With so much fashion existing online, there’s something refreshing about trying pieces on in-store after eyeing them first on a little screen. Enter Just Browsing: We’re taking you into the fitting room as we preview the newest collections from some of our favorite high-street brands and contemporary labels. We’ll get into fabric and quality, fit and feel, and so much more as we make our way through the shop floor. Happy scrolling (and strolling)!
When I think of Polo Ralph Lauren, I think of prep school chic, all things cable-knit, the Polo bear, and Ralph’s Coffee. The brand’s legacy in fashion and culture is far-reaching, but those are just a few flashes of what came to mind as I made my way uptown to the Madison Avenue flagship to try on pieces from the latest collection. Winter at the boutique is an ode to seasonal favorites, as well as a one-stop-shop for gifting. Imagine walking through a quaint winter village—inside a snow globe. Polo Ralph Lauren is New York during the holidays! A cozy universe of its own. We just needed a crackling fireplace going.
Clean lines and easy-on-the-eye colors are what I’m drawn to most for my own wardrobe, but the winter dressing blues are real—even when you work at Vogue—and pops of color do wonders to brighten the mood. It rained the day I visited the store, so perhaps that explains why a pair of bold red corduroys called to me like a siren song, along with a variety of colorful Fair Isle knits to liven up the morning. Ski season is short, but dressing as if you’re headed to après in Deer Valley is easily achieved with a great printed sweater and scarf. A knitwear enthusiast, I had to try on the brand’s cable-knit cashmere sweaters as well. For once, my less-is-more approach didn’t apply—I couldn’t wrap myself enough in all its crewnecks. These, and more standouts from the winter collection, below.
Festive Fair Isle
’Tis the season for Fair Isle, snowy gondola rides, and hot cocoa in between Black Diamond runs. Polo Ralph Lauren has no shortage of festive knits and accessories to meet the moment. “Off Piste” was a trend coined in Vogue Runway’s fall/winter 2024 trend report, which saw the après ski-ready pattern take on a slope-to-street versatility in the collections. As a skier, both the jumper and scarf I tried on capture that cozy-on-the-mountain energy that still feels wearable in the city. Find these both in my carry-on come winter break.
Wrist Candy
Inspired by riding saddles, the Polo ID bag exists in a various sizes and materials—I was most drawn to the small shape, which can clip onto itself to transform in crescent-shaped wristlet. I might have been craving an almond croissant that morning. The Vogue Shopping team has been loving all things suede this season, so naturally I loved this caramel-colored option with leather detailing the most. The gold-tone brass hardware is inspired by vintage ID bracelets.
Cool Cords
Corduroys pants have been trending all season long—and I couldn’t resist trying this red pair on. Fit for a low-key holiday party with friends, the shade plays well the Fair Isle knits in the collection, but a simple sweater in chocolate brown or cream would work just as well here for a more neutrals-forward look. The cropped style is perfect for petites and the pant comes in a few other shades the brand is recognizable for, like pine green and mustard yellow.
The More Knits, the Merrier!
Saving the best for last: the cable-knits! A signature Polo Ralph Lauren piece; a gift you may have received, or even given. The crewneck I have on comes in a rainbow of shades (see the color wheel of knits on the wall!) but I went for classic tones that felt on theme for holiday dressing—cream, soft grey, and red.
Artful draping and scarf-wrap sweaters are having a moment, so I wanted to recreate the look by tying two crewnecks on top of each other. The double layering feels a little less preppy and more fashion-forward, and the bright red adds a cheery color pop. Otherwise, I love the idea of just wearing the cream sweater with matching jeans for a refreshing all-white winter look.
