What's On This Page | |||||
Ralph Lauren | Americana | Must Haves |
American Classic
At its heart the
American classic style is all
about comfort, tradition and rebellion from what’s expected. Although
there are always exceptions to the rule, casualness is a strong vein
that runs through almost everything we do.
Americans love shortcuts, acronyms and simplicity, so it’s no surprise that we easily forget accessories and focus on the apparel. We will take a tuxedo jacket, pair it up with jeans, a t-shirt and fryer boots and call it good.
On one end the this look can be very traditional Americana with a southwest feel, on the other end this look it can be essentially a minimalist look with a twist. Both are utilitarian, timeless, traditional and above all comfortable.
So how to get this look? Well...for the minimalist end; think of Sharon Stone and Charlize Theron.
Choose simple silhouettes, soft flowing fabrics, and crisp clean lines. Pair up gray flannel slacks with a soft simple sweater or Jeans without lots of embellishment a crisp white shirt and a classic styled pea coat for an everyday uniform.
On the more traditional or Americana look; think of the Dixie Chicks and sunshine or Rascal Flatts and a BBQ. Something vintage say from the 50’s and something from the southwest like a conch belt.
Americans love shortcuts, acronyms and simplicity, so it’s no surprise that we easily forget accessories and focus on the apparel. We will take a tuxedo jacket, pair it up with jeans, a t-shirt and fryer boots and call it good.
On one end the this look can be very traditional Americana with a southwest feel, on the other end this look it can be essentially a minimalist look with a twist. Both are utilitarian, timeless, traditional and above all comfortable.
So how to get this look? Well...for the minimalist end; think of Sharon Stone and Charlize Theron.
Choose simple silhouettes, soft flowing fabrics, and crisp clean lines. Pair up gray flannel slacks with a soft simple sweater or Jeans without lots of embellishment a crisp white shirt and a classic styled pea coat for an everyday uniform.
On the more traditional or Americana look; think of the Dixie Chicks and sunshine or Rascal Flatts and a BBQ. Something vintage say from the 50’s and something from the southwest like a conch belt.
Ten must have’s for this look.
- Jeans: a true American classic. Weather they are Seven’s or Levis
- Sunglasses: Ray Bans
- Flip Flops: like the kind you see in the 1960 beach movies.
- Fryer boots
- A Stetson: or any cool preferably used cowboy hat or if you don’t like cowboy hats then a newsboy cap.
- White shirt: any white shirt that fits you the way you like.
- A conch belt: the kind you see in New Mexico, something as authentic as you can get.
- A simple little dress: whether it’s a little black dress or a prairie dress just a simple dress you can wear casual or dressy with flip flops or boots.
- A bomber jacket: something basic like what Amelia Earhart wore when she crossed the Atlantic.
- A fisherman’s sweater: sometimes called an Irish sweater. this is truly an American classic. It’s big, bulky and perfect for a walk on the beach on a windy day or evening.
Fashion Designer Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is truly an American classic designer. He was born Ralph Reuben Lifshitz on October 14, 1939 in the Bronx, to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrant parents from Belarus.He is one of the most recognized American fashion designers of our time
He attended and studied business at The City College of New York.
He dropped out after two years. His Army service was from 1962 to ‘64.
“I don't think women should look like costumes. I don't think they should look like fashion victims.
I think these (clothes) are for women that want to look sexy. They want to look smart.” R.L
He worked in sales at Brooks Brothers and opened a necktie store featuring his own designs under the label “Polo” in 1967. His empire has grown into a billion dollar business since that time. This American fashion designer’s name is synonymous with American classic aristocracy and the golden era of Hollywood.His clothing is classic traditional American with English country thrown in the mix.