’Tis The Season
This winter, all you need is some clever planning to master the perfect mix of glamorous and relaxed. Below, one writer’s argument for embracing the more creative, sustainable side of festive dressingYears ago, I made my way to a Christmas party hosted in an Art Deco apartment building overlooking the Central Park Zoo. At seven o’clock sharp, a brigade of yellow taxis began to arrive as guests in cummerbunds and coattails streamed into the foyer. There were dinosaur egg–sized dollops of caviar, and the host and hostess were balancing trays of champagne flutes like dancers in a carefully choreographed ballet.
As I wondered whether the grand tree in the den was a Balsam Fir or a Blue Spruce, I noticed how the guys all seemed so relaxed in their velvet blazers, evening slippers, and tartan bow ties. But as I glanced over at the ladies, wearing an overabundance of sequins or 4-inch stilettos, I thought that they looked, well, rather uncomfortable. Eventually, a willowy brunette came in fashionably late from a cattle ranch in Wyoming—and brought her cowboy boots back to the city with her. She was sporting silver spurs under an embroidered ankle-length sheath, and looked so effortlessly chic.
Now it’s that time of year again—and I must admit I’ve never been one to abide by a prescriptive holiday dress code. This season may have more dashes of glamour or glitz than last December, but getting dressed up again doesn’t need to be wasteful or over the top. There’s no one right way to go about it, either, but however you’re celebrating, I think we can all agree that it’s nice to have an occasion on the calendar that does not involve joggers.
My wardrobe consists entirely of investment pieces, vintage finds, and things I snagged from my parents. Many of my favorites are borrowed from the boys; I love my dad’s Shetland sweaters from the 1960s and often sleep in his old college Henleys. But my mother’s castoffs are my tried-and-true winter staples. Elegant and versatile, they were designed to last. And that’s exactly what they’ve done. From the perfect pair of black quilted boots to mink grey turtlenecks and slinky wool skirts, her hand-me-downs have gotten me through many past winters. And they’ve made getting dressed feel easy—whether I’m heading to a casual holiday lunch or clinking eggnog uptown. When it comes to any sartorial decision, I always opt for sustainability, too—and I love how Ralph’s iconic pieces are as festive as they are evergreen.
You can stay cozy in long knit silhouettes if you layer them right. Personally, I think a hooded sweater is acceptable attire for a party—as long as it’s not cotton. Buffalo plaid flannel twill, a longtime staple of Ralph Lauren dressing, feels equal parts festive and low-key. An easy way to add a little formality is by wearing a ruffled shirt with a broderie lace collar and cuffs underneath.
If you’re firm on reaching for your flats (I know I am, and that was long before the pandemic), then let the little details do the heavy lifting for you: Pop on a fringe-beaded moccasin, a knee-high boot, or a loafer with a bow at the vamp. Skip the stilettos—there’s nothing practical about heels on an icy sidewalk.
When in doubt, add a belt. A Southwestern concho belt with intricate silver engravings particularly pulls an outfit together, while also accentuating the waistline. And it can quickly dress up, say, a faux-shearling utilitarian shirt or washed denim.
Pick one color scheme and stick with it. This year, I’m going for a creamy dreamy vibe and recently invested in a pair of patchwork tan jeans and a neutral cable-knit turtleneck. They’ll integrate seamlessly into my wardrobe, regardless of the season. And the cowgirl in me can’t resist a rhinestone. It’s a playful way to mix in a touch of glamour without feeling too forced.
With the hindsight of practicality, ’tis the season to deck the halls, don a silk ascot, and be jolly. Some careful wardrobe editing and a few thoughtful but polished party-ready pieces will go a long way, both through the end of 2021 and beyond. Have fun with it, because this winter, I know I will. Be merry—but be yourself. It’s time to ring in the new year.
- © Ralph Lauren Corporation
- Courtesy of Lindsay Talbot
