Man in pink Oxford shirt poses in a room decorated with framed horse paintings

How to Wear An Oxford Shirt

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The Oxford shirt is a bona fide sartorial staple with a rich and storied history. Sitting effortlessly between formal and casual, it’s famed for its textural basketweave fabric, distinct button-down collar, and limitless versatility.

With roots reaching back to 19th century Scotland, the Oxford was initially popular amongst polo players and American college students, who favoured the shirts for their smart preppy aesthetic, ingenious collar point fastenings, and unbeatable levels of comfort. Today, this wardrobe classic is loved for its timeless appeal and impressive resilience, making it ideal for snappy office wear or natty weekend outfits.

What is an Oxford Shirt

Originating in Scotland’s textile mills, the Oxford shirt was named after the oldest educational institution in the English-speaking world: the esteemed University of Oxford. Boasting a slightly heavier weave than its dress shirt brethren, the garment soon gained traction amongst the world’s sporting elite and proved a hit with British and American students.

Distinguished by its smart button-down collar, Ralph Lauren’s Oxford shirts come in a dazzling array of colours and patterns, which makes them all the more versatile. They can be worn by themselves as a standalone garment or layered for warmth in the cooler weather.

Introduce this icon to your wardrobe with Ralph Lauren’s Slim Fit Oxford Shirt, which is garment-dyed and washed for a broken-in aesthetic. Alternatively, buck tradition with an eye-popping Floral Oxford Shirt, our cheeky answer to the Hawaiian classic.

Two neatly folded Oxford shirts, blue with white stripes and pink with white stripes, placed on a table.
A man wearing a striped white Oxford shirt, light trousers, and a light blue jumper draped over shoulders, holding black jacket.
A man wearing a light blue striped Oxford shirt with navy trousers.
A man wearing a red and white checkered Oxford shirt with rolled-up sleeves, paired with dark trousers, hands in pockets.

How to style an Oxford Shirt

Wondering how to wear an Oxford shirt? The good news is that it’s easy. This wardrobe staple can be paired with just about anything, whatever the temperature, whether that’s a pair of shorts, a sophisticated jacket , or an ultra-suave sports coat with pony insignia.

Available in a wide array of designs, and showcasing an always-flattering fit, the Oxford is one of the most durable and style-savvy investments you can make this season. Splash out on every shade imaginable, or keep it timeless with understated hues. The choice is simply endless.

On the warmer months of the year, slip on a Custom Fit Gingham Oxford Shirt (perfect for lazy-day barbeques and outings to the golf course) or a gelato-coloured Striped Oxford Shirt if you’re headed to the beach. For work, Ralph Lauren’s Iconic Oxford Shirt teams beautifully with our Sullivan Slim Stretch Sateen Trousers and a pair of Braygan Penny Loafers, which have been artfully constructed with butter-soft calfskin.

Formal Styles

While technically considered a dress shirt, the Oxford is mainly worn as a smart-casual garment due to its thicker basketweave fabric. That said, there are plenty of ways you can elevate this staple to a new tier of sophistication — think Oxford shirt with tie and Oxford shirt with blazer.

Create a winning Oxford shirt outfit by layering and accessorizing (think suit jackets, bow ties, and swanky braces​). Or, up the style stakes dramatically with a Paisley Cashmere-Silk Neckerchief and a luxe leather belt that’s finished with Ralph Lauren’s pony insignia.

For a look that’s elegant yet subtly edgy, marry our pine green Gingham Oxford with a sleek Suede Utility Jacket. Alternatively, team a Herringbone Knit Oxford with a pair of Dungaree Fit Twill Carpenter Trousers and our Braygan Calfskin Penny Loafers.

Man in a navy blazer, blue Oxford shirt, and grey trousers and patterned tie.
A man wearing a green and white checkered Oxford Shirt with rolled-up sleeves, patterned tie with navy trousers and a sweater hung over his shoulder.
A man wearing a pink Oxford shirt paired with a patterned tie underneath a navy blazer with white trousers.
Man in short sleeve striped Oxford shirt, white trousers, standing casually.
A man in an olive green button down Oxford shirt with sleeves rolled up, beige trousers with hand in pockets.
A man in colourful printed Oxford shirt, white trousers and a denim cap, with hand in pockets.
A man in a navy button down Oxford shirt with rolled up sleeves ontop of a blue and white striped top, white trousers, with hand in pockets

Casual Styles

Seeking the perfect shirt to pair with jeans? Nothing compares to a Ralph Lauren Oxford. For relaxed weekends when you’re out an about, opt for a classy Oxford Fun Shirt or an Indigo Popover.

If you prefer a bright splash of colour, our Striped Oxford Workshirt with street art stenciling looks stellar with Heritage Distressed Jeans and a pair of Masters Court Trainers. There are literally hundreds of different style combos that you can play around with. The shirt’s versatility is truly impressive.

Shop Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirts

Whether you’re heading out on the town with friends, attending a business lunch with the boss, or going to a ritzy event with a debonair dress code, then an Oxford shirt will serve you well. This wardrobe staple can be mixed and matched with Ralph Lauren's trousers, shorts, jackets, and shoes to create a visually arresting or timeless look.

Play around with different textures, colours, and patterns, to create an aesthetic that’s unique to you. Our Oxford shirts can easily transform a tired wardrobe. The only question is: which will you choose?

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