Honestly, walking into Ralph Lauren’s private design studio on Madison Avenue for the Ralph Lauren fall 2024 show felt less like a fashion event and more like being invited into someone’s very expensive, very tasteful living room. Most people think of Ralph as this massive, corporate machine. But this show? It was tiny. Only about 100 people were there. He basically turned his actual office space into a gallery, complete with mahogany walls and chrome chairs that looked like they belonged in a museum.
It was intimate.
The whole vibe was a massive callback to 1972. That’s when Ralph did his first-ever women’s show in that exact same spot. If you’ve been following the "quiet luxury" trend, this was basically the masterclass. But here's the thing: Ralph isn't "chasing" the trend. He invented it fifty years ago.
Why the Ralph Lauren Fall 2024 Collection Feels Different
You’ve probably seen the photos of Christy Turlington opening the show. She looked incredible. She walked out to Billy Joel’s "Just the Way You Are," wearing this monochromatic beige suit with a necktie. It was simple. It was sharp. It was exactly what everyone is trying to do on TikTok right now, but done with the kind of tailoring that makes you realize why some coats cost more than a used car.
The palette was almost entirely neutrals. Think chocolate browns, taupe, camel, and a lot of metallics. No bright pinks or neon greens here. Instead, you had 45 looks that transitioned from rugged Western wear to slinky, liquid-gold evening gowns.
The Cowboy in the Room
There is a lot of talk lately about "cowboy core"—you can thank Beyoncé for some of that. But for the Ralph Lauren fall 2024 collection, the Western influence felt more like a permanent resident than a guest star. We saw:
- Massive silver belt buckles that could double as dinner plates.
- Fringed suede jackets that looked like they’d seen a ranch but were actually destined for the Upper East Side.
- Cowboy hats paired with evening dresses.
It sounds weird on paper. In person? It’s basically the Ralph Lauren DNA. He’s the only guy who can put a tuxedo jacket over a denim shirt and make it look like the most sophisticated thing you’ve ever seen.
The Stars and the "Polo Bar" Finish
The front row was stacked, but not in that "influencer-heavy" way that feels desperate. Glenn Close was there, re-wearing a white suit she first wore to the SAG Awards in 2019. That’s a power move. Jessica Chastain, Kerry Washington, and Jodie Turner-Smith were all sitting on these brown leather benches, just a few feet from the models.
When the show ended, Ralph didn't just disappear. He did a little dance, took a bow in his own Western shirt and New Balance sneakers, and then everyone just walked down the street to The Polo Bar for dinner.
It was very New York.
Sustainability and the "New" Ralph
One thing most people missed is the actual tech behind the clothes. Ralph Lauren is leaning hard into this "Timeless by Design" strategy. For the 2024 season, they’ve been pushing more recycled cotton and "Cradle to Cradle" certified cashmere. They also launched a collaboration with Diné (Navajo) artist Zefren-M for the Double RL line. This isn't just about making "pretty" clothes anymore; it’s about making things that don't fall apart after three washes.
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The collection also marked the debut of the RL 888 Tote. It’s this structured, boxy bag that opened the show. It’s meant to be an heirloom piece. That’s the big takeaway for this fall: buy less, but buy things that actually have a soul.
How to Wear the Look Now
You don’t need a Madison Avenue budget to pull this off. The "Ralph Look" for fall is basically about mixing textures.
- Monochrome is your friend. Pick a color—like tan or grey—and wear it from head to toe. Vary the fabrics (wool pants with a silk shirt).
- The "Ralph Tuck." Tuck your sweater into your trousers, but keep it a bit messy.
- Contrast your vibes. If you’re wearing a fancy dress, throw a denim or leather jacket over it.
The big misconception is that Ralph Lauren is just for "old money" types. In reality, the Ralph Lauren fall 2024 collection was about confidence. It’s about dressing for yourself, not the "landscape" or the "algorithm." It’s about clothes that get better as they age, just like the man himself.
Actionable Insights for Your Wardrobe
- Invest in a "hero" blazer: Look for something with a sharp shoulder in a neutral tweed or navy.
- Don't fear the tie: Menswear-inspired accessories on women are a huge part of this season's silhouette.
- Mix your metals: Silver buckles with gold jewelry was a recurring theme on the runway.
To really capture the essence of this season, focus on "elevated basics." Look for heavy-weight silk slip dresses that you can layer under oversized wool coats. Swap your sneakers for a pointed-toe boot or, if you're feeling bold, a steel-capped cowboy boot. The goal is to look like you didn't try too hard, even if you spent twenty minutes perfecting that "disheveled" tuck.