Olympic opening ceremony uniforms are usually pretty blah. Remember what the U.S. Olympic team wore in London two years ago? Didn't think so.
But this time could be different.
Ralph Lauren has unveiled what Team USA will wear to the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia on Feb. 6 and they're the smartest, snazziest-looking uniforms yet.
These look like clothes you could actually wear. And you can.
The highlight is a red, white and blue knit cardigan with patchwork designs of stars and stripes, Olympic rings and the year 2014. The cardigan is paired with a cream cotton turtleneck sweater, white fleece athletic pants, sporty black leather boots with red laces, a cotton belt accented with jacquard tape featuring patriotic graphics, and a knit cap with the American flag.
These look like clothes you could actually wear. And you can. The cardigan, which retails for $595, is available online, with the entire purchase price donated to the U.S. Olympic Committee. All other Olympic gear is available for sale on the Lauren site or at selected Lauren stores. (A Lauren spokeswoman says that while the Galleria Lauren store won't carry the items, they can easily order whatever customers want for home delivery.)
One reason for the more accessible look: Since Sochi has a temperate climate (the high Wednesday was 54 degrees), Lauren didn't have to create such a bulky style. But in case it gets colder, Olympians can throw on a double-breasted navy peacoat emblazoned with the official logo of the U.S. Olympic team and the signature Lauren polo pony (it retails for $795).
The uniform is entirely made in the USA, as the designer utilized more than 40 American vendors to create the look. The company generated a whirlwind of controversy in 2012 when it was revealed that part of the London Olympics uniforms were made in China — and apparently learned its lesson.
The U.S. Olympic team will wear red, white and blue cardigans at the opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics.
DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A portal opens...Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri