Fall is approaching, and I find myself reaching for my fall wardrobe with excitement. I know many of you share this same feeling, which is why I'm putting together a Fall Fashion report, coming out next week. My hope is that it will refresh your love for the pieces you’ve already invested in and inspire you as we transition into this beautiful season. Watch this space!
I also wanted to take you on a brief journey to one of my most cherished sources of inspiration for fall—this very specific, iconic moment in Ralph Lauren's history that never stops to inspire me.
For fall lovers and hopeless romantics only.
When I think about autumn, many brands pop up in my head but the first one will always be Ralph Lauren.
Ralph Lauren is not only the most prolific and long-lived American brand but also one whose aesthetic never seem to bore me. So, I’m dedicating this space to a particular chapter in Ralph’s legacy that I hold close in my inside pocket—the unforgettable Polo Ralph Lauren Country.
Launched in 1987, Polo Ralph Lauren Country was more than just a sub-label; it was an embodiment of a rugged, outdoor lifestyle with that unmistakable American touch, making it an instant classic. The collection celebrated a rustic, cozy, countryside-inspired aesthetic that I’ve always adored. The pieces were not only practical and durable but also deeply evocative of a simpler time, crafted from materials like heavy wool, chunky flannel, rich leather, and, of course, denim. The palette of colours was one of earthy tones embellished by patches, leather trims or anything that could reinforce that workwear and outdoor vibe.
While Ralph Lauren has many sub-labels—some designed to be more accessible, like Chaps, and others more luxurious, like Ralph Lauren Purple Label—Polo Ralph Lauren Country stands apart in my view. Even though it was short-lived, its impact was unforgettable, and I’m confident that we’ll see its legacy reimagined this fall, especially with the Boho trend making waves on the runways.
You can now contribute to The Inside Pocket's growth without strings attached! If you can’t commit to a monthly or annual subscription but would still like to support, you can offer me a symbolic coffee below.
Polo Ralph Lauren country gained peak popularity between the 80s and 90s. It fit the trends of the era, offering something different from the more preppy and polished look of the main Ralph Lauren line. Nowadays, owning a piece of Ralph Lauren Country is gold, like holding onto a piece of fashion history. With vintage and second-hand these pieces have become very sought-after by collectors and fashion aficionados. And I can confirm that this allure kept its charm intact until today, no matter the trend or era.
This sense of nostalgia and the potential collectibility always makes me connect emotionally to a label or a collection. It’s more than just the clothes, it’s the whole dream that comes with it, the story they tell. I can easily imagine myself draped in full RL, perhaps riding a horse with the wind in my hair, or gathering with my beautifully dysfunctional, old-money family for hot chocolate by the fire—all dressed in Ralph Lauren, of course.
It’s a nod to a simple, authentic American lifestyle.
Enjoy this mood board that captures the aesthetic of this long-gone sub-label. And next time you’re on a vintage hunt, keep an eye out—you might just find a relic of this era in your hands.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Inside Pocket to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.