The dominant trend for this festive season is a powerful wave of nostalgia, with the 'Ralph Lauren Christmas' aesthetic leading the charge. This yearning for classic comfort is so potent that it's influencing everything from home décor to winter wardrobes across the UK.
The Epitome of Festive Nostalgia in London
The brand has perfectly captured this mood with a charming outdoor pop-up in the heart of London's Sloane Square. The installation features cosy wooden cabins housing a dedicated Ralph Lauren gift shop and a hot chocolate stall. The scene is completed with Christmas trees, including a spectacular one decorated in plaid and velvet, and a picture-perfect truck overflowing with festive firs.
This immersive experience is a masterclass in branding, tapping directly into the collective desire for traditional, heartwarming celebrations. It has inspired a surge in online searches for items like red velvet bows and antique ornaments as people seek to replicate the look in their own homes.
Defining the Ralph Lauren Christmas Aesthetic
So, what exactly constitutes a 'Ralph Lauren Christmas'? It is festive inspiration drawn directly from the brand's iconic, classic aesthetic. The look is characterised by traditional patterns like tartan and plaid, combined with luxurious textures such as velvet and leather. The colour palette is built around deep, rich jewel tones including burgundy and forest green. Imagine this all set against the backdrop of a roaring fire, and you have the complete picture.
How Nostalgia is Shaping Festive Fashion
This nostalgic influence extends far beyond home decoration and is powerfully shaping what Brits want to wear this party season. Key trends include a major resurgence of Fair Isle, cable, and Argyle knits, with styles reminiscent of classic films like 'The Holiday' and 'When Harry Met Sally' available at retailers such as Massimo Dutti, Frame, and Cos.
Checked coats and jackets are the heritage-inspired outerwear of choice, evoking feelings of country walks and pub lunches. The embellished Christmas jumper remains a perennial favourite, alongside red velvet dresses and trouser suits, serving as a powerful connection to Christmases past.
Other significant trends taking over the UK fashion scene include:
- Faux and Vintage Fur: Once favoured by older generations, fur is now being embraced by 20-somethings who style it with jeans for a modern twist.
- Antique Jewellery: The style set is mixing old with new, hunting for unique pieces from sellers like The Antique Jewellery Company, Wave Antiques, and Charlotte Sayers.
- Leggings Revival: Largely thanks to Claudia Winkleman's wardrobe in 'The Traitors', leggings are back. The modern way to wear them is with knee-high boots, oversized jackets, and chunky knitters.
The trend shows no signs of slowing down, with influencers and celebrities fully on board. British model Suki Waterhouse was recently spotted with designer Michael Kors, solidifying the blend of classic and contemporary style that defines this nostalgic Christmas moment.
