As a fashion editor with over 17 years of experience behind me, it's safe to say I've tried on more clothes than you've had hot dinners, witnessed It pieces a-plenty and seen more trends come and go than the average person. I'm still thrilled by the start of each new season—nothing gets me buzzed quite like a fresh drop—but I now know precisely how to build upon a carefully considered and curated wardrobe; after decades of practice, I can expertly select items that I know I'll get plenty of wear out of rather than getting swept up into a frenzy of fads.
Over time, I have also come to better understand my body shape and what I feel most comfortable in, and more recently, I have been able to slowly pivot the contents of my wardrobe to my needs as a working mother, so if there's one thing you can rely on me for it's inspiring yet sensible purchases where quality, fit and timelessness are paramount. When it came to packing for a recent chic countryside getaway, I knew there was one brand I could turn to to help me craft a concise, versatile and easy capsule wardrobe: Polo Ralph Lauren.
At the American brand's core is a range of iconic, unwaveringly popular items that speak to summer jaunts, preppy excursions and sophisticates in the sun: nautical-inspired navy blazers that will never date, Oxford shirts that can be worn in myriad ways, classic linen trousers that whisper of luxury; and retro-inspired sportswear you can dress up or down (should you want an exercise hit whilst travelling). These designs may be born in the USA, but I'm convinced there is a relaxed European elegance to everything Ralph Lauren sprinkles with its heritage, and the latest Polo collection provided me with the easiest suitcase-packing task I've ever undertaken. And so, as I'm embarking upon a more grown-up way of dressing these days, I thought it would be helpful to share my finds with you.
Keep scrolling for the elevated outfits I packed and (most importantly) loved wearing.
Style Notes: There are many things you can trust Polo Ralph Lauren to do spectacularly well, but tailoring is really up there. Impeccable lines, premium fabrics and attention to detail put its blazers, trousers and shirting in a league of their own. I always think it's worth choosing a strict colour palette when you are attempting to pack light, and for the summer months, nothing is more versatile and expensive-looking than navy combined with white and tan.
As such, it made sense to lean into the brand's signature blue jackets (this shade is specifically called Park Avenue Navy, which I love), but what's particularly special about this jacquard, logo-emblazoned style is that it's actually a double-knit, which makes it stretchy, comfy and easy to roll up and travel with. Paired with a simple white Oxford button-down and wide-leg linen trousers, this is the kind of fail-safe outfit that could take you to brunch, lunch, dinner and every yacht trip in between.
Style Notes: To fast-track looking put-together, combine something very relaxed (a half-zip sweatshirt) with something very glam (a cream slip dress and heels). There's something about a smart/casual ratio that looks confident—my only recommendation is to choose pieces in a similar spectrum of hues to look like you've paired them together on purpose rather than been caught short!
This understated slip dress will be an ideal partner to dinner dates (I'd add a chiffon neck scarf and a chignon). I've also seen influencers wearing it casually for a summer's day with an oversized linen shirt unbuttoned over the top and flat chunky sandals. What's great about this slip dress's double-faced satin fabric is that it is more substantial than most slinky bias-cut styles, which means it skims over the body in a more flattering way and doesn't feel remotely flimsy. As for the sweatshirt, this is the perfect style to throw on for a hike, after a tennis match or with trousers for a flight, and should you be interested, it comes with very cute matching shorts.
Style Notes: Is this the most ingenious dress to have ever been created? Quite possibly, yes. In a crinkly, form-fitting fabric, this slinky navy maxi manages to be completely dressed up and entirely relaxed at the same time—not to mention it is the best for scrunching up into a small suitcase or carryall. Its minimal silhouette can be appropriate for the fanciest evening dos (simply add jewellery, lipstick and perhaps an up-do) or turned into something beachy and bohemian with the addition of this lace duster coat and cute crochet hat. You could style it with a shirt over the top or a knit knotted around your shoulders, or slip it on over a bikini and flip-flops for sundowner cocktails on the beach. The possibilities are endless!
Style Notes: Chic tracksuits have become a mainstay in fashion peoples' wardrobes across the globe, but no brand has anything that could compare to Polo Ralph Lauren's Wimbledon range for 2024. As the official outfitter of the tournament, each piece features an instantly recognisable badge and the collection reflects the colours of the British sporting event—traditional greens, purples and whites instantly conjure up images of Centre Court. This retro-inspired two-piece is a perfect way to tap into this summer's tenniscore vibe, but I am confident that the cut and colour will endure, even when the trending aesthetic quietens.
Of course, you could wear this tracksuit in the sportiest way with a tee underneath and box-fresh trainers to finish the look, but I love elevating athleisure pieces with a little heel and shoulder bag—the Polo ID in tan goes with every outfit imaginable.
Discover the full summer 2024 collection from Polo Ralph Lauren here.
