addition of a few summery pieces—whether it’s a crisp white sheet set in airy cotton or potted plants that mirror the green outside—drastically alters the overall aesthetic. Finally, update the personal pieces in each room for a fresh start to the new season. From the novel that graces your bedside table to the flowers that fill your dining room centerpiece, these real-life finishing touches will transform your home for the new season.
View all Home's Q&A
What are some tips for incorporating flowers into my home décor?
Flowers are an essential part of any home environment, whether you’re entertaining or enjoying the space yourself. Of course, we would all like to have fresh cut flowers replaced daily (and, if you have the time, this is the ideal), but schedules often interfere. To that end, potted house plants can create a similar effect. Orchids can last for years, flowering several times over, if well cared for, and many simple green plants—rubber trees and palms, for example—require minimal maintenance. If your green thumb is truly non-existent, don’t give up hope: Decorating with black and white photos of flowering plants can create the desired effect with zero upkeep.
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What are some ways to update my barware collection for spring?
While the winter season calls for rich, Old World inspired barware, the spring season presents an opportunity to introduce lighter, more cheerful elements into your decor. Fresh flowers, lighter liquors and spirits, and cheerful glasses and serving pieces will instantly update the look for the spring season. New from Ralph Lauren Home this spring are vibrant blue highball and double old-fashioned glasses, which instantly ready a collection for warm-weather entertaining.
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Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 Collection Runway Show
This season’s heroine is defined by a strength and boldness of character that transcends time. Her distinctive style possesses a worldliness that crosses settings—from an Edwardian estate to a Deco cityscape—and traces a dramatic narrative arc from the demure first act to the breathtaking final scene.