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Just ahead of the back-to-school season.
Polo shirts often get a bad rep. They're the uniform of choice for TV dads and preppy bros named Nate Archibald. They evoke memories of high school PE and the early 2000s Abercrombie & Fitch phenomenon. And, sure, these cliché visuals might push anyone to pause before putting on a polo shirt, but fashion’s more recent embrace of this style is reason enough to reconsider its potential.
The preppy staple—thought to have originated back in the 6th century BC and known for its collared style—has long been a mainstay in fashion. While it may have been created for polo players in India, the style has evolved from athletic staple—taken from polo to tennis and golf, for example—to preppy wardrobe must-have over centuries. It enjoyed a particularly booming popularity around the early 2000s, a time when brightly colored versions layered over one another became the “It” look for the trend-minded.
But fashion learned from its mistakes (the layered look is certainly not remembered fondly). For Spring/Summer 2024, runways featured an assortment of preppy polo shirts that leaned toward a minimalist and functional approach. Take, for example, Miu Miu, which showed a prep-forward collection with logo polo shirts—paired with string bikini bottoms, board shorts, and pencil skirts—as a protagonist. Loewe also bet big on the polo shirt, showing ombré versions, styled with wide-leg trousers. Meanwhile, Dries van Noten deconstructed striped polo shirts into long coats, paired with glitzy sequins. Other brands like Gucci, Givenchy, and Carolina Herrera also gave the polo shirt an elevated makeover with corporate-core versions and ‘90s-heavy inspiration.
The help of a few major pop culture and sporting events has pushed it even more mainstream. Zendaya’s recent Challengers press tour, which saw the actress in a pale pink polo shirt by Jacquemus and a green tennis set by Tory Burch, provided plenty of outfit inspiration. The upcoming Olympics will likely boost the polo shirt agenda as well.
Ahead, take notes on how you can wear a polo shirt off-the-field.
Keep it simple
It's tempting to overcomplicate a polo shirt outfit. But thinking about this staple as if it were a plain T-shirt is a good way to get into this trend. Choose a short or sleeved version in a creamy white color and style it with your trusty denim and pointy-toed heels. Keeping the look in a minimal color palette will help distract you from the fact that you are wearing a polo shirt.
Go collegiate
If a preppy vibe is what you wish to channel, then no other piece is as fitting for a photo shirt as a pleated skirt. The school uniform-like combo is perfectly acceptable well after graduation, and this summer, it's elevated even more with corporate-core essentials like pumps. The contrast is a nice departure from the polo shirt's sporty roots.
Embrace cargo pants
The cargo pants comeback goes hand in hand with the return of polo shirts. Both sporty early 2000s staples are now some of the most sought-after styles of the 2020s. So, why not pair them together? For an elevated take, style the combo with strappy heels that will transform the outfit into an It girl look.
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Play it sporty
Playing into the sporty roots of polo shirts is never a bad idea, especially because these days every athletic brand has its own version. A logo-heavy polo shirt, styled with nylon or cotton parachute pants, makes for a casual and functional combo. Still, if the athletic look is too much, pair the outfit with brightly-hued stilettos for a winning ensemble.
Suit it up
The evolution of polo shirts has transformed the sports staple over centuries. And it's undeniable that its collar and buttons make for a natural entryway into workwear. All it takes is switching the base T-shirt or button-down in your suiting outfit for a polo shirt. For a summer-appropriate take, try a skirt suit instead.
Go for denim
There's no denying that a polo shirt is just a really good and trust basic. So, pairing it with another staple like denim makes for an easy combo if you're just starting your polo shirt journey. Wear it as is, or layer the combo over a button-down shirt and T-shirt for an edgier take. Don't forget to add loafers.