Why Ralph Lauren Is So Expensive? 4 Best Places To Buy

Ralph Lauren has gone from being a fashion brand to an American institution in its own right.

The brand is recognizable around the world and is an international beacon for the American fashion industry.

Ralph Lauren’s Polo Pony was created in 1971 and is one of the most recognized symbols in fashion

The iconic Ralph Lauren pony is one logo anyone can identify, and the fashion brand has gone beyond polo shirts and suits to produce homeware and cologne.

Two of the most popular items from Ralph Lauren are their dresses and shoes, with both of them offering you premium quality at an attainable price tag.

We’re going to take a deep-dive into the brand, their best-selling styles, and where you can purchase their clothing and accessories.

How is Ralph Lauren pronounced?

Ralph Lauren, pronounced “ralf lo-ruhn”, began its life in 1967 as a neckwear line trading under the name “Polo”. The original pieces took their inspiration from the glamour of Old Hollywood with handmade ties with a wide silhouette.

Ralph Lauren started The Ralph Lauren Corporation in 1967 with his own line of men’s neckties

Within a year, Ralph Lauren debuts his first menswear collection, using the fabric of traditional sport shirts to create a more formal version.

In 1970, ‘The Polo by Ralph Lauren’, the brand’s first boutique, opened in Bloomingdale’s. It was the first boutique dedicated to one designer.

Ralph Lauren opened his first boutique in Bloomingdale’s in 1970

The first standalone Polo by Ralph Lauren store launched the following year on Rodeo Drive.

The embroidered pony that we all instantly recognize first appeared in 1971 as part of Lauren’s first womenswear pieces.

His first full womenswear collection released the following year.

Ralph Lauren’s first standalone store opened in Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive in 1971 (Credit: WENN / Avalon)

Ralph Lauren made its first major statement in the world of women’s fashion following the success of Annie Hall, with Diane Keaton’s character wearing several pieces throughout the Oscar-winning film.

Throughout the 80s, Ralph Lauren would begin to become synonymous with the New England ‘preppy’ lifestyle, as well as launching his first stores overseas and the ‘Ralph Lauren Home’ range.

Diane Keaton wearing Ralph Lauren in the 1977 Woody Allen movie Annie Hall

During the 90s, flying high on their success, Ralph Lauren launched several other lines, including the premium ‘Purple Label’ and ‘Double RL’.

In the following decade, the brand would continue to build its links to the world of sports, becoming the official outfitter for Wimbledon, the tennis tournament held in London, and Team USA for the 2008 Olympics.

In 2018, Ralph Lauren celebrated 50 years of operations, marking its success with guests such as Hillary Clinton, Anna Wintour, and Oprah Winfrey at a star-studded fashion show in New York.

Ralph Lauren clothing has come to symbolize the idea of the American dream, with each piece reflecting the unique blend of sportsmanship and tailoring.

Ralph Lauren attends HBO’s Very Ralph world premiere on October 23, 2019 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Every woman needs at least one Ralph Lauren dress in their closet. The brand is also famous for its leather goods, including handbags and shoes.

If you’re considering investing in anything from Ralph Lauren as your first piece, you can’t go wrong with a dress and shoes.

We’ve already shown you the most popular styles of Ralph Lauren dresses and shoes for you to decide which one is calling your name. We’ll also share our tips on the best places to shop for Ralph Lauren products in the United States.

Where To Shop For Ralph Lauren

Now that you have an idea about Ralph Lauren’s best-selling shoes and dresses, you’ll be ready to treat yourself to a few pieces.

We’ve rounded up the best places to buy Ralph Lauren in the US, including websites that frequently hold sales so that you can grab a bargain.

1. Ralph Lauren Official Website

You’ll find the most extensive collection of Ralph Lauren pieces on the brand’s official website. It’s easy to use, and you can filter between each of the various brands under the ‘Ralph Lauren’ label.

The website occasionally holds sales, making it worthwhile to keep checking back to see if they have any offers. You can also use the official website to help you find a physical location near you.

2. Mytheresa

If you’re a fan of luxury fashion, you’ve likely heard of the European-based brand Mytheresa.

You can browse through the website to get an idea of pieces you can add to your wishlist.

While we don’t recommend ordering directly from here for full-price options, they regularly run promotions and discount codes, making it worthwhile for any U.S based shopper.

3. Nordstrom

As an American brand, it’s no surprise that Nordstrom is one of the major stockists of Ralph Lauren.

The store offers most of the major Ralph Lauren brands, with an extensive collection of pieces from the Polo Ralph Lauren range.

Nordstrom stocks menswear, womenswear, and accessories from Ralph Lauren.

The department store frequently holds sales, including their infamous semi-annual sale. If you’ve got a Nordstrom rewards card, this is the perfect place to shop for your Ralph Lauren pieces.

4. Saks Fifth Avenue

Another department store that you can purchase Ralph Lauren pieces from is Saks Fifth Avenue. Their online website offers you hundreds of pieces to choose between, including the brand’s Purple Label.

Along with womenswear and menswear, Saks Fifth Avenue also stocks homeware and childrenswear. Whether you want to buy a martini glass, bucket hat, or sweater dress, Saks Fifth Avenue has you covered.

You can purchase Ralph Lauren from almost any store that offers high-end and luxury brands.

You’ll want to check which diffusion brand that piece you’re interested in is from, as not all stores will stock the full Ralph Lauren catalog.

The majority of Ralph Lauren pieces go on sale at the end of each season, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the pieces you’re interested in, in case they drop in price.

It’s also worth joining the newsletter and subscriber lists of these websites, so you’re the first to know when a Ralph Lauren sale is happening.

Scroll down to see celebrities wearing dresses and footwear by Ralph Lauren, an American fashion designer, philanthropist, and business executive born October 14, 1939. As of 2021, Forbes estimates his wealth at $7.1 billion.

Celebrities Wearing Ralph Lauren