Ralph Lauren Christmas: How To Achieve This Timeless Holiday Look

This year’s biggest holiday trend feels like a cozy throwback in the best possible way. The Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is everywhere on social media right now, and when I talked about it on The Jason Show, I summed it up simply: the ‘90s are back in full swing, and they’re bringing classic Christmas with them, just styled in a richer, more refined way. Think deeper reds, forest greens, cozy textures, and layers that make your home feel warm, elevated, and inviting. It’s traditional Christmas, but with a polished, modern edge.

What I love most about this trend is how approachable it is. It looks intentional and styled, but it’s not about excess. It’s about making thoughtful choices, leaning into texture, and letting your space feel curated and collected.

What Defines the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look

The color palette is the first thing that sets this trend apart. Bright cherry red has shifted into burgundy and wine tones, and kelly green has been replaced with a deeper forest green. These richer shades immediately bring warmth and depth to a space and feel much more elevated than their brighter counterparts.

Plaids and tartans are another defining feature this year, and this is where that ‘90s influence really comes through. These patterns show up in throws, pillows, table linens, wrapping paper, and even holiday outfits. They’re nostalgic without feeling dated and add just the right amount of visual interest.

Overall, this aesthetic feels layered, textured, and intentional. Nothing about it is loud. Everything feels warm, cozy, and quietly refined.

Start with Cozy Base Using Texture

When building this look, I always say the very first step is creating a cozy base with texture. This is the foundation for everything else. Without it, the space can feel flat, even if the colors and décor are right.

Think wools, knits, plaids, and even a touch of sheepskin. Throws and pillows are the easiest place to start and one of the most budget-friendly ways to transform a room. Adding a couple of textured pillows to your sofa or draping a plaid throw over a chair can instantly make a space feel warmer and more layered for the season.

Once this cozy base is established, everything else you add on top feels more intentional and cohesive.

Choose Classic Holiday Details Over Novelty Decor

The next step is layering in classic holiday details, and this is where restraint really matters. The Ralph Lauren Christmas look leans into traditional imagery rather than playful novelty décor. Deer, nutcrackers, and classic tree motifs all fit beautifully into this aesthetic because they feel timeless and collected.

Santa, on the other hand, tends to push the look too far into whimsical territory for this style. That’s why I usually recommend skipping Santa figurines and instead focusing on pieces that feel more old-world and refined. These details echo tradition without overpowering the rest of your space.

Let Greenery Do the Heavy Lifting

Greenery is one of the most important elements of this look and one of the easiest ways to elevate your home on a budget. Faux greenery works perfectly well here, but the key is being selective. The more realistic it looks, the better it fits the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic.

One of my favorite simple tricks is taking a basic vase and adding a few sprigs of greenery or eucalyptus. It instantly makes a coffee table, countertop, or entryway feel seasonal without being overwhelming. Garlands draped along staircases, mantels, or shelves also bring in that soft, organic layer that makes this trend feel so cozy and natural.

Add Holiday Shine Without the Glitz

Shine still plays a role in this trend, but it’s not about glitter or high-gloss sparkle. Ralph Lauren Christmas leans into muted metallics and pieces with character. Warm brasses, finishes with patina, and soft mercury glass are the perfect way to layer in holiday shine without tipping into glam territory.

This kind of shine feels warm and refined rather than flashy. Even small accents like vintage-inspired candleholders or subtle metallic ornaments add depth and dimension to your space while keeping the overall look soft.

Create the Mood With Soft, Layered Lighting

Lighting is everything when it comes to achieving this aesthetic. Overhead lighting is a hard no. Instead, the mood is created through warm, gentle, layered light. Lamps, candlesticks, lanterns, and soft twinkle lights are what bring the Ralph Lauren Christmas look to life.

This softer lighting makes a room feel instantly more intimate and inviting. It enhances the textures, deepens the colors, and creates that cozy, candlelit feeling that defines this trend.

Why This Look Is Resonating So Strongly Right Now

The reason this trend has taken off so quickly this year goes far beyond décor. People are craving comfort, nostalgia, and warmth more than ever. This aesthetic taps into those feelings while still feeling elevated and current. It aligns perfectly with the larger shift toward quiet luxury and intentional living, choosing pieces that feel timeless instead of disposable.

The best part is that this look works in any kind of home. Whether you’re in an apartment, a suburban house, or a more traditional space, the principles stay the same: texture, rich color, soft light, greenery, and classic details.