Polo shirts: yay or nay?
Originally designed for horse-related sports, the polo shirt has become a permanent fashion fixture, like it or not. And this season, it’s about to ditch its conservative image.
When I tell my team colleagues during our editorial meeting that polo shirts are back, everyone shakes their heads in disbelief. «Not those things,» they sigh. And I get their contempt for them. But I’m willing to strike a blow for the collared shirts. But there are limits, of course.
Frankly, I'm not surprised that polo shirts are making a comeback. After all, it’s not the first time fashion designers have been inspired by their dad’s wardrobe. Belt bags, Bermuda shorts, socks in sandals or dad sneakers – daddy’s sense of fashion has the potential to be super trendy. So it was only a matter of time until designers felt inspired by ugly shirts aka polo shirts. As was Riccardo Tisci for Burberry and Miuccia Prada for Prada.
Why are polo shirts so popular with influencers and fashionistas? Not only are they versatile as a regular T-shirt, they also strike the perfect balance between sporty and elegant. They also add a masculine touch to your outfit.
If you're super excited right now, please promise me three things: don't ever turn up a polo collar (even if you’re studying economics), avoid oversized brand logos and steer clear of pearl earrings and cardigans. In short: things your gran would wear. Instead, go with the times and opt for bold colour combinations or surprising accessories, like street style icon Veronika Heilbrunner: basket bag, an upper arm bangle and flat leopard print sandals. In addition to jeans and wide culottes, as worn by fashion pro Annette Weber (above), cotton polos are also great with midi or maxi skirts. Avoid mini skirts as the combination could look like you’re heading to a tennis court.
Yes or no? Well, yes and no.
The polo shirts remind me too much of the jeunesse dorée, complete with sweaters tied around the shoulders. That’s more than I can handle. I just can’t shake that bourgeois association. However, what I do like a lot are the reinterpretations of the classic ugly dad shirt. I’m talking about tops that are knitted or made of jersey material with a polo collar and a short button placket (a detail that’s also on trend in wintertime).
I am especially fond of fine knit sweaters. Guaranteed, I’ll be wearing them throughout the cold season. As soon as the temperatures drop, I picture myself in a slim grey, dark blue or black model, which I’ll tuck into the waistband of my trousers or mum jeans. I’d combine it with black ankle boots with a medium-sized block heel. If you’re going for body-hugging leather pants, an oversized sweater with a collar is the way to go.
Already in October 2019, the author and blogger Leandra (Medine) Cohen aka Manrepeller posted my favourite combination for this autumn and winter. To make the look suitable for the office and depending on the business you’re in, I suggest combining the polo sweater with slacks and neat (!) sneakers.
Discover all polo shirts.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.