Polo Shirts Are Back On Trend - How To Style Them Right

Considering the typical school uniform, you'll likely notice that many pieces have recently become fashion trends. Everything from pleated skirts to knee-high socks and blazers has returned to style. As we slowly start to pick apart your uniform for the next style trend, there's one more piece that's ready for its moment: The polo shirt. It is a basic top that deserves much more attention, and it's looking to close our 2023 wardrobe with a splash. While you might relate the polo shirt to most uniforms, it's an essential piece that adds a preppy or sporty touch to your look with the addition of just a collar.

Like most trends that come back into style, the polo shirt has gotten a serious upgrade since the last time you remember them. While white and black polo shirts will always be fashionable, there are new variations of the top that'll have you rethinking your preppy era. While you don't necessarily need to bring in the academic vibes to pull off this trend, it's the easiest way to embrace the look. Take it from Miu Miu, who almost instantly made the preppy and tenniscore trends happen with their Fall Winter 2022 collection. Even if you aren't the most intrigued by these trends, there are plenty of ways to slip in a polo shirt to complete 2023's outfits.

No matter the piece, the easiest way to play up an item is by adding some texture and color to it. In this case, you'll find that most polo tops don't stray from your everyday fabrics. If you want to make the polo shirt your own, opt for one made in a textured fabric like knit or wool. You can also opt for a bright and bold hue that'll look anything but a school uniform top.

Let's face it: if anyone probably still has a polo top you can take inspiration from — it's Grandpa. Replicating some features of an older, vintage polo top will help create this vintage style that'll make your polo top seem modern, like those shown during Missoni's Resort 2024 collection. Whether it's classic color combinations like brown, greens, or yellows or opting for vintage prints like plaid or argyle, there are plenty of ways we can draw some inspiration from Grandpa's closet.

There's no hiding that polo tops remind us of our school uniforms. When wearing a white polo top, it's best to lean into the style and opt for a head-to-toe preppy look that'll look chic and modern. Pair a sweater vest or blazer on top of your white polo top, and add printed trousers or a pleated skirt to complete the look. Finish off the outfit with loafers or ballet flats for a look that you'll wish you would've worn to school.

Another instance in which you might remember the polo shirt is when watching or playing tennis. Essential for the tenniscore trend, it's also another way you can style your polo shirt in a way that's both modern and fashionable. Brands like Lacoste have used the tenniscore style to reinvent the polo top and make it into the perfectly sporty-chic piece that'll look great every time. Play with matching white pleated skirts and tennis sneakers for the ultimate sports vibes.

Although there is a difference between rugby and polo shirts, there's no reason why we can't borrow from the sport for our next polo. Typically, rugby shirts are composed of a heavier fabric, but they're best known for their distinct, colorful striped patterns. Translating this pattern onto your polo shirts will give you the same rugby style but within the polo trend. Swapping in the colorful stripes will help your polo top stand out and look more like a statement piece rather than just another top.

While there are many reasons why the polo shirt gives preppy and sporty vibes, it's also the perfect item to add to your wardrobe if you want to revitalize your officewear style. By styling them with a blazer or trousers, the polo shirt is ideal if you want to dress more sophisticated. As we saw from the Prada collection back in 2020, combining a polo shirt with a tailored bottom will make the perfect street-style look. Add a pair of sneakers to your look to dress it down, or add loafers to make it office-approved.