‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house… packages were wrapped and tied with tartan and velvet bows, plaid stockings hung by the crackling fire, and the entire family was resplendent in cashmere sweaters, navy blazers, and crisp dark denim. No, it’s not a dream—it’s a Ralph Lauren Christmas, come to life in your home!

When you hear the words “Ralph Lauren,” you instantly know the aesthetic at hand. Ralph Lauren is one of the most iconic fashion and lifestyle brands of all time, with a singular, instantly identifiable aesthetic that shows up across its sub brands, including the sporty Polo and rustic RRL. It’s a little preppy, a little western, a little Old Hollywood glamour, all rolled into one luxurious but still attainable package—one that really sings during the holiday season! Which is absolutely why you should be dressing like a Ralph Lauren ad for all your holiday parties and gatherings.

Ahead, everything you need to know about the trending Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic, and how to get the look.

Behind the Trend

Like many of the most popular trends and aesthetics of the 2020s, the “Ralph Lauren Christmas” took root on TikTok, with users sharing their dream decor inspiration for turning even the simplest living room or tablescape into something store-worthy. It has a nostalgic flair even for those of us who did not grow up in a massive New England mansion with a dark-wood library filled with leather-bound books, a grand dining room, and stables full of thoroughbred horses. 

While Ralph Lauren is a designer brand with price tags to match, the aesthetic can be replicated with some thoughtful thrifting and secondhand shopping for both your home and your closet.

A few former Ralph Lauren employees even chimed in with their official perspective, including former designer and second-generation Ralph Lauren employee Molly Moorkamp and Preston Konrad, who actually installed Ralph Lauren Christmas decor for a decade. While their tips tend to apply more to holiday decor, you can easily apply their advice to your wardrobe too. For example, Konrad recommends using tartan as a “grounding” element; he says black watch plaid is “true Ralph” if you really want to be on brand, and this could just as easily be applied to a tablescape as it could to a cute new holiday party dress.

How to Get the Look

The Ralph Lauren Christmas vibe is all about luxurious coziness: dark or jewel-toned colors and rich textures that make you want to curl up and sip a glass of cider or red wine. When cultivating your own Lauren-esque palette, lean heavily on tradition. Red and green are key colors in the Christmas palette, of course, but if you want to stay away from anything too outrightly Christmas-y, mulberry and a deep hunter green would be a beautiful alternative. Navy, gold, and cream also suit the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Ahead, a few easy ways to incorporate a little Ralph magic into your wardrobe.

Cozy Texture

@ralphlauren / Instagram

The holidays are a time for warmth and comfort, and in Ralph Lauren world, that means sweaters—preferably cashmere, merino wool, or a thick, cable-knit cotton. Invest in something you can wear all fall and winter long, then add your favorite denim or a belted midi circle skirt to give your outfit the outdoorsy, Western vibes Ralph is famous for.

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Uniqlo

Reformation

Preppy Plaids

A holiday without plaid is simply not a Ralph Lauren holiday, so you simply must incorporate it into your outfit. Tartans and plaids are so Ralph Lauren and look adorable with tights and a sweater for the family dinner, and a hair bow is a sweet way to add just a tiny festive touch to your ‘fit.

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Hill House Home

Janie and Jack

Equestrian Elements

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If plaids aren’t your thing, swap tartan for equestrian-inspired pieces like a classic navy blazer or some riding boots, which you can use to tone down a more outrightly festive outfit for a fun contrast.

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Sam Edelmen

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Tuxedo Dressing

@ralphlauren / Instagram

Don’t limit yourself to plaid, Westernwear, and old-money equestrian looks, however. Ralph Lauren is also known for their glamorous, Old Hollywood formalwear, and a classic tuxedo with a white silk blouse is ideal for holiday festivities. Cheers to you! 

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Zara

Quince

Once you’re dressed to the nines, extend that same care to your gifts! Wrap your gifts in plaid paper and tie them with a gorgeous bow; Konrad says classic, simple red ribbon is the most Lauren-esque. And while gift bags are easy, they are not aligned with the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. As Moorkamp says, “No bags. NO gift bags. Boxes!” Need some gift inspo? There’s nothing cuter than a Ralph’s Coffee baseball hat, of course!