Every so often, an understated clothing item comes around into the trend cycle, which gives you a chance to re-wear a beloved staple in a new way or explore an accessible item you may have overlooked in your style past.
Right now, the polo shirt is having a moment for men, women, and children. Yes, the casual collared top reminiscent of prep school uniforms and country club sportswear is gaining popularity in all of its classic iterations, from long sleeves to short sleeves, from block colors to bold stripes.
The best thing about polo shirts is their accessibility. You can find them across a wide range of price points and brands. Plus, they are easy to incorporate into your everyday look and, in some instances, can also be dressed up. Here’s a rundown of how and where to wear polo shirts this season.
First up, polo shirts for the weekend. This is by far the easiest setting for a polo shirt. Lean into the collegiate look of the polo and pair with khakis, sneakers, and a letterman-inspired jacket. Or take the denim route with jeans (a denim skirt for the ladies), a long-sleeved polo, and a puffer vest. Add a ballcap and a bookbag for when you’re on the go.
Of course, if you find yourself playing golf, sport polo with plaid pants and a slim-fit cardigan to have some fun with that Caddyshack aesthetic.
If you’re not playing a sport so much as cheering from the sidelines, being in person, or from the comfort of your own home, a team polo is the perfect way to show your support and be a bit more polished than a t-shirt or a hoodie.
Polo shirts for work may already be part of your job uniform, especially if you wear a branded version for your company. However, if not, you can swap out your button-up with a polo. For both ladies and gentlemen, you can sport a polo with standard-suit trousers. The layering options with polos may be surprising. You can, of course, throw on your suit jacket with the pants (or skirt), or pair a polo with a chunky knit, cardigan, or V-neck pullover. Stick to solid-colored polos for the office and definitely go for loafers or dress shoes; sneakers will seem too casual.
Rugby-style polos, when not playing or attending a rugby match, work best for dinner plans, whether on a date night or with friends.
Accessories can go a long way, so consider some stacked jewelry, heeled boots, and a statement bag with your oversized striped polo. Swap out jeans for a solid-colored midi skirt.
Fellas, leave the rugby on the pitch but definitely sport a fitted, dark-shaded polo for dinner. Or consider a polo sweater for chillier evenings. A polo-style quarter-zip sweater can be layered over a button-up or standard tee. Pair with jeans for burgers and beer or a dress pant for steak and cocktails.
Wearing a polo shirt on a night out is unexpected, but it can work. When worn with a skirt, a polo shirt gives off a sporty femininity. Try a mini with ballet flats for your next girls’ night, and add tights as the temperature dips. Guys have a lot less work to do with polos on the town; just be sure to avoid the cliched “flipped collar” from the 80s. And also, please don’t layer multiple polos at once. Instead, go for a more refined version of the polo you may have worn in your younger teenage days.
If you happen to still have those youthful polos from yesteryear, you can definitely wear them now, provided they fit and aren’t torn, stained, or too faded. If you’re in the market for some new polo options, check out the Gap’s offerings from men’s long and short-sleeved solid polos. Amazon has deals on polo sweaters for the ladies. Dillard’s has a variety of quality polo sweaters for men and standard polos for kiddos.
The humble polo is a playful alternative to tailored shirts, knitwear, and jackets for autumn layering. Some general tips: A slim fit is best to avoid bulk. For casual settings, leave it unbuttoned, while for work, partial, if not fully buttoned, is preferable. It’s best to err on the side of wearing an undershirt when unbuttoned, and unless the hem is cropped, polos should most often be tucked. However, if you are wearing an oversized version or sweater, you can play around with full or half-tucks.
