Sure, the latest movies, e.g Saltburn AND Challengers may have helped everyone take notice of all kinds of preppy style, but Miuccia Prada undoubtedly solidified it as a full-fledged movement. The experienced designer fully committed to the aesthetics of Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 show, reviving the humble boat shoe and serving up an onslaught of polo tops – with boxy silhouettes and neutral shades – proclaiming them the best du jour of the season. “They appeared in 40 of the 62 looks shown and were creatively styled under and under blazers, bombers, oxfords, knits and ruffled jackets” – editorial stylist Calvy Click says TZR about this last hero item.
And it wasn’t just Prada that welcomed polo shirts into its collection – many other famed names got involved in the campaign. One of such designers was Jonathan Anderson, inventive director of the Spanish fashion house Loewe. “While the style of the established Miu Miu tee gave it a fresh look, Loewe got inventive with what a polo could be, opening its men’s show with a rhinestone-covered tee, knitted version with long sleeves and the shrunken, faded look of the women’s collection,” explains Click. Massimo Giorgetti, who heads MSGM, also experimented with a country club style top. His approach? Wide stripes decorated with feminine floral decorations.
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The star pack is also responsible for top polo becoming mainstream in 2024. Last summer Rihanna and Hailey Bieber she made headlines after wearing the same blue and red stripes Loewe sweater just two days apart. Bieber is clearly a fan of the preppy style, as she also rocked Miu Miu burgundy iteration in March last year. And last October, Taylor Swift put her stamp on this look by wearing a long Stella McCartney embroidered top instead of a dress.
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Whether the polo shirt reminds you of the mandatory school uniform (raises hand) or is just a little too chic for your taste, stylist Natalie Scicolone offers its expertise when it comes to giving it a up-to-date look. “Think outside the box when pairing pants with a polo,” says TZR. “For example, choose an oversized polo shirt with a mini skirt, styled so that the bottom of the skirt extends above the polo shirt.” Another idea: pair the shirt with baggy trousers or baggy jeans.
If you’re craving more tops to style, see how six street style stars wear their polo shirts below.
Imperative transitional
When you’re wondering what to dress for a chilly 60-degree day, wear a short-sleeved polo shirt under a airy, knee-length jacket. Then follow Scicolone’s styling tips and choose a mini skirt at the bottom.
On the way
You don’t have to be near a college prep school or country club to wear a polo. It turns out that the style is perfect for every day, full of affairs and meetings. Make your shirt casual by adding an oversized denim jacket, black straight-leg trousers and leather boots.
Game day
You can, of course, put on your favorite white polo shirt and watch a tennis match (either a friend’s tournament or a professional one). To keep your outfit from looking too sporty, consider pairing the shirt with a feminine pleated skirt and a classic trench coat. When it comes to your shoes, white sneakers or mesh flats will look great – we’ll leave it up to you.
Beat the heat
Sizzling summer days are getting closer. Tip: When temperatures are in the 80s, go for baggy, skin-baring clothes – like a boxy polo shirt and brief shorts. At the front, accessories and black leather Mary Jane-style shoes will add shine.
Contrasting vibrations
Instead of an oversized polo shirt, go in the opposite direction with a body-hugging silhouette like this striped style from Saks Potts. Combine university style with loose, sporty trousers. Finally, elevated ballets and exquisite gold necklaces are key to tying everything together.
Newfangled Groutfit
Groutfits sometimes get a bad rap. But as the influencer Courtnee Crews shows here, the gray-on-gray outfit formula can be truly polished. Trick? Choose luxurious pieces such as a cashmere polo shirt and slim wool trousers. Add some color to a neutral ensemble with statement accessories – think a shining yellow bag and fiery red sandals.
