- Jan 12, 2004
- 745
- 19
From RL Style Guide - Suits, Sport Coats and Formal Wear section.
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| How can I incorporate winter plaid into a sophisticated Ralph Lauren look? 
When it comes to holiday dressing, plaid is both an easy way to update your look and a nod to the season's classic heritage. Plaid jackets and accessories can be effortlessly incorporated into any casual look and a plaid shirt can be dressed both up and down. Try layering a plaid shirt under a solid sport coat or suit for a refined look for a holiday party. For something a bit more traditional, try it with a chunky shawl collar or slim V-neck sweater. Up the style quotient by adding a solid bow tie or subtly stripped tie. Plaid is a fun way to add some signature style to a casually elegant event. 
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| What can I wear to a casual holiday party while still keeping my classic Ralph Lauren look? 
A casual look can be just as refined as your dressy attire. The important thing to remember is that when in doubt, the holidays are the time of year to skew to the formal side of dressing. To achieve a relaxed but tailored look, start with a pair of flat-front, fitted pants. Jeans should be pristine and dark. A thin cashmere or fine Pima cotton sweater should fit close to the body and frame a crisp plaid or check-pattered shirt. If you're more conservative in your fashion choices, try a classic stripped dress shirt. Tuck in both the shirt and the sweater and pull it all together with a sleek belt. Ties and bow ties are crucial, and tie bars or a collar bar will keep neckwear neatly in place. Anchor your holiday look with some wing tips or sleek Chelsea boots. 
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| Is there a difference between a sport coat and a blazer? 
The simple answer is yes. There are characteristics and qualities that are exclusive to each, though it's become common and acceptable to use the terms interchangeably. Some things to look for in a classic sport coat are weightier fabrics (think tweed, corduroy, wool, cashmere) and flapped pockets. Blazers tend to be more casual by nature, typically offered in cotton, lightweight wools and silk. Blazer pockets don't necessarily have flaps and tend to skew towards the casual. However, with the hybrid jackets out there today and so many modern design elements, these traditional rules have become somewhat hackneyed. We recommend focusing less on what you call it and more on how you wear it.
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| What's new in Ralph Lauren tailored clothing?
Here at Ralph Lauren, we stand by the classics, but this season classic takes on a whole new meaning with the reinvention of our timeless polo suits and sport coats. Tailored pieces are given a slim, more fitted silhouette and a wider lapel that pays homage to classic American style of the 1920s and '30s. Luxurious fabrics and impeccable attention to minute details marks our tailored collection as timeless, iconic and exclusively Ralph Lauren. 
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| How do I pull off the Black Label look of monochromatic dressing this fall? 
The key to going dark is sticking with textured fabrics and making sure that each piece stays within three shades of one another. The textured materials (cashmere, wool, brushed cotton) add depth and interest while the tonal colors keep you looking more like James Bond and less like Johnny Cash. It's a completely modern and sophisticated look that's appropriate for most any occasion.
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| What's a new way to wear black and brown together?
When properly executed, the combination of black and brown is a very modern and sophisticated look that's instantly elegant. Start by adding touches of brown via accessories: the hint of a leather belt beneath a black cardigan or suede boots under slim-fitting pants. This season, even classic outerwear has brown leather details for a timeless look with a contemporary edge. 
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| How do I incorporate the new motocross-inspired leathers into my everyday wardrobe?
Not the easiest task if your 9-to-5 is very corporate, but we do have some ideas. Start with the subtle pieces. Fitted sweaters with leather elbow and shoulder details can fit discretely under jackets and look great tucked into slim dress pants. Leather belt and dress boots will keep the sporty look from getting too casual. Or, try putting a leather biker jacket over your classic shirt and tie. The juxtaposition of the classic and casual is one of our favorite looks. If all else fails, our motocross collection has been translated into a sleek collection of accessories for fall; overnighters and small leather goods got the treatment with pops of yellow racing stripes. Ready, set, go. 
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| What items should I always travel with?
Wherever you are, wherever you're going, you will need a classic dark sport coat. The more timeless the jacket, the more versatile it becomes - which means you will need to bring only one. We suggest wearing it while you travel instead of balling it up in your suitcase. Next is a fine-gauge cashmere sweater: cable knit, V-neck or cardigan will do. You'll probably pull it out during the flight and layer it under your sport coat for dinner that night. Naturally wrinkle resistant, a classic white oxford shirt is perfect for long flights. You will step off the plane in the same condition that you boarded in and it's a given that you will wear that shirt at least one more time during your trip. Leather or velvet loafers are the best footwear option for travel. They look great with jeans, chinos or suits and are easily removed at security gates and again when you get comfortable in your private first-class sleeping pod. Of course, you will need a sophisticated duffle to carry it all--we suggest leather. It can handle the rough journey and good leather only gets better with time and wear.
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| What makes Ralph Lauren's fine footwear so special? 
It is the unseen details and the extra steps taken in the process of creation that set Ralph Lauren shoes apart. From start to finish, our luxury footwear is created using only the finest materials, formed by the hands of expert craftsmen. With private shoe workshops in Italy that specialize exclusively in the creation of fine shoes, we take great pride and care in the process. The shape is formed with leather only - by hand-stretching each component over a unique, specially created form - then hand-stitched with a boar's hair quill to protect the integrity of the leather. Heels are created specifically for the shape and size of each individual shoe; there are no standard one-size-fits-all pieces on Ralph Lauren's fine footwear. The end product is the finest, most comfortable and durable pair of shoes available anywhere.
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| What is a brogue and what makes Ralph Lauren's brogues so special?
Traditionally, a brogue is a classic English style of casual shoe marked by high quality, significant weight and durability. Today Ralph Lauren continues the tradition with the creation of our English brogue-style wing tips and penny and tasseled loafers, built to last a lifetime. As is customary, ours are hand-crafted exclusively in England, using the finest leathers around and anchored by our signature Goodyear welted sole - the strongest, most durable sole available. With a focus on materials and technique, England is world renowned as the originator in fine traditional footwear. Our factories in England carry on the time-honored traditions of creating expertly crafted, heritage-inspired footwear.
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| What is a stylish alternative to a classic formal shoe?
Exclusively bench-crafted in England, Ralph Lauren velvet slippers are the ultimate in luxurious footwear and indigenous to our brand. Inspired by the smoking slippers worn by lords in old English manors, our version captures that essence of luxury with silken velvet uppers, buffed rubber soles and hand-embroidery. Skilled craftsman work in pairs of two in order to create the masterful footwear. Worn with or without socks, velvet slippers are the perfect anchor to any formal or semi-formal dark suit look.
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| What are some cool ways to break up one suit into different outfits? 
Suits are no longer just one outfit: The component pieces (jacket, slacks, vest) can be broken up and paired with a variety of interesting options. Try the slacks with a casual top - a vintage varsity sweatshirt with a natty bowtie underneath is particularly contemporary. Alternatively, pair your blazer with jeans or khakis to take the formality down a notch. And feel free to wear the vest with any of these looks or over a simple graphic T for a bohemian twist. 
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| How can I keep my look classic without seeming outdated?
The key to building a traditional wardrobe is picking pieces that are timeless - think navy blazers, oxfords, cardigans, slacks and simply patterned ties. But you can avoid looking old-fashioned by paying close attention to silhouette. A modern cut is a little slimmer through the body, giving your father's boxy sweater a sleeker, more tailored fit. When wearing a simple cardigan or blazer, go for one with a crest or pair it with a narrow tie - the added detailing feels modern and will ensure you look sleek without being a peacock.
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| How can I incorporate a vest into my wardrobe?
Extremely versatile and available in many different varieties, the vest is a staple that can take you anywhere. Traditionally part of a three-piece suit, this old-school favorite has broken out and can now be worn casually or formally. Try a sweater vest in a bright Fair Isle pattern to add some kick to a dark suit. Alternatively, take that dark, button-front suit vest and pair it with a detailed cardigan, or just wear it over an oxford with jeans to add a little bit of polish to a more casual look.
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| How many sport coats do I need?
We think there are three essential jackets every man should own. A solid blazer-navy is a classic choice-exudes timeless confidence: It can be worn casually with chinos and an oxford or dressed up with a more formal pant, shirt and tie. A tweed blazer is a fall essential that works well with cords, jeans or flannel. As the weather gets cooler, it can also be worn in place of a winter overcoat when layered with a cashmere or wool sweater or turtleneck. During the warmer months, nothing exudes laidback style more than a linen sport coat, which instantly dresses up everything from a mercerized cotton polo to a tailored shirt.
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| What are the hallmarks of a well-made suit?
A well-made suit starts with natural fabrics such as wool, linen or cashmere, each woven from the finest yarns for a smoother and more durable feel. From the first cut, the best suits are made by hand according to time-honored tailoring traditions in modern silhouettes that reflect a sophisticated Old World style. One way this is achieved is with a higher armhole, which allows for more movement, and a slightly structured shoulder. The end result is a suit that is timeless and flattering-the kind of suit that exudes confidence and style now and for seasons to come.
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| What makes the Polo suit so special?
Made in Italy in the tradition of fine tailoring, our suits begin with the best "worsted" wools, whose shorter fibers have been removed to make a smoother stronger fabric. Great suits begin at the shoulder, our is tailored for a "soft traditional" silhouette, which molds flatteringly to the body. Pick-stitching adds refinement to jackets; pants have a high-quality seven-loop belted waist. Jacket lapels "roll" softly toward the button as opposed to lying flat against the jacket to create a more elegant line. And all suits are designed in elegant styles that will look great for seasons to come.
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| What are the criteria for choosing tie width?
The common belief that a man's tie can only work if it is in proportion to his body simply isn't true. It's almost always about the collar: the narrow spread of a straight point collar complements a narrow tie. The wide spread of a spread collar complements a wider tie. Why? The wider knot of a wide tie appears cramped between the narrow wings of a straight point collar and a narrow tie's diminutive knot gets lost between the wings of a wide spread collar-so, the wider the tie, the wider the knot, the wider the collar spread. One final cue regarding tie width: wide lapel equals wide tie, narrow lapel equals narrow tie.
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| What is a "rolled lapel"?
One of the last stages in the construction of a well-made, hand-finished suit is the pressing. It is at this step that the suit jacket lapels are carefully pressed so that they "roll" or turn softly down to either the first or middle button as opposed to lying flat against the jacket. On a three-button suit, when the lapel is rolled to the middle button for a deeper gorge, the top button should be left undone for greater comfort and ease. With poorly made, mass-produced suits, the lapel line is often pressed flat, a process that saves the time and handwork that a rolled lapel requires. Rolled lapels create a more elegant line and are a hallmark of quality and finesse.
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| Three ways to wear a three-piece suit
The three-piece suit is one of the most dapper and versatile options in a man's wardrobe. The three-piece suit is one of the most dapper and versatile options in a man's wardrobe. This season, choose one that has been updated with a lean cut in a traditional pattern and wear it in the following ways: Energize a complete look with a bold tie and pink shirt. Stick with simple accessories-slim belt and brown cap-toe shoes-to look sharp, not silly. Remove the jacket and wear the vest with a solid-colored shirt and crest tie for a rakish appearance. Don the vest with dark indigo jeans and a belt with an oversized buckle, remembering that the vest should fit snuggly around your torso and end just above your belt buckle (not cover it).
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| What looks best with narrow ties?
First, the basic rule of thumb: the narrower the tie, the slimmer the knot, the shorter the collar spread. Why? A narrow tie's diminutive knot gets lost between the wings of a wide spread collar. That established, narrow ties with classic patterns-such as pin dots or repp stripes-are perfect with the season's tailored silhouettes, which recall the iconic style of the Rat Pack era. Wear gold-rimmed aviators and a suede bomber jacket with a solid narrow tie for a cool, downtown look, or adopt a fresh approach to preppy style by pairing a narrow tie with an oxford, cardigan and a dark gray or navy dress pant.
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| What's the best suit for my body type?
In general, taller men look best in three-button suits, which are cut longer than the traditional two-button. The length of the jacket should just cover the seat when the arms are relaxed, so aim for this fit. Shorter men should choose a two button suit, as a shorter jacket will lengthen the line of the leg. A heavier figure is most flattered by a classically tailored suit, and one with a vertical pin or chalk stripe can create a slightly slimmer-looking silhouette. For slimmer men, a traditionally cut suit can look boxy. Finally, a well-fitted suit will have a smooth drape and not bunch or pull at the collar or sleeves.
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| What is the best way to wear a three-button suit?
To button or not to button? Generally speaking, we love the look created when the top button is left undone. We tailor our suits' lapels to roll to the middle button for a more elegant line. Rolled lapels-a hallmark of quality and finesse in our suits-are the product of careful tailoring. As well, leaving the top button undone allows for greater comfort and ease, which in our minds is always stylish.
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| I can't decide between a two and three-button suit. Any suggestions?
Why not both? For years, traditionalists and progressive dressers have flip-flopped on the two-button/three-button dilemma. While the longer silhouette of the three-button model does tend to look better on taller, leaner men, it doesn't mean shorter or larger men can't wear it well. Generally speaking, the two-button model is more comfortable and forgiving on a man with a fuller chest. But if properly tailored, a three-button suit can easily be worn with style and poise by a larger man-especially the classic pinstripe styles in navy and charcoal. Great style is underscored by versatility. Adding variety to your suit wardrobe is definitely the way to go.
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| What is the best way to care for my wool suits?
Pure wool suits are the mainstay of a man's wardrobe and will stand up to several years or more of normal wear if maintained properly. To begin with, wear your suits in rotation. After each wearing, empty all the pockets and brush the suit or sports coat with a soft, natural-bristle brush to prevent dirt or lint from setting in. Dry cleaning is the preferred method of cleaning, but don't overdo it; pure wool is a natural, living and breathing thing, and it's best to limit its exposure to cleaning fluids to once or twice a year. In the event of a serious spill however (oil-based sauce, red wine), the sooner the garment is brought to the dry cleaner, the better the chances that it will leave no stain. Point out the exact location of the spot to your dry cleaner and tell him what caused it, particularly if the stain is sugar-based, which can leave yellow traces if allowed to oxidize. Never apply water to oil-based stains, which will worsen the situation. And never iron over stains; the heat could make them permanent. Always clean both pieces of a suit together to avoid uneven color fading. For storage over a long season, hang all your wool suits in a dry, well-ventilated closet away from heat, leaving two inches between hangers for airflow. A cedar-lined closet is best for preventing against moths.
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| How can I incorporate my favorite sweatshirt into a more dressed-up look?
While some may say that "sweatshirt" and "dressed up" are two flavors that Shouldn't mix, we think it's a natural extension of a classic ivy-league sensibility. When the temperatures drop below comfortable shirt/blazer weather, a cool way to warm up is by adding a layer of fleece. Doing so lends a certain elegant nonchalance. Work this look with jeans and sneakers to head to a more casual sensibility, or, if you're feeling bold, place a hoodie over your tie and under your suit blazer. If you end up in a formal dining setting, just do the coat check in reverse and leave the fleece layer behind-no sweat. |
| How can I take a suit from day to evening while keeping the classic Ralph Lauren look?
A sleek, modern cut gives the standard dark suit a renewed swagger, allowing it to be worn in innovative ways. At the office, break conformity with a slim-fitting shirt, narrow knit tie and crisp pocket square. After work, add a slim cashmere cardigan to the shirt-tie-pant combination. Loosen the tie and undo the top button for a particularly laid-back look. For an evening outing, pair the suit pant and jacket with a slim cotton or cashmere V-neck in a solid color-no shirt necessary. In warmer weather, this look is particularly au courant when worn with loafers sans socks.
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| How do I know which shirt and tie to wear with my suit?
One rule of thumb: Avoid tripling a pattern. Doubling up is fine, but if you choose to wear a pinstripe suit with a striped dress shirt, for example, it's usually best if the patterns vary by size. Furthermore, choose a tie to complement your suit-both in color and texture. If you're a bit bolder in your fashion choices, go for a vibrant colored tie, but be sure that it shares its color with one other element, such as a belt or pocket square. This will ensure an easy, well-appointed suit look.
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| How can I create the classic Ralph Lauren mix of casual elegance this spring?
The Polo look is based on a combination of worn in, sporty styles combined with key tailored pieces. This spring, combine team-inspired rugbys, sportshirts, crested pieces and colorful sweaters with a tailored Glen Plaid or Madras sportcoat to create the perfect style. Add a tie if you're dressing up, or leave the collar open if you prefer to be closer to the sporty look. And add color wherever you get the chance, spring is all about brightening up your wardrobe.
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| What's appropriate to wear to a warm-weather wedding?
If the invitation specifies black tie, the traditional rules apply. However, if the event takes place on the beach, on a lake, or in an otherwise casual daytime setting, opt for a more relaxed approach. A cotton suit can be just as appropriate as a traditional one, especially if it is in a fabric that is light in both color and weight. Wearing it with a classic color combination, like a French blue shirt and navy tie (adorned with a silver tie bar), or crisp pastel shirt with contrasting white collar and a light tan tie, are elegant, refined options. Keep it simple with shoes in tan (not brown) leather or suede.
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| What is the origin of the tuxedo?
The name is taken from Tuxedo Park, a tiny enclave in upstate New York that was originally built by tobacco mogul Pierre Lorillard as a "summer cottage" weekend colony for himself and his wealthy friends. On an October evening in 1880 at the Tuxedo Park autumn ball, Griswold, the youngest son of Pierre, decided to play a little sartorial prank on the club elders by lampooning the "English-style" abbreviated formal jackets that they wore to Delmonico's in town. The young "Grizzy," along with a group of other aldermen's sons, took his formal tailcoat and lopped off the tails. Grizzy and his friends waltzed into the ballroom to the astonishment of everyone present. The sartorial prank made the social columns of the local newspaper and hence, the tuxedo became a fashion legend.
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| What should I look for when buying a tuxedo?
In the strictest terms, the only proper tuxedo is in black or midnight blue and is styled with either peaked lapels or a shawl collar. The former may be double-breasted. A notched lapel tuxedo, while widely available, is hardly classic. It should be tailored in pure wool barathea or piqué, and the facing on the lapels and down the outer side of each pant leg should be satin, faille or grosgrain. A well-tailored tuxedo is also finished with buttons sewn into the trouser waistband to accommodate a pair of braces as well as a loop under the left lapel for a boutonniere. Both can be paired with formal trousers, which should never be cuffed. |
| What accessories do I need to complete a proper tuxedo?
A simple cummerbund, preferably in solid black silk faille, is a classic with a tuxedo or dinner jacket. As an alternative, a fancy silk waistcoat, subtly patterned, can look great. The best formal shirts feature pleated fronts and are available with either a modified spread collar or the more formal-looking wing collar. French cuffs are a must. Classic sterling cufflinks and a pocket square of white linen or silk finishes the formal tuxedo with a flourish. |
| What fabrics and fit should I consider when purchasing a tuxedo?
Like suits, tuxedos are crafted in a wide range of fabrics. Black barathea is ideal for indoor and cold-weather occasions. Light worsted wool will keep you cooler in the summer months and is less likely to wrinkle. Opt for grosgrain lapels, as satin tends to snag and show age-especially after multiple cleanings. It is of the utmost importance to buy a tuxedo with a relatively loose, comfortable fit. Formal festivities often include abundant food and drink, usually followed by dancing-you won't want to feel constricted. When being fitted, make sure your tailor leaves sufficient fabric in the seams to accommodate waistline expansion.
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| What kind of chinos go best with a blazer or sports jacket?
Chinos are among the most versatile of trousers. Cuffed or uncuffed, pleated or flat-front, they may be paired with just about any type of sport coat, provided they are well-fitting and neatly pressed. Experiment with different colors and styles to update your staple sport coat. And since they'll go with almost anything, chino-blazer combos are endless. |
| How can I wear a double-breasted blazer in a fresh way?
The traditional double-breasted blazer in navy is a look as timeless as it is tasteful. In order to keep it fresh, try adding a pop of color. Bright slacks in red, orange or even yellow add a distinctly continental flair to this otherwise simple look. You'll maintain your elegance while also showing an ability to stay at the |
