Fashion legend Ralph Lauren’s new Blue Label collection has arrived in Chicago, offering a contemporary take on classic sportswear. The line has a casual feeling and (better yet) more affordable prices–from $350 for a jacket compared to $895 for a Black Label blazer. Timeless pieces are updated with new proportions. A crested navy Estate Jacket ($398) has a slim schoolboy cut and polo shirts ($52) are shrunk down to a sexier size. A key part of Blue Label’s relaxed look is the unexpected mix of materials and styles. Pair a ruffled tartan blouse with cargo chinos, or fleece sweatpants with a cashmere cable sweater. Singer Lauryn Hill and model Karolina Kurkova are strutting the stuff. Actress Julia Stiles went with a skinny safari shirt for an appearance on “Late Show with David Letterman.” Look for new holiday pieces (fair isle sweater, $198, above) on the racks this month. Polo Ralph Lauren, 750 N. Michigan Ave., 312-280-1655, or www.polo.com.
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