For Spring 2019, fashion gentry Ralph Lauren takes denim goods to the next level with four cuts: the Hampton, Varick, Sullivan, and Eldridge. To showcase the latest RL jeans, we collaborated with Jovel Roystan, a rising style influencer, to produce a lookbook.
The 29-year-old tastemaker is an authority when it comes to the collegiate ethos. His styling motto is simple: Dress Like You Care. Taking cues from his college days at Morehouse College, often dubbed the "Harvard of Atlanta," Jovel delivers four versatile looks to educate us on how to incorporate denim in spring. Of the four jean styles, Roystan names the Sullivan cut as his top pick for comfort, structure and quality.
Canadian Tuxedo
Canadian Tuxedo refers to denim on denim. Jovel predicts you'll be seeing the Canadian Tuxedo in different patterns this season. Find a plaid shirt to layer underneath for a clean look. Here Jovel styles the Sullivan jean. The Sullivan is RL's signature slim fit with a tapered leg for a structured look.
Full Look: Camo Denim Trucker Jacket (Size L), Sullivan Camo Slim Stretch Jean (Size 31), Classic Fit Plaid Twill Shirt Scarlet/Canary Multi (Size L).
Collegiate Prep
Collegiate prep is easily accomplished by throwing a crew neck over a dress shirt. Here, Jovel styles the Eldridge Skinny in White. The Eldridge is Polo's trimmest fit and sits low at the waist with a narrow leg. Of the Eldridge, Jovel, the former social media executive at ASOS UK, says it's the best cut skinny jean, comparing it to his days at ASOS. While skinny, the jeans are "American skinny" versus "UK skinny," meaning, it naturally takes into account more room and stretch aligned with our culture.
Full Look: Preppy Baseball Cap, Polo Double Knit Sweatshirt (Size M), Classic Fit Striped Shirt in Cabana Blue (Size L), Eldridge Skinny in White (Size 31).
Urban prep
Since moving to New York, Jovel has added edgy elements to his closet. Here he revives the standard preppy look but with urban hits in the form of black Chelsea boots and a leather harness. For denim, Jovel chooses the Varick. The Varick is slim like the Sullivan, but with a straight leg from the knee-down. The Varick ranks as Jovel's second choice for all-around perfect jean after the Sullivan.
Full Look: Polo Wool-Blend Lettermen Cardigan (Size L), Classic Fit Striped Shirt in Blue Multi (Size M), Varick Slim Straight Jean in Treadwell Repaired (Size 31).
oversized sweater
Jovel's all about the chunky sweater and oversized silhouettes for spring. Here, he pulls an iconic American flag sweater and styles it over a shirt and the Hampton jean. The Hampton is the traditional straight leg jean, perfect for leisure. Jovel has been a fan of RL for years, but this was his first in-store experience. Walking through Ralph Lauren on Prince Street, he's pleasantly surprised by the timber facades and carefully curated grandeur of the two-story shop.
Full Look: Iconic Flag Sweater (Size XXL), White Classic Fit Linen (Size L), Hampton Relaxed Straight Jean in Dixon (Size 31).
Shop the full collection at Ralph Lauren.
