Introducing The Ralph Lauren Polo Country Capsule, Exclusively At NET-A-PORTER
This 17-piece collection embraces the brand’s relaxed heritage and signature Americana – think Western-style jackets and accessories, vintage-inspired prairie dresses and patchwork knits. Here, COLLEEN ROSS rounds up some of the highlights
Loved for its laid-back, carefree spirit, the Ralph Lauren Polo Country capsule celebrates a slower, bucolic way of life and draws on the eponymous founder’s lifelong fascination with the American West. “I think the spirit of Western style has a rugged elegance and authenticity that people want to relate to,” said Lauren after presenting his very first Western-themed collection in 1978. “There’s both a sensibility and an honesty to the clothing that gives it an enduring appeal.” Although present across all the designer’s collections, nowhere is that sentiment better reflected than in the Ralph Lauren Polo Country capsule.
To truly embrace the mood of the collection, you’ll need a fringed suede jacket – it’s been a key part of Lauren and his wife Ricky’s own wardrobes for decades. This version is inspired by authentic ranch coats and loose enough to layer over most outfits. Embrace your inner frontierswoman by styling it with the brand’s romantic white prairie dress – detailed with ruffles, pintucks and lace evocative of prized vintage finds – and cowboy boots, of course.
“The capsule features fresh takes on heritage icons, including a classic cable-knit, a belted shawl-collar cardigan and patchwork sweater that all have a rustic, homespun feel
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As for knitwear, you’re spoilt for choice. The capsule features fresh takes on heritage icons, including a classic cable-knit, a belted shawl-collar cardigan and a patchwork sweater that all have a rustic, homespun feel. The latter depicts a series of vignettes synonymous with quintessential Americana and life on the designer’s ranch in Colorado.
While field jackets made a triumphant return to the runways last season, it’s a design Ralph Lauren has been mastering for decades. This latest version comes in durable canvas with a corduroy collar and a gathered back to create a touch more definition. Another highlight is a quilted style, which is pieced together using deadstock fabric and cut to resemble vintage barn jackets. Early followers of Ralph Lauren might remember a similar version from the mainline 1982 runway collection. Use the brand’s embellished leather belt to cinch it over a shirt dress or maxi skirt.
An all-American workwear staple, denim is a non-negotiable part of Lauren’s day-to-day uniform – the designer is so devoted to jeans, that he’s been known to wear them to black-tie events with a suit jacket and cowboy boots. Whether you prefer the wide-leg pair from the capsule or the A-line midi skirt, both will work overtime in your closet, pairing perfectly with plaid shirts and romantic blouses alike, and why not consider doubling up on denim with the brand’s ’70s-inspired vest? Everything from the authentic topstitching to the branded buttons exudes Western style.
Speaking of matching sets, the capsule features different takes on the two-piece suit in plush corduroy and heritage houndstooth tweed for a collegiate-meets-country feel. Whether worn together or separately, they’re pieces you’ll wear for years to come.