Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s RTW Spring 2016

A pared down, updated sensibility was the new message at Ralph Lauren’s expansive spring Polo presentation.

While the designer’s signature preppy aesthetic continued to run through the line, the silhouettes were cleaner and less predictable.

That message was most clear in the Polo suit offering, where the designer let go of all the embellishments of the past with solid knit ties and tonal or striped shirts serving as complements to the trimmer jackets and narrower pants. A double-breasted peak lapel midnight blue tuxedo was a bit of a surprise for the mostly casual collection, but served to elevate the brand into new territory.

Other highlights included a three-piece denim suit and a paper-thin black trench coat over a black crewneck sweater and slate gray dress trousers, with a modicum of a high waist.

The Polo Sport offering married high-performance detailing with street styling, such as Belgian camouflage cargo pants and two-in-one shorts with built-in leggings.

Ralph Lauren’s involvement in NYFW: Men’s was essential to the week, and his collection displayed how the powerhouse American brand continues to reinvent itself.