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Dress like a Ralph Lauren 'rich mom' with 5 simple must-haves, from $13
You don't have to be a runway model to pull off these timeless but on-trend styles — and you don't need a trust fund to buy 'em.
Want your personal style to be classic and understated, but rich-looking? You want to dress like a “rich mom.” The term, coined a couple of years ago on social media, describes dressing in a way that’s effortlessly elegant — nothing flashy need apply. And one brand that embodies all of that is Ralph Lauren, of course.
This month, Ralph Lauren presented its Fall/Winter 2026 collection at New York Fashion Week. In it, there were plenty of trends you can wear right now — trends that will make your outfits look more expensive even if you don’t exactly have Ralph Lauren money. Lauren said in his show notes that he was inspired by a “renegade spirit and the confidence of the woman who will wear it in her own personal way, to tell her own story.” He added that “her style is not defined by time. It’s enduring.”
Hey, you know what else is timeless? The “stealth wealth” style of rich moms everywhere. Take a look below at five Ralph Lauren runway-inspired must-haves that you can copy today for less.
1. Leather jackets and pants
Ralph Lauren always seems to incorporate leather and suede into its collections, and this one was no different. A few models wore leather pants, and one wore a leather suit (shown above). We love the longer length of the leather jacket, a refreshing change from cropped styles that dominate store racks. To copy the look, opt for faux leather — it will give you the same luxe effect without the high price tag.
If you’ve never worn (faux) leather pants before, they’re an easy way to jazz up any outfit. Wear them with a plain white tee and sneakers, a black turtleneck and heels or a chunky sweater and loafers. Essentially, swap them in any time you’d usually wear black jeans or trousers.
2. Printed scarves
Ralph Lauren accessorized many looks with paisley and leopard-print triangle scarves tied loosely around models’ necks. Sure, you might not wear yours with a chainmail top (and if you would, we applaud your bravery!), but you could pair a printed scarf with any solid color top. And right now, while it’s still cold out, you can opt for knit styles for a little extra coziness. Satin scarves are another good option you can wear well into the spring.
3. Dark florals
Ralph Lauren is extending floral season well beyond spring this year! But not just any florals — it showed darker, moodier prints that evoke a sort of gothic romance vibe that’s already trending this season (in part due to Margot Robbie’s Wuthering Heights press tour looks). For now, consider trying them in velvet or silk, but as spring sets in, you can transition some of these pieces by pairing them with leather jackets and sandals.
4. Tweed blazers
The collection also had nods to equine culture — an aesthetic otherwise known as “rich British countryside style” that started trending last year. Tweed has deep roots in Scottish and English heritage, but Lauren gave it a stateside twist by pairing tweed blazers with velvet tops, chain earrings and, in one more obvious nod, a horse-printed silk maxi skirt (above).
You can always pair a tweed blazer with a white T-shirt and jeans to look smart but casual. Add tall riding boots if you really want to lean into this trend’s equestrian roots.
5. Silver chain earrings
Dangly earrings are finally making a comeback! While light, dainty jewelry has really taken center stage over the last few years, Ralph Lauren showcased dramatic silver chain earrings on most of its models. Fun earrings are an easy way to dress up any simple outfit, especially if you want to dress like a rich mom but can’t help adding just a little flashy touch.
