In the past, we have highlighted pictures from the Ralph Lauren summer collection and since it created a lively discussion, I want to revisit the designer’s 2012 Fall Winter Collection today.
Velvet Dinner Jacket & Plaid Trousers
Velvet Shawl Collar Jacket with Plaid Trousers
First, let’s start with the velvet dinner jacket ensemble from the Ralph Lauren Purple Label Collection. The cuffed jackets sits snuggly around the neck and the shirt has a large spread collar with a smaller bow tie. Maybe a slightly smaller and less spread collar would have been preferable? The shirt front features visible shirt buttons and the waistband is covered by a black silk cummerbund. I wonder why we see so many plain shirt buttons on evening clothes nowadays, but they are probably easier to produce. I also imagine that many men find it easier or simply don’t even consider choosing a shirt that requires studs, but I have a hard time believing that a man choosing this brand wouldn’t mind wearing studs. The trousers are made of a fabric similar to black watch tartan, with a yellow and red overplaid. The fit is quite snug and the crease has already faded. Overall, I find it interesting to see navy blue and black mixed in an ensemble, but it can work.
Tuxedo & Dressing Gown
Ralph Lauren Tuxedo & Dressing Gown
This gentleman wears a dressing gown in black with purple polka dots in combination with a tuxedo ensemble. Unlike the other shirt, this on has three black studs which is fine, per see. However, the spacing is so close that it creates a huge gap between the lowest button and the cummerbund. This shirt should have been worn with a vest instead.
Shearling Overcoat & Olive Green Tweed Suit
Shearling Overcoat & Olive Green Windowpane Suit
The gorgeous car aside, I like the combination of the brown shearling leather overcoat with olive green tweed suit with a windowpane. Combined with brown oxford shoes, a dark brown knit vest, a mid-blue shirt, a collar pin, the paisley tie and the light brown bag really stands out. Now, a snap brim fedora with a band in the same color would be the icing on the cake.
Ralph Lauren Shearling Overcoat & Olive Green Windowpane Suit
Stripes & Stripes
RLPL Chalk Stripe Suit with Stripes Shirt & Navy Tie
Here, we see a combination of double stripes, which only works because the spacing between the stripes is different: bold stripes with little spacing vs. faint chalk stripes with wider spacing. The coat features the slim silhouette, narrow lapel, high gorge and ticket pocket that are so popular right now. The tie is a bit dark for my taste but it works because of the beautiful pocket square.
Ralph Lauren Bold Plaid Suit
Ralph Lauren Three Piece Plaid Suit in Green with Purple Shirt
This bold plaid three piece suit has a nice color scheme ranging from green and brown to faint orange – simply great for fall. Though, most people will never wear such a loud pattern as it is not business appropriate.
Knit Tie, Collar Pin, Purple Shirt, Boutonniere & Plaid Suit
Personally, I like the combination of green and purple with the muted accessories, such as the knit tie, collar pin, pocket square and boutonniere.
Interestingly,
Belt with Vest & Tight Flat Front Trousers
the bottom button of the waistcoat is left undone and is combined with a belt, which looks unfortunate in my opinion. Suspenders would have been much better, and I might add, totally appropriate for this classic suit.
The flat front trousers are simply too tight for my taste, what do you think?
Plain Suits
Ralph Lauren Plain Brown Fall 3 Piece Suit with Slim Peaked Lapels
Dark brown suits are very versatile and hugely underrated, in my opinion. This three piece example with narrow peaked lapels looks very proper, but the fact that it is not in the usual business colors makes it stand out in a very subtle way. It is also much more appropriate for casual events and hence overall much more multi-purpose.
Ralph Lauren Gray Flannel Suit & Blue Winchester Shirt
The classic gray flannel suit, combined with a blue winchester shirt is nothing special. However, the combination with a bold patterned green & purple tie as well as vintage inspired faux tortoise shell glasses transforms it into an unique outfit.
Ralph Lauren Purple Label – Miscellaneous
Ralph Lauren Fall Winter Collection 2012
Purple Sweater & Green Brown
Considering the name, it comes not surprising to see more purple items but I must say combined with these dark olive green – brown tones it looks splendid!
Purple Plaid Tie and Burl Box with Mother of Pearl
It seems like bold tie patterns are popular with Ralph Lauren this season. This version in the picture looks odd because the lines are not properly lined up at the tip.
Leopard, Plaids & Checks – Too Much
I am happy to see the pattern mixing spirit of the women’s collection has not spilled over to the menswear collection, because this is simply too much, isn’t it?
Ralph Lauren Tattersall Shirt & Military Inspired Tweed Coat with Metal Buttons
Last but not least, I want to draw your attention to this military inspired tweed coat. The metal buttons and huge cuffs could be part of military overcoat, while the shape of the flaps reminds me more of livery than anything else. Overall, quite interesting, though I dare say that the tattersall shirt would look better with a less-spread collar. I’m not terribly fond of the frayed trouser look, are you? It reduces the overall polish of the outfit significantly.
What do you think of the latest Ralph Lauren Purple Label Collection?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.