Ralph Lauren NYFW 2026: Lili Reinhart and Emilia Jones Master Equestrian Boots While Joan Smalls Slays in Winter Sandals

Ralph Lauren officially kicked off New York Fashion Week, drawing a stylish and fashion-savvy crowd to New York’s Jack Shainman Gallery.

Known for its timeless, all-American aesthetic, Ralph Lauren’s fall/winter 2026 collection struck a balance between rugged Western romance and flashes of modern metallic edge, all while preserving the house’s signature craftsmanship.

Tweed, chunky wool knits, velvet layers, Edwardian cotton taffeta, and wide belts and chain-strap accents dominated the runway. There were subtle references to Joan of Arc, but the runway remained true to the codes that have defined Ralph Lauren, including sharp tailoring, equestrian heritage, and a romantic yet contemporary vision of country life.

That equestrian spirit extended to the front row. Lili Reinhart and Emilia Jones embraced the theme in boots, while Joan Smalls opted for crisp white heels, adding a sleek counterpoint to the countryside mood.

Lili Reinhart, Joan Smalls, and Emilia Jones put a footwear-forward spin on Ralph Lauren’s New York Fashion Week show, stepping out in equestrian-inspired boots and sleek heels that echoed the label’s refined, all-American aesthetic on February 10, 2026 (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Lili Reinhart: Modern Equestrian in Pointed Stiletto Boots & Fringed Suede

Lili Reinhart looked effortlessly chic and cozy, dressed, of course, in head-to-toe Ralph Lauren. That quiet elegance she exuded instantly caught my attention. It wasn’t loud or overstyled, but every piece blended seamlessly.

Reinhart wore smooth black leather equestrian knee-high boots, mostly hidden beneath her skirt, which helped lift her posture and added a classic riding-inspired touch. The boots featured pointed toes, front-center stitching, and high heels that elongated her silhouette, giving the look a refined finish.

A closer look at Lili Reinhart’s sleek black boots reveals how their pointed toes and polished leather ground the movement of her dramatic fringed skirt with a sharp, equestrian-inspired finish (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Texture Play: How Tailored Blazers and Leather Panels Defined Lili’s Front-Row Look

Adding a fun and whimsical touch to the look, Lili paired her boots with a long, black tiered skirt detailed with fringes and leather panels. The mix of textures created a sense of movement, and I loved how it nodded to Ralph Lauren’s signature equestrian Western charm without looking costumey. The skirt definitely had drama, but it still looked wearable.

While a playful skirt like that could have been styled with something equally bold, Lili chose to offset it with something more tailored and understated. She wore a brown longline wool-blend blazer with a beautifully tailored fit. The classic details, such as the notched lapels, a chest pocket, and slip pockets, kept it timeless, while going shirtless underneath added a sensual edge that balanced the heavier textures below.

A wide burgundy leather belt with a soft sheen and silver-tone buckle cinched her waist and sharpened the silhouette. She skipped bold jewelry and simply carried a brown reptile-embossed bag with a silver chain handle.

Her blonde hair was styled in soft, side-parted waves that cascaded over one shoulder, and her makeup remained minimal. I loved how simple yet quietly elegant the entire look was.

Lili Reinhart leans into Ralph Lauren’s modern equestrian mood, pairing sleek black boots with a dramatic fringed midi skirt and a tailored brown longline wool-blend blazer cinched by a wide burgundy belt (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Joan Smalls: Winter White Mastery in Crisscross Sandals & Liquid Satin

Joan Smalls took a different route from Ralph Lauren’s expected equestrian mood and instead embraced something softer and more relaxed.

She stepped out in white leather sandals with delicate crisscross front straps and open toes, finished with heels high enough to lift her already statuesque 5’10½” frame. The choice surprised me for winter, but it worked beautifully against the fluidity of her outfit.

Joan Smalls completes her understated look in minimalist white sandals, featuring open toes and delicate crisscross straps that add a light, modern finish to her flowing satin ensemble (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

The Art of the Drape: Elevated Neutrals and Layered Cable Knits on Joan Smalls

Joan leaned into laid-back layering with a tan cable-knit crop sweater featuring raised braided detailing. Over it, she wore a long beige trench coat that added polish. What I loved most was the extra sweater in the same cable-knit design casually draped over her shoulders. That additional layer brought depth and texture, enhancing the relaxed, cozy vibe of her look.

She paired the soft neutrals with high-waisted white liquid satin trousers. The fabric had a subtle sheen that caught the light as she moved, while the wide legs flowed effortlessly with every step. I especially loved the contrast between the textured cable knits and the silky satin; it brought an effortless balance to the entire look.

Smalls kept her accessories minimal, but they still made a statement. Chunky silver earrings framed her face, and she carried a taupe suede clutch with a rich texture that complemented the overall palette.

Her hair was pulled back into a low ponytail with soft face-framing strands, and her makeup remained understated with defined eyeliner, a hint of blush, and mauve lipstick.

Joan Smalls elevates relaxed winter neutrals by pairing delicate white heels with fluid satin trousers, a tan cable-knit top, and a softly tailored beige trench for an effortlessly polished finish (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Emilia Jones: Edgy Americana in Strappy Riding Boots & Leather Corsetry

Emilia Jones, who stands 5ft 5 (165.1 cm) and wears a US shoe size 6, looked effortlessly chic in a sharp black-and-tan ensemble that balanced clean lines with a quietly rebellious edge, using sleek footwear proportions to enhance her naturally streamlined frame.

The Task actress embraced the label’s equestrian aesthetic, wearing black knee-high boots with rounded toes, a chunky silhouette, and ankle straps. They weren’t fully visible beneath her skirt, but that hint of sturdy black at the hem added depth and a touch of edge to the look.

Emilia Jones adds a subtly edgy finish to her look in sleek black rounded-toe boots, defined by wraparound ankle straps and a high heel that brings polish and attitude in equal measure (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Sculpted Silhouettes: Balancing Mermaid Skirts with Tough-Luxe Accessories

Jones’ tan midi skirt was beautifully cut, sitting high on her waist, skimming her hips, and gently flaring from the knees in a soft, mermaid-like silhouette that swayed with a delicate ripple at the hem. It featured a front-zip closure and a belted waist with button accents, giving the skirt a tailored finish while remaining feminine.

Up top, Emilia wore a strapless black leather corset that provided a bold contrast to the skirt’s softness.

She kept her accessories simple, skipping a necklace and opting for a delicate gold bangle and a structured black handbag. Her short brunette hair was styled in soft, tousled waves, and her makeup had a slightly grungy edge with smoky eyes, defined liner, and a hint of red lipstick that matched her manicure.

Emilia Jones sharpens her black-and-tan look with sleek black boots styled alongside a tan midi skirt, black leather corset top, and an oversized black coat for a polished yet quietly edgy finish (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Ralph Lauren’s Footwear Legacy on the Red Carpet and Beyond

While the runway set the tone for the season, Ralph Lauren’s impact is perhaps most visible when celebrities wear the brand’s polished boots, heels, and platforms off the catwalk.

From New York Fashion Week appearances to major red-carpet moments, these footwear-led looks show how the label’s timeless American aesthetic translates into real-world style.