Style

Who Is Bridget Hall? How To Dress Like The Famous Face Of Ralph Lauren

For the last twelve months, the world of aesthetics has been fully focused on all things Ralph Lauren.

By Emilee Janitz4 min read

From Americana-inspired summerwear to McCallister-esque plaid Christmas decor, those of us who appreciate the finer things in life simply can’t get enough of this brand. We aspire to anything and everything created and styled in its image.

Living in this Ralph Lauren-obsessed world, it’s hard not to talk about one of the brand’s most famous faces: Bridget Hall. Personally, I’m not one for celebrity worship. But I am one for fashion enthusiasm. There’s something to be said about studying the styles of renowned fashionistas. Doing so can be a productive step in the pursuit of changing up one’s own personal style or achieving a specific look.

And Bridget Hall’s style, a perfect mixture of casual, sexy, and classically all-American, is worth studying.

Keep reading to learn more about the ’90s “it girl” and how to channel her style for a vibe that’s more relevant now than ever.

Who Is Bridget Hall?

If you haven’t heard of Bridget Hall, the TLDR is that she was a much sought-after model in the 1990s. Her professional portfolio includes features in the industry’s most prominent publications and campaigns with some of the most iconic brands. As mentioned, she's especially well known for her recurring model work with Ralph Lauren, having worked on campaigns for Ralph Lauren Collection, Polo Sport, and RRL (Double RL).

Outside of Ralph Lauren, she also modeled for luxury brands such as Gucci, Dior, and Versace. The height of her influence extended into the early 2000s when she walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2001 and 2002.

Aesthetically, she’s hallmarked for her all-American, “girl next door” appearance, with her natural beauty serving as a cornerstone of her work. She could pull off luxury fashion as easily as everyday streetwear. It didn’t matter what brand or clothing item she was sporting; she was stunning while remaining completely relatable.

All-American Style Is More Relevant Than Ever

It’s no secret that Americans are nostalgic for the ’90s. Our recent obsession with Ralph Lauren is just one of many cultural signals that speaks to that fact. As our national population wishes more vehemently for decades past, American-inspired fashion rises in popularity. We’re homesick for “the good old days.”

While this has meant a boom of Western fashion, from cowboy boots to suede fringe jackets, it has also meant a new popularity for the New England-inspired styles we most associate with classic patriotism.

If you’ve been feeling the urge to wear less makeup, lean into your natural beauty, and dress more simply without sacrificing style, then Bridget Hall may just be the style icon you didn’t realize you needed.

Brands to Shop to Emulate Bridget Hall’s Style

Fear not, dressing like Bridget Hall doesn’t have to mean replacing everything in your closet with Ralph Lauren. Not many of us, after all, have clothing budgets, or gifting suites, akin to those of supermodels. Here are some on-theme, accessible clothing brands to shop if you’re looking to channel Bridget Hall.

J. Crew and J. Crew Factory

J. Crew is the popular all-American brand among the masses. From the iconic, must-have rollneck sweater to a variety of sailor-inspired pants and nautical dresses, every item J. Crew churns out is “casual elegance” at its finest. Even their T-shirts are more beautiful than they should be. I should know, I own several.

Shop: 2025 Rollneck™ Sweater, $98

Shop: Slim-wide Jean with Sailor Pockets, $100

Kiel James Patrick

My most complimented clothing pieces all come from this small brand. KJP designs are charming, highly seasonal, and quintessentially New England. Bonus? Pieces shopped here will add novelty and singularity to your wardrobe. I can easily picture Hall wearing one of KJP’s signature New England sweaters or seaside-inspired dresses.

Shop: Cape Anchor Dress, $168

Shop: Coastal New England Pennant Flag Sweatshirt, $88

Abercrombie & Fitch

Is anyone else living for the A&F archive collection, or is it just me? Shopping this brand as of late has been a much-appreciated throwback to the past. Because Hall was one of the most sought-after supermodels in the ’90s, her style is inherent to the decade. Shop this brand for throwback cargo pants, camisoles, fur-lined hoodies, and ’90s-inspired denim.

Shop: Low Rise Ultra Loose Cargo Pant, $130

Shop: Plaid Button-Up Shirt, $75

Madewell

Hall is known for her ability to make elevated casual sexy. Executing this successfully means focusing on quality and fit. If you’re looking for casual, everyday pieces of superior quality, then Madewell is your one-stop shop. Think buttery-soft tees, flattering denim in every silhouette, and suede accessories you could drool over. Their pieces are thoughtful without feeling overdone.

Shop: The '90s Boatneck Tee in Compact Cotton, $58

Shop: The Lexington Shoulder Bag, $168

Breaking Down Bridget Hall’s Style

Dressing like an off-duty ’90s model has become a common style goal among the fashion-forward. And while the concept is simple, the delivery requires some observation, thought, and planning. If you’re aspiring to Hall’s girl-next-door fashion aesthetic, here are some tips.

Reach for ’90s Staples

As previously mentioned, the nostalgia we have for the ’90s is very real, and its influence on modern fashion has been heavily felt for the last several years. All those pieces you’ve been seeing in modern, strategic capsule wardrobe roundups? They’re Bridget Hall-approved as well.

Think loafers, turtleneck tops, sleek belts, and straight-leg denim. These are all key pieces that channel elevated ’90s style and can be mixed and matched daily à la a capsule wardrobe.

Lean Into Americana

If you’re looking to embody “Ralph Lauren model,” reach for pieces that scream Northeast, New England-inspired class. Between the campaigns she’s known for and her natural beauty, Hall’s style is about as all-American as it gets. Look for pieces that nod to our great nation, whether it be an on-the-nose American flag sweater or a more subtle red-and-navy stripe.

Go Upscale Casual

Basic doesn’t have to mean boring. A flirty plain white tee styled with the perfect pair of denim can be incredibly sexy. An athletic dress and flip-flops can become surprisingly stunning when paired with chic sunglasses and a pressed collared shirt. The trick is adding a few elements, whether it be an accessory or an unexpected layer, that elevate the look. The more unpredictable your layers, the more fashion-forward your look will be.

Channel Your Inner Prep School Student

I never went to prep school, but I’ll admit there’s a part of me that really wishes I had an excuse to dress like an upper-class high schooler day in and day out. To me, there is no look more fulfilling than one that looks like it belongs on an Ivy League campus. Nail the assignment with emblematic blazers, trousers, and pearl necklaces. For cold weather, consider wool toggle-closure coats and tartan dresses or skirts.

Be Comfortable With the “Less Is More” Mentality

Hall’s style is sometimes described as “plain Jane,” but fashion has an ongoing love affair with simplicity. While maximalism and dressing loudly certainly have their place, elegance will always lie in clean, quiet, and composed. Don’t be afraid to dress simply and intentionally.

Shop More Bridget Hall-Approved Fashion Pieces

There’s a good chance you already own a number of Bridget Hall-esque pieces. The girl could truly make a white tee or button-down sing. Whether you’re shopping your closet or your favorite retailer, keep the following themes top of mind: ’90s-inspired, Americana, and prep.

And the next time you step out of the house in jeans and a tee, do so with the confidence of a ’90s bombshell.