Glamour, elegance, luxury, and sporting prowess are all on the calendar for polo season, but right up there with the speed and drama of the sport itself is the sideline fashion.
A pivotal part of preparing for these spectacular events involves perfectly shod feet, glossy skin, and immaculate presentation. We’re talking humans, not horses, to be clear. Selecting the ultimate polo attire is an intrinsic part of the pre-event ritual, resulting in a visual fashion feast that plays a key role in contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
“There really are no strict rules when it comes to polo attire,” says BMW NZ Polo Open Executive Director, Lucy Ainsley. “The atmosphere is relaxed and varied, so whether you’re on the catwalk in your Jimmy Choos or cheering from the polo lines in your chucks, there is something for everyone.”
An open bar of outfit opportunities? Sounds like our kind of event.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a 101 of polo dressing so you’re confidently turned out in your own style, whether you plan on sipping the day away on the sidelines or taking to the stage for best-dressed competitions.
Sumar The Label CURTAINS, Karen Walker Tied Fielding Organic Cotton Dress, Kiri Nathan Akatea
Polo dressing is a wonderful league of its own
First things first, let’s nail down the finite and easy nuances of polo dressing: think garden party attire, with the possibility for more relaxed, paired back styles, and a touch more linen. Yachtwear, except slightly dressier and with shoes, plus, the assurance that your hat won’t go flying off. Racewear, with less OTT headwear, less emphasis on matching, and slightly shorter hemlines if you wish.
Polo wear holds a style of its own, says the BMW NZ Polo Open team. It’s where classic cuts and lightweight fabrics come together to create a subtle yet stylish signature.
“This understated elegance showcases timeless pieces in their best setting: ‘casual chic’ yet comfortable to enjoy a social and sporting experience second to none.”
Think sculptural, billowing palazzo pants in crisp linens. A fun, light ‘special occasion’ top worked into a breezy outfit. Or your favourite summer dress or suit pulled together with accessories that err on the side of dressy.
Rebe’s Resort Wide Brim Panama, Woven Knot Headband by Seed, Kowtow’s Meadow Scarf
Hello hats
It’s easy to stroke the dress code for the polo with the same brush that one would racewear. However, races and polo dressing are far from sister styles – we’d say they’re more cousins — and hats are perhaps one of the key illustrators of this.
While headwear is commonly worn at the Polo and, naturally, a necessity on a sun-soaked day, t takes on a much more paired back, subtle, and truthfully functional role than fascinators.
Don’t let that stop you from opting for a larger-than-life brim like Rebe’s Resort Wide Brim Panama to strike the perfect balance between bold and classic. Not to mention, that large of a shade will be warmly welcomed no matter where you perch up for the day.
Hats too much hassle but want something to pull the look together? Sculptural and statement headbands are also very much welcome, like this Woven Knot Headband by Seed or a classic scarf in-hair moment with something along the lines of Kowtow’s Meadow Scarf.
Superette Boyfriend Shirt, Husk Olympia Skirt, Ellis Label Jon Deux Shirt
The devil is in the fabric
Light, easy, and breezy is what you want in a polo-ready piece. Chances are that you’ll likely be under the sun, so you’ll want something light and definitely something that won’t leave you with those dreaded perspiration spots when you up and leave your perch.
This is no place for polyester-heavy blends or satin or silk that you might perspire through. Instead, embrace the effortless chic (and cool) nature of linen, crisp cotton, lace, embroidery, broderie anglaise, and all those light, lovely, debonair fabrics.
As for the colours and patterns? Let coastal, WASP-ey, and Easter palettes be your north star. Think creams, pastels, whites, lots of blue in all its glorious hues, as well as neutrals, tans, and offset with leathery tones. Where patterns are concerned, everything from florals to stripes, toile, houndstooth, gingham or — the Pretty Woman classic — polka dots are always welcomed. We’ll say it again, polo dressing really is an open bar of outfit options.
Kate Sylvester Esther Dress, RUBY Delphi Minidress, Marle Matilde Dress
Sunny in sundresses
The world is your oyster if a sundress is your pick for polo attire. Maxi, mini, midi — the options for hemlines, sleeves, styles, and cuts is virtually endless and that’s before we even begin to think about accessorising. For tea-length and maxi dresses galore, look no further than Kate Sylvester.
Short dresses are more than okay too — provided a blast of turf-side wind doesn’t wreck havoc for your hemline. Take the Delphi Minidress from Ruby for some short-hemmed inspiration or explore their ever-inspiring range of tea-length dresses.
Husk Future Skirt, hej hej Sweet on Me Shorts, Superette Cotton Lace Long Top
‘Tis the season for matching co-ords
There are few social activities that easily welcome the almighty matchy-matchy jacket and bottom combination. Season, setting, temperature activities planned — it can be difficult to get all the conditions right to wear this glorious combination. However the polo has just that, and boy oh boy are there ways to sink into this style. Lads and ladies alike would look stunning in a linen shorts and shirt combination.
Sweepstakes Winners Aumoe Shirt, Superette Cass Line Wrap Shirt, hej hej Pinni Top
Jeans and a nice top: the polo edition
Polo’s iteration for this trusty classic means pairing it with plenty of things: tailored shorts, palazzo pants, plenty of kinds of skirts, or even over a dress. Take the statement, Amuoe Shirt from Sweepstake Winners or a wrap-around creation like Suprette’s Cass Linen Wrap Shirt, pop it over anything from a flouncy skirt, high-waisted shorts to a classic pair of jeans, and you’ll be set.
Nicole Rebstock Delilah, Kate Sylvester Aida Pump, Karen Walker Nomadic State of Mind JC Sandal
Block heels are a girl’s best friend
We’re not ones to tell you what not to wear, but let us be firm on this one: don’t go wearing your city heels to the polo. Sinking into the grass mid-divot stomp will undo the most put-together of outfits. Trust us here!
Let block heels be your sleek, stable, saviour if you’re wanting the polished feeling of an extra few centimetres of height on your look for the day. Nicole Rebstock is always a trusty destination for this style and always has a few in the tan, white, navy, and cream tones often favoured by polo-goers. Mi Piaci, Ruby, Kate Sylvester, and Kathryn Wilson are also reliable sources to find shoes that strike the balance between chic and practical. Flats of all kinds, sandals, loafers, ballerinas, mules, and espadrilles are all welcome if you prefer to err on the flat side of things.
Whichever you choose, your footwear that can put up with a smidge of mud and grass stains will be a winner. So leave the suede and irreplaceable crisp whites at home, and bring your easy-to-wipe footwear out to play.
Deadly Ponies Ripple Mini, Seed Heritage Raffia Clutch
A buffet of bag opportunities
A big day out calls for a beautiful bag in tow. Best of all, you’ve got the pick of the crop for the kind of bag you want to bring with you. Be it a big, statement tote or something pretty and petite; absolutely everything goes.
Our favourite look? Something bright to complement a neutral outfit, like Deadly Ponies Ripple Mini in the bright cornflower or soft and dainty like Brie Leon’s Isabel Bag in Ballet Pink. Or ramp up the rustic, elegant yesteryear feel of the polo and opt for a woven number from Seed. Whichever you opt for, make sure it’s got space for your sunnies and plenty of sunblock.
https://www.karenwalker.com/insects-fruit-twilly-scarf-90125-sage-multi
https://www.3wisemen.co.nz/the-arbus-pocket-square.html
Kate Sylvester Violet Glasses, Karen Walker Insects & Fruit Twilly Scarf, 3 Wise Men Arbus Pocket Square
Essential Accessories
I cringe at the industry’s overuse of ‘essentials’ when describing pieces. Rest assured, these babies you’re about to read about are well and truly essential to enjoying a great day at the polo.
First up, the sunnies. Why not offset a neutral outfit with a pretty pair of frames like Kate Sylvester’s Violet Glasses?
We’ll let you in on a little tip that’s both stylish and sun-friendly: wrap your favourite silky scarf around your bag. Not only will it add a chic, fluttery, touch to your bag, it will also become a make-do cover-up for your head and shoulders should you need a touch of shade.
Now this one’s less of an ‘essential’, however, the polo is one of those rare daytime occasions you can get away with wearing it in tandem with shorts and sunhats. What are we talking about? None other than the humble pocket square, of course. Have one of these babies peeping from your light, linen jacket and not only will you look oh-so-refined with a pop of colour and print, but you’re also well equipped for some impromptu shade, or whatever you might need a pint-sized scarf for.
Make-up and touch-ups
Opt for dewy skin as the base of your make-up. You’ll likely be glowing for much of the day and definitely need to reapply sunscreen. So save yourself the hassle of a melting face of foundation and turn to a light dusting of mineral powder like Lily Lolo’s vegan formula. You’ll want to think about a waterproof mascara too to avoid end-of-day panda eye, plus a non-sticky lip gloss or lipstick too like Aleph’s Cheek and Lip tints. An absolute must-have, however? SPF! We’re loving Elta’s SPF47 Broad Spectrum for something translucent, lightweight, and long-wearing.
Images supplied