THE RALPH LAUREN CHRISTMAS LOOK: A WARM, HERITAGE-INSPIRED HOLIDAY STYLE

It’s the holiday aesthetic everyone is talking about this year — a cozy, heritage-rich, warmly lit Christmas style that feels like stepping into a country estate, a New England lodge, or a beautifully layered library filled with leather-bound books. The Ralph Lauren Christmas look has officially become the holiday trend of 2025, and it’s easy to understand why.

After years of bright neutrals and minimalist “Instagram Christmas,” people are craving something richer… deeper… and more nostalgic. This look is luxurious without being fussy, traditional without feeling outdated, and layered in a way that immediately makes a home feel lived-in and inviting.

It’s the kind of Christmas style that makes you want to pour a drink, light a fire, and stay awhile.

WHY EVERYONE IS LOVING THE RALPH LAUREN CHRISTMAS LOOK

There’s something about the Ralph Lauren holiday style that instantly feels familiar — a little nostalgic, a little cozy, and wonderfully old-fashioned in the best way. Dark woods, classic plaids, brass accents, and warm candlelight bring back the magic of holidays that felt slower and more meaningful. To bring that same warm, heritage lighting into your home, explore our Limehouse lighting collection — handcrafted in England in classic Ralph Lauren–inspired styles.

At the same time, the look is timeless rather than trendy. It isn’t tied to a particular moment — instead, it’s grounded in heritage and tradition. It has that sense of permanence that never feels disposable or overly styled.

What people love most is how collected it feels. Instead of matching sets or pieces that look bought all at once, it embraces layered textures, aged metals, and heirloom-inspired details. It feels curated over time — the way a well-loved home naturally evolves.

Home of James F. Carter, Architect

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE “RALPH LAUREN CHRISTMAS” LOOK?

It’s a rich mix of East Coast heritage, equestrian nods, English-library warmth, and winter-lodge coziness — all wrapped in timeless holiday color. Think of it as a collected, quietly luxurious version of Christmas, where every detail feels intentional rather than overly styled.

Here are the elements that define it:

COLOR + MATERIAL PALETTE

• Deep greens: forest, emerald

• Rich reds: burgundy, ruby

• Navy blue

• Gold and antique brass

• Dark woods + leather upholstery

• Wool, cashmere, cable-knit textures

• Heritage tartans (especially Black Watch)

These tones and textures instantly set the Ralph Lauren mood: warm, polished, and sophisticated in that understated, East Coast way.

DÉCOR MOOD & ATMOSPHERE

• Warm, ambient lighting: soft bulbs, candles, twinkle lights

• No harsh overhead light — everything should glow

• Layering: vintage glassware, leather-bound books, rich wall textures

• Elegance over flash — no neon greens or plastic garland

• Uniform, classic gift wrap for a refined “library” palette

The goal is a space that feels deep, cozy, and quietly luxurious — the kind of room you want to linger in.

VIGNETTES & HOLIDAY MOMENTS

• The table: tartan runner, gold-rimmed china, dark wood, crystal, layered textures

• The lounge: leather chairs, plaid throws, warm light, a bar cart with vintage glassware

• The tree: gold/brass ornaments, tartan ribbons, rich metallics, and a naturally styled tree that feels part of the room

Every moment should feel thoughtful, collected, and comfortably lived-in.

The Ralph Lauren Christmas look is all about creating a home that feels welcoming, nostalgic, and full of tradition. In our house, that feeling comes to life every Christmas morning when we bake Grandma Johnson’s scones and walk them over to a few of our neighbors — still warm from the oven — alongside clotted cream, my husband’s homemade strawberry jam (he makes a few batches every year), and a couple of Bloody Marys. It’s a small, old-fashioned ritual, but it carries the same spirit: gracious, cozy, and full of heart.

And because the mood is just as important as the décor, we always have a Christmas playlist playing in the background — one filled with the absolute best versions of the classics, new and old. Nothing too heavy, nothing too sleepy… just that perfect fireside mix that feels warm, familiar, and quietly festive.

I’m linking both the scone recipe we use every year, Grandma Johnson's Scones, and my curated Spotify Christmas playlist, A Very Hadley Christmas, so you can bring a little of our tradition — and that Ralph Lauren holiday warmth — into your own home.

And if you’re looking for thoughtful holiday presents that pair perfectly with this warm, heritage-inspired style, you can browse my curated Holiday Gift Guide here.

In the end, the Ralph Lauren Christmas look is about creating a home that feels welcoming and lived-in, not perfect or showy. It’s the layers of texture, the mix of old and new, and the little details that make the season feel special. If you focus on rich colors, comfortable materials, and a few thoughtful touches, you can create a space that feels warm and inviting — the kind of place where you naturally put on a holiday playlist or enjoy scones on a slow December morning. Nothing forced. Just comfortable and classic.