Last week the fashion crowd weren’t in Paris or Milan, but gathered at the Hamptons, the ultra-luxe coastal resort outside New York.
The occasion? Ralph Lauren, 84, presented his latest collection on the beach that he calls his ‘refuge’ and ‘inspiration’.
From Anna Wintour to Naomi Watts, you couldn’t move among the dunes for A-listers, while supermodels Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington strutted the catwalk.
For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren has been delivering his clean, all-American, preppy aesthetic.
The looks showcased for SS25 you already know: blazers, billowing wide-leg trousers, a striped top and a simple trench in a mix of reassuring neutrals and dopamine brights.
And the good news is this look really is great for everyday life whether you’re 20 or 80, creating an effortless uniform that’s versatile and flattering.
Preppy styling is also brilliant for this time of year – it’s too early for cosy knitwear, but a chill in the air means long-sleeve rugby shirts and light trenches will be the hard-working stars of your autumn wardrobe. This time around, mix in bold primary colours with your neutrals for a freshen up.
These are the six pieces to know and where to find them on the High Street.
Rugby top
Pink and khaki striped top, £79, beaufortand blake.com
Ralph Lauren’s designs have always been influenced by sportswear, especially his polo shirts featuring the instantly recognisable horse logo.
Now it’s rugby tops which have taken over. A wider, stiffer collar elevates this stripy style and gives it a sharper finish, while the long sleeves are perfect for cooler weather.
Beaufort & Blake’s pink and khaki style (£79, beaufortandblake.com) hits the spot, while on
the High Street, Joules (£54.95, joules.com) and Marks & Spencer (£29, marksandspencer.com) have great quality versions in a thick cotton.
Go for loafers rather than trainers, and try tucking your top into a pair of jeans or a maxi skirt to make it stylish rather than schoolboy.
Riding boots
Tan boots (left), £425, fairfaxandfavor.com and (right), £99, Dune at debenhams.com
Forget the cowboy boots craze – preppy chic is all about riding boots. It’s worth paying for real leather if you can as it will soften and age beautifully over time.
Tans, chocolate browns and blacks are the classic colours to invest in, worn with slim-leg trousers or underneath midi-skirts and dresses.
Look for detailing, like this tasselled version from Fairfax & Favor (£425, fairfaxandfavor.com) and keep the heel low to make them walkable.
Crisp shirt
Blue shirt, £110, withnothingunderneath.com
If you want to look modern, start with a shirt. A crisp collar will smarten even the simplest look.
Just avoid anything tight, especially across the bust. Go for an oversized option that can be tucked in for work or left loose for a relaxed feel.
With Nothing Underneath has a smart, blue style (£110, withnothingunderneath.com), or for added interest go for pinstripes. For preppy simplicity, try a simple navy shirt from Boden (£80, boden.co.uk).
Blazer
Coat, £329, and red blazer, £199, hobbs.com
Nothing shouts preppy louder than a blazer. Those who are partial to a bit of added bling can go for gold button accents, but it’s not a must. The Princess of Wales is a fan of the look – her blazer of choice is by British preppy favourite Holland Cooper.
Or opt for this single-breasted version (above right) in a standout tomato shade (£199, hobbs.com), since any shade of vibrant red is set to be the colour of the season.
Wide-leg trousers
Blazing a trail: Ralph Lauren’s SS25 collection
Trousers, £225, meandem.com
Chic: Christy Turlington last week walking the runway for Ralph Lauren in New York for fashion week
Wide-leg trousers were a firm fixture on the Ralph Lauren catwalk. A white relaxed pair were styled with a pale top for stealth-wealth chic.
Keep them high-waisted to flatter hips and never underestimate the power of accessorising with a good belt, which pulls your look together instantly.
Choose a soft fabric that swishes like a skirt with all the practicality of trousers. This loose-fitting style (£225, meandem.com) adds a preppy pop of colour, too.
Trench coat
Classic version, £165, albaray.co.uk
Cropped style, £69.99, zara.com
A trench is the ultimate transitional coat for autumn. Now is the time to invest so you can get the most wear out of it.
You can’t go wrong with the classic biscuit tone, like this style (left) from Albaray (£165, albaray.co.uk).
The beauty of a good trench lies in the belt, which transforms it from open and casual, which is how it was sent down the Ralph Lauren catwalk, to meaning business with a nipped-in waist.
For a fresh take, copy Gwyneth Paltrow who stepped out in New York on Monday in a cropped trench. Zara has a smart version in beige and khaki (£69.99, zara.com).
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