How to Make a Polo Shirt the Star of Any Outfit
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When René Lacoste dreamt up the polo shirt in 1926, could he have known it would go on to become one of fashion's most enduring staples? Defined by its collar and short button placket, the silhouette still brings a polished touch to just about any outfit today. And while the original piqué cotton jersey design was intended for tennis, designers have long since taken it beyond the court—reworking it in new fabrications and playing with modern proportions. This spring, let the polo shirt in all its preppy glory earn a spot in your regular rotation.
The style showed up across the season's best collections. Tory Burch had several standout versions (many tucked into low-rise skirts—another current obsession ), while Miu Miu kept the shapes classic and played with color combinations (olive with emerald! marigold with ruby red!). And for fresh outfit ideas, insider labels like Zankov delivered.
Scroll on for eight standout looks that make the case for the polo shirt this spring.
Fit for the Future
Sporty and futuristic motifs feel right together, like a slim-fit polo layered under a shell jacket with silver sneakers. Ground the look with dark-wash denim.
& Other Stories Oval Acetate Sunglasses
Prada Nylon Hooded Raincoat
Staud Ren Stripe Rib Polo Sweater
Slvrlake London High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Adidas Y-3 Tokyo Shoes
For a Sunday Stroll
Consider this your go-to look for weekend farmer's market and brunch dates: a layered striped polo with jean shorts and a pair of suede boat shoes.
Alex Mill The Perfect Daily Tote
Guest in Residence Layered Stripe Cashmere Rugby Sweater
Agolde Dame Denim Shorts
J.Crew Ribbed Cotton Socks
Massimo Dutti Soft Leather Loafers
Clashy Colors
A polo shirt in an unexpected hue (like this Zankov olive-acid green)? Now that's worth investing in. Pair it with palette-cleansing white pants and black, textural accessories for a look that reads interesting yet subtle.
Prada Eyewear Symbole D-Frame Sunglasses
Quince Josie European Leather Braided Belt
Zankov Janis Stripe Wool Rib Polo
Doen Lisa Wide-Leg Pants
Toteme Studded Leather Slides
Spring Fling
Lean into the romance of pale pink and style it with an off-white cotton skirt and tonal flats. Add dimension with a pearl anklet and a chocolate brown handbag.
The Row Terrasse Leather Top-Handle Bag
Reformation Skye Cashmere Polo
Deiji Studios Loop Skirt
Shashi Loafer Anklet in Pearl
Margaux The Pascale Flat
Seasonal Swaps
This polo and trousers combo works year-round, but warm-weather accessories like a woven handbag and sleek flip-flops shift it into spring.
Agmes Nelle Hoops
Wales Bonner Breeze Stripe Polo Sweater
Cos Relaxed Fluid Pants
A.Emery Kinto Sandals
Hunting Season Origami Shoulder Bag
Mixed Prints
One of the easiest ways to make an outfit more interesting is by pairing two prints. Try it for spring with a gingham headscarf and a striped polo, then keep the mix going with a cargo skirt and simple thong heels.
Tularosa Eppie Head Scarf
Oroton Margot Small Top-Handle Leather Bag
Mango Striped Polo Neck Sweater
Tory Burch Cotton Camp Skirt
St. Agni Woven Thong Heel
Summer Vibes
Transition into toastier temperatures with your favorite polo and a pair of white jean shorts. Finish with a straw bucket hat and clear jellies for a weekend getaway feel, even if you're staying put.
Gap Straw Bucket Hat
Celine Oval Sunglasses
Kule The Lexie Striped Polo
Frame The Everyday High Waist Denim Shorts
22élevé Jelly Ballerina Flats
Sleek and Sporty
The polo shirt is inherently sporty. Why not double down with a pair of luxury track pants? A suede bomber adds just the right richness and contrast to the mix.
Casio Unisex Digital Watch
Citizens of Humanity Vivienne Suede Jacket
Xirena Kellie Tee
Marni Contrast Stripe Cotton Wide Leg Track Pants
Raye Hanna Slide
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