Images: Imaxtree
Think back to a decade ago and a polo shirt was as much of a wardrobe essential as a flippy skirt and a Louis Vuitton Multicolore monogram bag (or a look-alike). If they were worn together, even better. Eventually, our beloved polo shirts were forgotten in favor of babydoll blouses (remember those?) smock tops, off-the-shoulder styles and crop tops. As is the cyclical nature of fashion, things have turned around and polo shirts are back with the Spring 2018 runways signaling their return.
Rather than digging into the archives from a decade ago, designers put a fresh spin on the collared style by experimenting with different prints and cuts. Balenciaga increased the femininity of the polo with a smocked version complete with a peplum waist. Even Lacoste reinvigorated its classic style with shoulder-baring, asymmetrical necklines and polo dress designs. The most surprising twist of them all went to Y/Project, which fastened nipple clamps to striped polo shirts as a clever wink to pierced nipples.
The new cuts and, erm, embellishments have helped make the polo feel in vogue, but it’s the styling that will really make it feel of the moment. It’s tempting to recall the preppy heydays of the shirt and channel Marissa Cooper on The O.C. but the freshest ways to wear polos involve subverting their preppy connotations by pairing them with unexpected pieces. That means leaving behind the chinos and coordinating pastel skirts and embracing clashes and even punkish undertones. Consider the things that you’ve never worn with a polo and pick those to team with the top now. If you’re struggling to break the nostalgic references, take a look at some visual inspiration from the runways and streets on how to wear a polo top in 2018.
[ Next: Polo Shirts Are the Spring 2018 Trend You Can Wear Right Now ]
The Cool-girl Way to Wear a Polo Shirt Now
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Rock and Polo
Make like Miu Miu and add a rockabilly edge to a bright polo. Pair with faded jeans, a chunky brown belt and a contrasting neckerchief. An oversized tweed jacket and flats with white athletic socks throw in more unexpected references for a cool mash-up. To ensure the rockabilly theme comes through, tease hair to gravity-defying heights.
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Beyond Basics
Tweak the classic sweater and boyfriend jeans combination by adding a printed pastel polo underneath. For maximum effect, choose a polo considerably lighter than the sweater to play up the layers. Have half the polo bottom peek out from the hem of the sweater for a lo-fi effect. A backpack and trusty white sneakers complete the perfect casual weekend look.
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Glam Athleisure
Reach peak athleisure by styling a pair of striped track pants with a light-colored polo and fresh-from-the-box white sneakers. To really play into the glamleisure trend, shrug on a furry coat, outsize earrings and extra large sunglasses.
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Mix and Match
The most striking polo shirt looks are ones that play against the style's preppy aesthetic. Be bold and pair a vibrant top with things one wouldn't normally style it with. This balloon-printed maxi skirt, sequin boots and longline jacket are good options. To prevent things from looking too random, coordinate accessories with the polo's color.
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Punk Twist
Those who don't get their hands on the smocked polo from the Balenciaga Spring 2018 runway can still use the look as a jumping off point. Recreate the frill by cinching a loose-fitting pastel polo with a belt. Contrast the candy color with a pair of patchwork pants. The more prints and colors in the trousers, the better. A chain-strap bag and spiky red stilettos will ensure that polo looks anything but saccharine.
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Long and Lean
This isn't a wishy-washy pastel polo with a printed skirt. Buy a printed polo a few sizes bigger than normal for a slouchy fit. Team it with an equally large pair of wide-leg pants with an even bolder print. Get extra credit for topping the look with colorful sunglasses.
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Wrap It Around
Faux nipple piercings and polo shirts? It's a combination that many of us probably never saw coming, but Y/Project did it. Those who find it a touch too avant-garde for the streets can copy the idea of pairing a striped polo with a patterned wrap skirt. Adventurous fashionistas can emulate the pierced look with brooches and pins. We'll let the wearer decide on the specific placement of the embellishment.
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Extra Layers
A dark polo shirt and jeans are a timeless combination, but not exactly unexpected. It's an altogether different matter when a sweater is tied around the waist to mimic a skirt and a black jacket is worn over top of everything. Throw in electric pink sneakers and a tote bag and we have ourselves a unique play on basics.
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Chic and Sunny
Prefer a more classic look? Draw inspiration from the eternally stylish Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert and pair a forest green polo shirt with a yellow skirt suit. Play into the citrus theme further with accessories. The silhouettes are classic, but the vibrant colors keep it interesting and cool.
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Red Hot
Master tricky in-between season dressing by layering a polo underneath a coordinating sweater. Get in on the monochromatic trend with matching trousers. Coordinating accessories are optional. Her contrasting bag and earrings work with the red without taking away the fiery finish.
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Some Stripes
Take inspiration from the Carven Spring 2018 runway and juxtapose a sporty colorblocked rugby polo with a printed pencil skirt. Spots, plaid or florals will work nicely, but we encourage you to take a more whimsical approach with a fun pattern, like this chicken one. Flat, textured sandals keep things low-key.
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Babe in Beige
Beige is a classic, much like a polo shirt. When the two are combined together, the result is a timeless addition to a wardrobe. Embrace the no-fail style and work it into a minimalist look with pleated cropped trousers in the same shade. Resist the urge to overdo it with the jewelry. Chic heels are all it needs.
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Large Layers
No one can layer quite like Celine. Forget about the shrunken, girly silhouettes we used to wear with polos and embrace the brand's oversized styling. Top a knee-grazing polo with a roomy waistcoat and voluminous pleated skirt. We dare you to take it one step further with baggy pants worn underneath.
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Add It Underneath
Having just the collared neckline of a polo shirt visible can still add polish to a look. On top of that, a polo neckline frames the face as well as a necklace. Reinvigorate an old dress by donning a bright polo underneath. For more interest, play off the top's hue with printed accessories. Notice how the colors of her shirt are tied in with the bag and boots? Exactly.
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Time to Shine
Polos — and polo dresses for that matter — are typically thought of as daywear, but a metallic jacket can change things. The shine will dress up that sturdy pique cotton as well as provide a fashionable contrast. Those who choose a polo rather than a polo dress can try a coordinating striped skirt or even a metallic one. It's hard to overdo the shine with an athletic polo.
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Snuggle Up
Love oversized layers, but afraid they'll come across as sloppy rather than cozy chic? A polo shirt is the solution. The collared style adds enough polish to even the baggiest of sweaters. See this pairing for proof. Check trousers and sneakers play into the put-together-but-not-prissy vibe.
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Summer in the City
Take a printed polo and gingham shorts from beach vacation to the city with bold accessories. Drape a lightweight scarf casually over one shoulder and tie a thick wrap belt — or even a sweater — around the waist. Instead of automatically defaulting to sandals, put on a pair of high-top sneakers to contrast the preppy layers.
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Show Some Shoulder
If there's a brand that knows a thing or two about polos, it's Lacoste. Remember this insouciant styling hack from the Spring 2018 runway and wear a roomy polo unbuttoned and pulled to reveal one shoulder. Tuck the shirt's hem into the waist of a printed skirt to help the top stay where it's supposed to.
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Ditch the T-Shirt
T-shirts and tank tops aren't going away anytime soon, but they're not the only versatile layering pieces. Experiment with working a polo into a look where one would normally put on a tee. This white polo under the blazer and coat dresses up the jeans and brown boots for a casual chic style.
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One Polo, Two Polos
What preppy girl didn't wear her candy-colored polos layered? Put a new twist on that favorite style by wearing an oversized polo under a shrunken printed one. Go equally bold on the bottom with a pleated striped skirt and oversized accessories. This time, do not pop the collars on the tops. We know it will be tempting.
