It’s polo season, and – at least in part thanks to Rivals – clubs across the country are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The key fixtures of St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup and the Coronation Cup at Guards Polo Club in Windsor are coming up. But, for those who haven’t been before, what should you wear?
Polo is the “sport of kings”, and although there are no strictly enforced formal dress codes, going to a match is an opportunity to dress with summer flair.
“It’s not as smart as a wedding or the races, but not as casual as a barbecue,” stylist Alice Hare measures. “And the right shoes are crucial. Poor Valerie in Rivals wears spindly stilettos and sinks into the grass during the treading-in.”
Don’t let that be you. Here’s all the style inspiration you’ll need to ensure your outfit is a ringer.
The breathable trouser suit
“For ticketed tournaments, ‘summer smart’ is a good approach,” says Anna Hall, chief executive of the Hurlingham Polo Association. The polo is a high-adrenaline summer’s day, so lightweight, breathable tailoring is essential. It can be warm pitch-side, with very little shade on the sidelines. “An impeccable fit and thoughtful styling will make a strong impression,” recommends stylist Gayle Rinkoff. A half-lined warm-weather trouser suit is a confident, fashion-forward choice that will see you through to the après-polo evening hours. Steer clear of restrictive, heavy fabrics – Erin O’Connor’s sophisticated, collarless Michael Kors ensemble, with chunky slingback sandals, hits the right note. Her rolled sleeves demonstrate a relaxed (yet polished) elegance, and her slicked-back, up-do hair style is both sleek and sensible.
The shirt dress
“Avoid dressing as though you’re attending a nightclub or a black-tie gala,” advises Rinkoff. “Denim, trainers, oversized logos and athleisure aren’t quite right for an occasion rooted in heritage and elegance.” A shirt dress, however, is a recipe for style success. “The white midi shirt dress is a classic that appears season after season,” says Martine Hartridge, managing director of Cowdray Park Polo Club. Zara Tindall’s striped silk Polo Ralph Lauren midi dress is glamorous without being overly formal or embellished – perfect for enjoying the equestrian action. A neat cross-body bag like Zara’s will leave you free to clap for the winners (or, crucially, hold a glass of champagne). Don’t forget your sunglasses – not only do they look chic, but they’ll also prevent flying dust from ruining your viewing experience.
The gingham
Many guests gravitate towards florals and bold colours, but according to Rinkoff, a timeless gingham check “proves that simplicity often has the greatest impact”. Lady Delphi Primrose’s nettle-green, crinkled-cotton gingham midi dress from Brora is a good benchmark for the kind of elevated countryside chic to aim for. Look for three-quarter-length sleeves like these to keep your arms covered on a changeable or breezy day on the field. Heavy, overdone makeup isn’t necessary (heavy layers of foundation and concealer will easily crease), but a soft pink lip or blush brightens the look.
The pretty printed dress
Cowdray Park Polo Club recommends light summer dresses in bohemian prints, soft florals or bold jewel colours for a day at the polo. “Length is up to the individual, though we recommend factoring in sitting, cheering, dancing and plenty of divot stomping,” says Hartridge. The Princess of Wales’s silk floral dress by Beulah London was a fresh choice.The understated blouson sleeves with ever-so-slightly puffed shoulders and elasticated cuffs gather at the forearm to create an elegant silhouette without billowing too dramatically.
The espadrilles
“Seasoned polo spectators prefer to tread the divots in wedges, plimsoles, espadrilles and sandals,” says Hartridge. Harriet Sperling paired a puff-sleeved V-neck dress with a playful pair of Penelope Chilvers espadrilles in an eye-catching pink with dark-green velvet straps for a day out at the Guards Polo Club, avoiding a clash by choosing a tasselled white bag. Designer Eleanor Wellesley’s turf-friendly wedge espadrilles are another sturdy go-to for members of the equestrian community, says horse trainer, event rider and regular polo match attendee Candida Crawford. “The perfect pair of espadrilles should, ideally, achieve both height and comfort, taking you comfortably from the opening chukka to the post-match celebrations,” she says. Light-coloured cotton chinos, brogues, a shirt, shades and a lightweight blazer will always make for a winning sartorial formula for men, as Peter Philips proves here.
The subtle-yet-interesting summer hat
“Polo is a spectacle; the harmony between human and horse is beautiful to watch and it’s a great day out,” says Hurlingham’s Hall. While hats are entirely optional at the polo, it’s wise to keep the sun out of your eyes with a lightweight straw trilby or wide-brimmed hat. Traditionally, men wear Panama hats. The oversized straw hat worn here by Peony Lim (made by British millinery brand Awon Golding Millinery) has a downward-sloping, unstructured shape.The subtle decorative pin is effortlessly elegant. Polo is one of the least predictable sports in the world – and dressing for the occasion needn’t be predictable, either.