The classic polo shirt is a timeless piece that can elevate any outfit with its preppy, polished look. With its unique combination of a collar and pullover style, it is the perfect balance between casual and formal attire. While the polo shirt is a versatile garment, some might find it challenging to style. If you’re among them, you can discover what to wear with polo shirt female to create a chic outfit that suits any occasion.
However, women can take advantage of numerous options when wearing a polo shirt for any occasion. The polo shirt can suit any dress code, from pairing it with jeans for a casual, effortless look to dressing it up with a skirt or blazer. Additionally, it is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and fabrics, making it an ideal addition to any wardrobe.
Dressing Up a Polo Shirt
A polo shirt can easily be dressed for a bright casual or business casual look. Try tucking a polo shirt into trousers, a pencil skirt, or an A-line skirt. This gives a polished look perfect for the office or a daytime event.
Wear With Trousers
Pairing a polo shirt with trousers instantly elevates the look. Opt for tailored trousers in materials like twill or linen. Neutral colors like black, navy, or tan work well for an intelligent look. If you want to add interest, wear trousers with fun details like cuffs, colored piping, or unique buttons.
Add sleek leather loafers or ballet flats and simple jewelry like small hoop earrings or a dainty necklace to finish the outfit. A structured tote bag also adds a professional touch.
Tuck Into a Pencil Skirt
Tucking a polo shirt into a pencil skirt creates a flattering, feminine look. Stick with neutral or darker-colored pencil skirts for the most versatile combinations. Pair with pointy-toed pumps in a color that complements both pieces.
For a professional vibe, keep accessories minimal. A simple watch and stud earrings are all you need. Finish with a structured top-handle bag or slim briefcase.
Style With an A-Line Skirt
An A-line skirt has a flattering flared silhouette that looks chic with a tucked-in polo shirt. For ideal proportions, go for an A-line skirt that hits just above or below the knees.
Have fun mixing colors and patterns here. A polo shirt looks fantastic paired with a bold printed A-line skirt. Complete the outfit with heeled sandals or wedges. This look is perfect for a daytime wedding or garden party.
Casual Looks for Weekends
The polo shirt is just as easy to wear casually. Try layering a polo over a tank or tee for added interest. Pairing with jeans or shorts creates a relaxed weekend vibe.
Layer Over a Tank
Wear a colorful tank or camisole underneath a polo shirt in a complementing neutral shade. This layered look works with skirts, shorts, or jeans.
With a skirt, try metallic sandals and a crossbody bag for an effortless daytime style. For a weekend errand-running outfit, pair the layered polo look with dark denim shorts, white sneakers, and a hands-free backpack.
Mix With T-Shirts
A polo shirt layered over a graphic tee adds fun contrast. Go for a loose-fitting polo in a muted tone layered over a brightly colored or printed tee.
This casual look pairs perfectly with cuffed denim jeans or shorts. Finish with slip-on sneakers or Vans-style shoes. You can also wear the polo open and relaxed over the tee. Add sunglasses and a baseball cap for a sporty weekend vibe.
Unbuttoned Over a Cami
Wear an unbuttoned polo shirt over a simple camisole for a relaxed, warm-weather option. Tuck the cami into shorts, a skirt, or jeans to create a definition at the waist.
This breezy look pairs well with cut-off denim shorts, sandals, or slip-on sneakers. It also looks cute with a denim mini skirt, low-top Converse, and a crossbody bag.
Styling a Polo Shirt With Pants
Pairing a polo shirt with pants is a foolproof way to look put-together. Play around with dressy and casual pant styles.
With Trousers or Slacks
As mentioned earlier, wearing a polo shirt with trousers or slacks is an easy way to look polished and professional. Stick to neutral colors and minimal accessories for the office or crucial daytime event.
If the dress code is more relaxed, have fun mixing colors and patterns. Pair a green polo with Houndstooth print trousers, for example. Or wear a striped polo with ankle-length khaki slacks.
With Jeans
Jeans are an effortless match for a polo shirt. Stick to darker washes like black, blue, or gray for the most versatility. A fitted polo looks excellent tucked into skinny jeans with heels for a girls’ night out.
Try a relaxed polo over boyfriend jeans with sneakers or sandals for casual daytime wear. Distressed light denim also complements a brightly colored polo.
With Joggers or Sweatpants
Polo shirts pair surprisingly well with athleisure pants for a sporty off-duty look. Opt for cotton joggers or harem-style sweatpants. Neutral shades like black, gray, and olive green work with any color polo.
Keep this look casual with slip-on sneakers and minimal accessories. A polo shirt with joggers or sweats creates a comfortable travel outfit.
With Pleated Culottes
Tuck a polo shirt into pleated culottes pants for a dressy casual outfit. This creates an instantly put-together look with movement and flow.
Pair with pointy-toed flats or low-block heels. Add a wide-brimmed sun hat and shoulder bag to complement the retro vibe. Pleated culottes and a polo shirt also work for a daytime wedding guest outfit,
With Shorts
Polo shirts look equally great with shorts for warm weather. Tailored Bermuda shorts in linen or cotton create a preppy look, while denim cutoffs offer a more relaxed vibe.
Try tucking a striped polo into cuffed white denim shorts with espadrilles. Or wear an oversized polo half-tucked into black bike shorts with sneakers. There are so many fun ways to style a polo with shorts.
Shoes That Work With a Polo Shirt
Shoes can make or break a polo shirt outfit. Consider heel height, formality, and color when choosing footwear.
Heels
For dressier looks, opt for classic pumps, wedges, or block-heel sandals in black, nude, or metallic colors. Ankle strap designs are flattering with a tucked-in polo and skirt. Avoid stiletto heels, which can look incongruous with a preppy polo.
Chunky heels, kitten heels, and low wedges complement the casual vibe of a polo shirt while still adding polish. Try espadrilles or tied ballet flats for weddings and garden parties.
Flats
Flats nicely balance the preppy feel of a polo shirt. Pointy-toed flats look sophisticated with trousers or pencil skirts. Slip-on smoking slippers add retro flair.
Pair a polo with ballet flats, loafers, or lace-up sneakers like Keds for a casual look. Espadrilles, both flat and heeled, are a tremendous warm-weather option.
Sneakers
Sneakers keep a polo shirt outfit comfortable and low-key. White leather sneakers are versatile for both dressed-up and casual looks. Vans, Converse, and slip-on styles work for weekends and travel days.
Platform sneakers add fun height with skirts and shorts. Avoid athletic performance sneakers like Nikes, which can make an outfit look too sporty. Stick to street style or vintage-inspired sneaker designs.
Sandals
Summery sandals complement the laidback polish of a polo shirt. Flat leather slides or thong sandals are easy options for everyday wear. Ankle-wrap gladiator sandals or espadrilles look cute with skirts and dresses.
Opt for flip-flops or comfortable sports sandals like Tevas or Chacos for beach and poolside polo outfits. A polo shirt with shorts and sandals also makes a great vacation outfit.
Outfit Ideas From Casual to Dressy
Here are some full polo shirt outfit ideas ranging from daytime casual to cocktail attire:
- Relaxed weekend outfit: Oversized navy polo shirt half-tucked into distressed denim shorts, with white slip-on sneakers and a canvas tote bag.
- Office look: Fitted pink polo tucked into a tan A-line skirt, paired with brown leather flats and a quilted shoulder bag.
- Brunch date: White polo layered over a red tank, light denim jeans cuffed at the ankle, and red slip-on Vans.
- Garden party: Green and white striped polo tucked into an orange wrap skirt, with brown wedge espadrilles and a rattan handbag.
- Cocktails: Slim-fit black polo tucked into a silver metallic mini skirt, with black ankle strap heels and small hoop earrings.
- Travel day: Gray long-sleeve polo with black leggings, white sneakers, and a hands-free nylon backpack.
- Wedding guest: Blush pink polo tucked into a floral midi skirt, with nude tie-up heel sandals and a pearl bracelet.
- Dinner date: Fitted burgundy polo worn over dark denim skinny jeans, black pointy flats, and a black crossbody bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors look best with polo shirt outfits?
- Neutrals like black, white, tan, gray, navy, and olive are easy to mix and match with a polo shirt of any color.
- Pastels like blush pink, light blue, and lavender look pretty during spring and summer.
- Bright colors like red, yellow, and teal give fun pops of color.
- Metallic shades like silver, gold, and copper add polish.
What accessories work well with a polo shirt?
- Hoop or stud earrings
- Dainty necklaces
- Stacking bracelets or slim watch
- Scarf tied preppy-style
- Top handle bag, crossbody bag, or backpack
- Leather belt (worn with tucked-in polos)
- Sunglasses
- Baseball cap
How do I style a striped polo shirt?
- Lean into the preppy vibe with an A-line skirt, shorts, or pants in a coordinating solid color.
- Layer over a white or black tee or tank top
- Wear with white jeans or denim shorts for a nautical feel
- Pair with cropped wide-leg trousers for smart-casual flair
- Try tucking into a midi skirt for an elongating effect
What are good shoes to wear with a polo shirt dress?
- Ballet flats or low pumps for a dressy look
- Espadrilles or tied sandals in summer
- Ankle boots with tights or leggings
- Knee-high riding boots
- Loafers or oxfords to lean into the menswear vibe
- Sneakers for casual days
What jacket styles complement a polo shirt?
- Denim jacket for weekend casual
- Blazer for smartening up
- Trench coat for rainy weather
- Jean jacket for laidback flair
- Leather moto jacket for an edgy contrast
- A cardigan for an extra layer on cool days
Conclusion
A polo shirt is ideal for any woman looking to add a touch of prep to her wardrobe. The polo transitions seamlessly from casual days to dressy occasions. Half-tucked into a flowy skirt or layered over a tee, the polo shirt lets you show off your style.
Look for polos in pique cotton, jersey knit, or linen for comfort and breathability. A tailored slim fit creates a flattering silhouette. Don’t be afraid to have fun with prints and colors, too – the polo shirt is the perfect canvas for showcasing patterns.
While completing your preppy polo looks with accessories like delicate jewelry and structured handbags, remember, when it comes to what not to wear to a job interview, the key is to choose outfits that are professionally appropriate over casual. The right shoes, such as sneakers for a more relaxed environment or strappy sandals for a touch of elegance, make all the difference. With so many ways to style them, polo shirts deserve a spot in every woman’s closet, but always consider the company’s dress code before making your interview attire decision.
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