When we mention the word polo, the very first thing that comes to mind is a polo shirt. But that has always been a men’s attire – our version of this is a polo dress. These dresses draw their inspiration from the polo shirt, meaning they are generally short-sleeved and made from pique cotton and similar materials.
They were mainly popular in the 1980s and early 2000s. However, with casual chic wear making a comeback, it seems they are back in fashion again. In today’s post, we will look at the other reasons for the resurgence and a few styling tips, should you decide to include them in your wardrobe.
Reasons Why Polo Shirts are Popular Today
Versatility
One of the main reasons why polo dresses are popular today is their versatility. These dresses are perfect for different occasions. For example, you might be planning for a day that starts in the office, then a lunch date and a few errands (grocery shopping, etc.).
Wearing a polo dress means you will be perfectly dressed for all these occasions. In other words, you won’t need to change your attire several times a day to look the part.
It is also worth noting that polo dresses are very comfortable. Their cotton and stretch fabrics offer breathability and lightweight properties that make them ideal for year-round comfort. If the day is a little bit colder, the dresses are still very easy to layer.
Accessible and Affordable
Last but not least, polo dresses are popular because they are available at different price points. Whether shopping high-end designer brands like these Lacoste Women dresses or prefer more budget-friendly options, you can always find exactly what you need.
It is also worth noting that designers are now creating polo dresses for various body types. With various lengths, fits and cuts, it is quite easy for anyone to find a flattering version of this classic piece.
Influence of Fashion Trends
Another reason we are noticing a resurgence of polo dresses is the influence of fashion trends. In the past few months, there has been a notable revival of retro styles, especially those from the 90s and Y2K. Polo dresses fit seamlessly into these aesthetics, making them an ideal addition to a retro wardrobe.
An increasing number of celebrities and influencers are also helping with the resurgence by popularising creative styling ideas. You have probably seen a popular individual wearing a polo dress on TikTok while scrolling through trending videos or looking for outfit inspiration.
How to Style Your Polo Dresses
Polo dresses are very easy to style – all you have to do is just find the perfect shoe or accessory to pair them with. Here are a few ideas:
Casual Styling Tips
For a casual look, pair your polo dress with a pair of sneakers or ballet flats. This is especially a great approach if you are looking for a sporty look. Just make sure the shoe colour complements your dress to avoid clashing tones and creating an unbalanced look.
Also, do not forget to accessorise with baseball caps, cross body bags and baseball caps to achieve that effortless look and laid-back vibe.
Dressy Styling Options
If you are heading to the office or for a date, you might want to look a little more dressed up. So, casual sneakers and a hat may not cut it.
One of the easiest ways to transform your polo dress into a date or event outfit is by adding heels and bold necklaces and earrings. You could also throw on a blazer or a soft cardigan to add some polish.
Essentially, you could pair with any type of statement jewellery or top you like. The goal is to make the look a little sophisticated and better suited for the event or office to avoid looking a little underdressed.
Seasonal Styling Ideas
For a hot summer day, stick to polo dresses with breathable fabrics in bright colours. Complete the clean look with a pair of sandals and a sunhat plus sunshades.
In colder months, you can swap the sandals for tight ankle boots and add a wool coat or leather jacket. Throw on a scarf to add some warmth and visual interest.
Conclusion
Although they started off as sportswear, polo dresses have become quite stylish in the modern day. Their comfort, versatility and ease of wear make them a great addition to any wardrobe. They are one of those attires we consider hybrid pieces, offering both practicality and style. However, you must learn to style them properly in order to achieve that perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality.
If you haven’t tried a polo dress in a while, now might just be the perfect time to get a few for your wardrobe, especially for summer closets. Check out the tips above for creative ideas to style these new additions.