The “Ralph Lauren Christmas” Aesthetic Is Back. And It’s Everything ⋆ The Aesthetic Shop by Lucy Love

I can’t tell you how happy I am that Ralph Lauren Christmas is trending on TikTok right now. This is one of those trends that goes straight to the heart for me. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and completely magical — the kind of thing that makes you want to light a fire, pour some mulled wine, and wrap yourself in plaid while “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” plays softly in the background.

It instantly takes me back to growing up in the 90s, when this exact aesthetic was the definition of the perfect Christmas fairy tale. It was everywhere — in magazines, in family movies, in TV commercials, even in department-store displays. It was all about that mix of tradition, elegance, and warmth that somehow made you believe that Christmas could be perfect.

There’s really no feeling quite like that nostalgia. And as someone who adores Christmas and everything beautiful, cozy, and aesthetic… this one hits deep.

Ralph Lauren: The Blueprint of Timeless Elegance

Ralph Lauren’s brand has always been more than just fashion — it’s storytelling. For decades, it’s represented an entire world of refined living: fireplaces, country estates, soft tartans, riding boots, whiskey glasses, and quiet confidence. The label’s aesthetic has been remarkably consistent through time, and that’s what makes it so powerful.

Some quality reading on the lable’s aesthetic and history:

Today, everyone talks about the “old money” aesthetic — but Ralph Lauren practically invented it. Long before it was a TikTok trend, the Ralph Lauren world showed us how to combine American ease with European polish. The style is never loud, but it’s luxurious in the way that comes from quality, not quantity. It’s the art of making a room or an outfit feel expensive without shouting about it.

And that same principle defines the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic: warm, rich, and timeless.

Some inspiring images from Ralph Lauren’s official pages:

The 90s Fairy Tale Christmas — And Why It’s Back

If you grew up in the 90s, you probably remember that specific holiday look that seemed to appear everywhere. Think Home Alone interiors, Miracle on 34th Street, Little Women, and every catalog your parents left on the coffee table. Deep forest green and burgundy, fireplaces glowing, people in velvet blazers and cable-knit sweaters, golden retrievers sleeping by the fire.

That was the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic at its peak — the dream of a perfect holiday captured in rich textures and soft light.

Then came the 2000s and 2010s, when everything turned minimalist. White walls, neutral palettes, silver ornaments, Scandinavian simplicity. Beautiful in its own way, but it stripped away the story.

Now, it feels like we’re collectively craving something more human again. Something that feels lived-in, layered, meaningful. The Ralph Lauren Christmas revival might be a sign of that — not a return to maximalism, but to depth. It’s a call back to warmth, quality, and tradition.

This aesthetic isn’t loud or busy. It’s not about excess. It’s elegant and thoughtful. The pieces are curated, the colors harmonious, the mood polished. It’s Christmas with a capital C.

What Defines the Ralph Lauren Christmas Look

If you want to capture the magic of this aesthetic in your own space or content, here’s what to look for:

✨ Color Palette: Deep forest green, burgundy, navy, cream, and gold. Always rich, never flashy.
✨ Textures: Velvet, wool, tweed, and leather. Layers of warmth that invite touch.
✨ Patterns: Classic tartans and plaids (especially Black Watch and Stewart), paired with solids for balance.
✨ Lighting: Candlelight, fireplaces, warm white fairy lights — everything glows softly.
✨ Mood: Cozy, refined, family-centric. It feels like home, but with an air of sophistication.
✨ Details: Equestrian accents, vintage silver, dark wood, crystal glasses, handwritten cards, and plaid ribbons everywhere.

And yes — it’s a look that’s both formal and inviting. The trick is in the restraint. It’s never over-decorated or gaudy; it’s rich and harmonious.

Shop the aesthetic:

Other 90s Icons of the Same Aesthetic

Ralph Lauren might be the main character of this Christmas, but other 90s brands are joining the nostalgia wave too.

✨ Gap — Remember those iconic holiday ads with families and friends singing together in matching sweaters? Pure joy, pure 90s.
✨ Tommy Hilfiger — Red, navy, and white never looked cozier. Their vintage winter campaigns are a goldmine of “All-American Christmas” inspiration.
✨ L.L.Bean and Eddie Bauer — Rustic, cozy, and outdoorsy, perfect for capturing the cabin-Christmas side of this trend.
✨ Abercrombie (in its early days) — The vintage catalog imagery fits perfectly into this reborn “heritage” aesthetic.

These brands built the visual language of 90s winter nostalgia — and they’re all part of why this Ralph Lauren Christmas moment feels so familiar and so right.

Tommy Hilfiger’s 2025 Holiday Campaign inspired by 90s aesthetics

Ralph Lauren Knows Exactly What’s Happening

And here’s the best part — Ralph Lauren is fully aware they’re trending. Their official Instagram just dropped new holiday content that looks almost tailor-made for those of us obsessing over the “Ralph Lauren Christmas” vibe. Soft light, tartan, fireplaces, velvet dresses, kids and dogs in matching knits… they know what they’re doing.

Good for them, and good for us.

Source: Ralph Lauren official Instagram, Nov 2025

How I’m Bringing the Trend into My Own Designs

I’ve been having so much fun channeling this aesthetic in my own creative work lately. From my freebie Christmas backgrounds and mockups to my Canva Christmas Template Pack, I’m pulling from all these warm tones, textures, and timeless holiday moods.

free christmas images for social media backgrounds mockups

Some freebie backgrounds from our Christmas collection!

Let’s Bring Back the Magic

Maybe the return of the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic is more than just a trend. Maybe it’s a sign that we’re ready for holidays that feel personal again. For homes that glow, tables that are full, and décor that tells a story.

So this season, let’s bring back the magic. Add the tartan. Light the candles. Wear the velvet. And let’s celebrate a Christmas that feels timeless, warm, and full of heart 🎄✨