If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve seen it: Ralph Lauren Christmas. The tartan throws. The velvet bows. The crackling fire aesthetic that makes everyone want to curl up with a glass of something warm in a wood-paneled room. It’s the decorating trend of the moment — a 600% increase on TikTok, features in the Washington Post, you name it.
But here’s what I haven’t seen anyone talking about: What do you actually wear to match?
Because if you’re draping your home in heritage plaids and cozy textures, you probably don’t want to walk into that room in athleisure. Am I right?
Today I’m sharing seven outfits that capture the Ralph Lauren Christmas spirit — the same timeless aesthetic that’s taken over everyone’s holiday decorating. These are pieces you can wear to holiday gatherings, Christmas shopping, or just a regular Tuesday when you want to feel like the most put-together version of yourself.
And most of them? Probably already in your closet.
Why I’ve Been Dressing This Way for Decades
I’ll admit — watching this trend explode has been a little surreal. Ralph Lauren has been my favorite designer for as long as I can remember. Not in a “this season I’m really into…” kind of way. In a “this is who I am” kind of way.
My first Ralph Lauren purchase was a polo tee in 1977. It was my first foray into a logo-inspired item. And I have to admit, I love it just as much at 67 as when I was 19. Some things never change.
You know how some women just know they’re meant to wear red lipstick or live near the ocean? I’ve always known I was meant for cable knits, riding boots, and the quiet confidence of a well-cut blazer.
I even used to work as the Ralph Lauren Home Specialist for Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco. And if you know your fashion history, you know that Bloomingdale’s is the retailer that launched Ralph Lauren’s career. The home department was spectacular — hand-carved four-poster beds, hardwood floors that sectioned it off from the rest of the store like its own world. Walking into that space felt like stepping into the Bedford estate itself. I lived and breathed that aesthetic every single day.
So when I say Ralph Lauren has been part of my life for decades, I mean it quite literally.
I’m preppy at heart. Always have been. But here’s the thing — Ralph Lauren’s version of preppy never felt like a costume or a country club uniform. It felt like permission.
Permission to love tradition without being stuffy. To embrace heritage patterns without looking like I raided my grandmother’s attic. To dress like someone who has somewhere to be — even if that somewhere is just the kitchen with Oscar at my feet and a cup of coffee in my hand.
His clothes whisper instead of shout. They have structure without stiffness. And they honor the woman wearing them rather than demanding she become someone else.
At this stage of life, that matters more than ever.
What Is the Ralph Lauren Christmas Trend?
The “Ralph Lauren Christmas” aesthetic everyone’s decorating their homes to match? It’s really just the visual expression of what his clothes have always offered: warmth, heritage, and timeless elegance that doesn’t try too hard.
Tartan plaids. Velvet textures. Rich burgundies and forest greens. Dark wood and burnished brass. The feeling of a crackling fire, even when there isn’t one. According to Homes & Gardens, the trend draws heavily from the interior style of Ralph Lauren’s Bedford estate — arguably the blueprint for quiet luxury at Christmas.
The good news? If you love this aesthetic for your home, dressing to match is easier than you think.
The Ralph Lauren Three-Piece Rule
There’s another Ralph Lauren styling concept making the rounds right now: the three-piece rule. According to Bustle, a former Ralph Lauren employee shared that staff weren’t allowed to show up to work without three pieces on. Not just pants and a top — always a third element like a blazer, sweater, or scarf.
The idea is simple: that third piece is what takes an outfit from basic to polished. It adds depth, texture, and intention. And when you look at any Ralph Lauren advertisement from the last 40 years, you’ll rarely see a model wearing just two pieces.
Every outfit I’m sharing today follows this rule — because it works. Here’s how to put it into practice.
7 Ralph Lauren Christmas Outfits for Women Over 50
Outfit One: The Tartan Skirt
The Three Pieces: Black turtleneck + red tartan skirt + leather blazer
This is the outfit everyone’s decorating their house to match.
A red tartan skirt (similar here and here) is about as Ralph Lauren Christmas as it gets. Pair it with a black turtleneck and a leather blazer (similar here and here), and you’ve got something that works for a holiday party, a nice dinner, or Christmas Eve with family.
I added black tights and riding boots to keep the whole look grounded — the sleekness of the leather and the heritage of the tartan play beautifully together. If tartan feels too bold for everyday, save this one for when the occasion calls for it. Trust me, it will.
And if you’re heading to a holiday party, don’t forget to check my Early Holiday Beauty Deals — a polished look deserves polished skin.
Outfit Two: The Polo Bear Sweater
The Three Pieces: Polo Bear turtleneck + leggings + brown plaid coat
If there’s one piece that defines Ralph Lauren Christmas right now, it’s this.
The Polo Bear has been showing up in every trend piece — on ornaments, on pillows, and yes, on sweaters. This turtleneck version with the shopping bear feels festive without being costume-y. It’s the kind of piece that makes people smile when they see it. And I purchased it to celebrate Ralph’s lifelong association with Bloomingdale’s and my stint there as a Ralph Lauren Specialist.
I styled it with a brown plaid coat, also years old (similar here), black leggings, and riding boots — proof that leggings absolutely have a place in a polished wardrobe. If you’ve ever wondered How to Wear Leggings after 50, pairing them with a longer sweater and structured outerwear is the key.
It’s playful. It’s cozy. And it’s the sweater people will remember long after the party’s over.
Outfit Three: The Quilted Field Jacket
The Three Pieces: Cream cricket sweater + jeans + olive quilted jacket
Countryside charm, no countryside required.
The quilted field jacket is pure English country estate — which is exactly where Ralph Lauren found so much of his inspiration. This olive version with leather trim has been in my closet for years, and it never dates. Not once.
Paired with a cream bow sweater (that burgundy does a lot of work), jeans, and burgundy riding boots, it’s the kind of outfit that looks equally at home walking Oscar or meeting friends for lunch.
Earth tones — olive, burgundy, cream, brown — are the backbone of the Ralph Lauren color palette. When in doubt, reach for them. They never let you down.
Outfit Four: The Heritage Dog Sweater
The Three Pieces: Chambray shirt + red dog sweater + camel trousers
A little whimsy goes a long way.
This red sweater with the beagle is one of those pieces that makes people smile. It’s playful but still polished — the red is rich, the fit is relaxed, and the dog motif nods to that hunting lodge heritage Ralph does so well. This dog sweater also comes in navy, heather, and cream.
I kept everything else quiet: camel pleated trousers with suede knee patches that add a hint of sophistication, a chambray shirt peeking out at the collar, brown suede flats. Let the sweater do the talking.
This is the outfit for errands that turn into coffee that turns into browsing the bookstore. You know those days. Easy, warm, and just interesting enough to make you feel like yourself.
Outfit Five: The Cable Knit Cardigan
The Three Pieces: Oxford shirt + cable knit cardigan + jeans
Ivy League, updated.
Nothing says Ralph Lauren quite like a cable knit layered over a crisp Oxford shirt. It’s the look that built the brand — preppy, put-together, endlessly wearable.
This cream cardigan with brass buttons has beautiful texture, and the blue shirt collar adds just enough contrast to keep it from reading too neutral. Jeans and suede loafers keep it weekend-appropriate.
I love how this outfit translates from “working from home” to “Saturday brunch” without changing a thing. And here’s a tip: let the cuffs and shirt hem peek out from under the sweater. That little bit of dimension is everything.
Outfit Six: The Houndstooth Jacket
The Three Pieces: Cream turtleneck + coated trousers + houndstooth jacket
A pattern that does double duty.
Houndstooth walks the line between menswear and feminine polish — which is very Ralph. This cropped jacket with brown leather trim has structure without being stiff. It moves with you.
Underneath, a cream ribbed turtleneck. Below, coated brown trousers (sold out, similar here) that have a slight sheen (almost like leather, but more forgiving). Pointed-toe boots in a nude tone keep the silhouette long.
This is one of my favorite palettes: cream, brown, and camel. It’s warm, it’s cohesive, and it goes with absolutely everything in the Ralph Lauren universe. While this ensemble looks fantastic worn together, each piece will mix and match perfectly with the rest of your winter wardrobe.
Outfit Seven: Denim on Denim with a Tweed Blazer
The Three Pieces: Denim shirt + straight-leg jeans + tweed blazer
Western romance meets tailored sophistication.
Denim shirts have always been part of Ralph’s vocabulary — that nod to the American West that shows up in every collection. But instead of going full cowboy, I grounded this one with a tweed blazer.
The burgundy silk scarf at the neck adds a little polish (and could count as a fourth piece if we’re keeping track), the jeans are classic straight-leg, and the black riding boots tie everything together. And I added a classic Ralph Lauren O-Ring Belt.
This is the outfit I reach for when I want to look effortlessly put-together but don’t want to think too hard. It just works. Every single time.
Why Ralph Lauren Style Works for Women Over 50
I’ve spent a lot of time in the Life Beyond Style series reflecting on what really matters at this stage — the moments between the outfits, the quiet confidence that comes from knowing who you are.
Ralph Lauren’s clothes have always felt like an extension of that. They’re designed to make you feel confident, not costumed. The silhouettes are forgiving without being shapeless. The palettes are classic enough to build a wardrobe around.
And in a fashion landscape that often forgets women over 50 exist? That consistency is worth its weight in cashmere.
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there’s a powerful connection between how we look and how we feel. And if we feel good, we step out the door in confidence. Ralph understood that from the beginning. His clothes were never about chasing what’s next. They were about honoring what lasts.
If you’re feeling the pull to get organized before the holiday rush hits full force, my December Checklist for Women over 50 has everything from wardrobe prep to self-care reminders.
Dressing the Life You’ve Built
Recently, I shared Life Beyond Style: Rewriting the Script, and earlier this year, 7 Life Lessons I Wish I’d Known Before Turning 60. Different topics, same heartbeat: finding our footing, our voice, and our confidence in every season of life.
Yes, I love fashion — but the true luxury is living with enthusiasm. Whether it’s walking Oscar at sunset, working on my novel, spending time oogling over the latest grandbaby photo, or pulling together an outfit that makes me feel like myself, these are the moments that color our lives.
Ralph Lauren understood something most designers miss: Style isn’t about keeping up. It’s about knowing who you are — and dressing accordingly.
And guess what? I’ve been wearing Ralph Lauren since 1977, and I plan on wearing cable knits and riding boots long after this trend moves on to whatever’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ralph Lauren Style
What is Ralph Lauren style?
Ralph Lauren style blends Ivy League prep, English countryside charm, and American Western influences into one cohesive aesthetic. Think cable knits, riding boots, tweed blazers, equestrian details, and rich earth-tone palettes. The look is polished but never overdone — timeless rather than trendy.
What is the Ralph Lauren Christmas trend?
The Ralph Lauren Christmas trend started as a home décor movement featuring tartan plaids, velvet textures, dark woods, and cozy fireplace aesthetics. It’s since expanded to include fashion — heritage patterns, rich reds and greens, and classic silhouettes that match the warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
What is the Ralph Lauren three-piece rule?
The three-piece rule is a styling concept where you always add a third element — like a blazer, sweater, or scarf — to elevate an outfit. Former Ralph Lauren employees have shared that staff were required to wear three pieces to work. That third piece is what takes an outfit from basic to polished.
How do you dress for a Ralph Lauren Christmas?
Focus on heritage pieces: tartan skirts, cable knit sweaters, tweed blazers, quilted jackets, and riding boots. Stick to rich colors like burgundy, forest green, navy, cream, and camel. The Polo Bear sweater has become particularly iconic this season. And remember the three-piece rule — always add that third layer.
What colors are Ralph Lauren Christmas?
The core palette includes deep burgundy, forest green, navy, cream, camel, and brown — accented with touches of gold or brass. These are classic holiday colors, rendered in sophisticated, muted tones rather than bright primary shades.
Why does Ralph Lauren style work for women over 50?
Ralph Lauren designs honor the body with structured silhouettes that are forgiving without being shapeless. The classic color palettes build a cohesive wardrobe, and the timeless aesthetic means pieces stay relevant for years — not just one season.
Join the Conversation
Do you have a designer whose aesthetic has felt like home for years? Or are you just discovering Ralph Lauren through this Christmas trend? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your story.
And if you’ve been wearing Ralph Lauren as long as I have, tell me your favorite piece. The one you’ll never let go.
🎁 Holiday Gift Card Raffle — Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card
To celebrate the season — and to thank you for being here — I’m hosting a Holiday Gift Card Raffle!
December’s prize:
✨ A $100 Amazon Gift Card ✨
How to enter:
Just leave a comment on today’s post and share what you loved about this post or what you love about SaaCA.
Boom — you’re entered!
Winner announced:
📅 January 1
I can’t wait to read your comments!
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