So, you’ve been invited to your first polo match! Thoughts of clinking champagne glasses with your friends while watching the “Sport of Kings” swirl through your head. But…what do you wear exactly?
When I was invited to Polo In The Park Ottawa last summer, I asked myself that same question. I immediately took to Google and searched: “Kate Middleton Polo Match” – seriously. There were pictures of the Princess in everything from feminine, flouncy dresses to simple polo shirts paired with skinnies.
Polo is a fancy affair and I wanted to step it up, so I put on a favourite Calvin Klein black dress with a full skirt and a little feathered fascinator from Shepherd’s Fashions. I accessorized with a Louis Vuitton clutch and I was off to Wesley Clover Parks to take in some polo.
When I arrived, I was thrilled to see guests wearing their finest! The day was lovely and I couldn’t help but immortalize it with some pictures.
So, what are my tips for rocking your polo style? One of my goals is to attend The Royal Ascot in England, which has a strict dress code. Strapless dresses and tops are not allowed. Skirts must be of modest length and hats should be worn (fascinators are not allowed – harsh). I’m taking a page out of The Royal Ascot Style Guide for this list of dressing tips.
Polo Styling Guide
- Now is your chance to pull out that fancy cocktail dress that you have been dying to wear! Fun, bright colours are perfect, along with pretty prints.
- The Royal Ascot has added jumpsuits to their list of appropriate attire this year. This is a great look for Polo In The Park Ottawa too. Go for jumpsuits in natural fabrics such as a light wool. Alternatively, lace jumpsuits will offer the perfect formal look.
- Want to wear a dress with skinnier straps? Top it off with a gorgeous pashmina.
- Invest in a great hat or fascinator (fascinators are allowed for this Ottawa event). I’m British and will use any excuse to wear a hat, so I use this opportunity to pull out my favourites. Check out Chapeaux de Madeleine for some amazing, polo-appropriate styles.
- Do not wear anything midriff-baring. Not the time or place.
- Wear some hot shoes and get ready to stomp some divots!
- Gentlemen – seize the day and wear a top hat and morning suit.
Polo Style Inspiration
Polo In The Park Ottawa will be taking place this year at Wesley Clover Parks on Saturday, September 16th from 9am – 6pm. This fun and stylish event will benefit Wounded Warriors Canada and the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health. Get your tickets here. The VIP option looks fantastic!
Have fun and let me know what you’ll be wearing!
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
I’ll take your big hat and that Self Portrait dress! I went to a polo game once ever and it was in London. Everyone was drinking tea and Pimms. It was pretty fun.
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Ooooh! I’ll be in London in early September and I hope to attend The Royal Ascot. I need me some Pimm’s! LOL! How nice is that Self Portrait dress???
I love your tips
I love that black hat
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Thanks
Great tips, great dress, great photos!
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Thanks, Lia!
I’ve never thought about attending a Polo match. I’m not a fan of horses. However the fashion is so cute! I love the hats and dresses! I love wearing dresses! Thanks for sharing!
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Can I admit something, Olivia? I’m scared of horses. I recognize that they are beautiful and majestic creatures, but they are just too big. LOL! I admire them – from afar. LOL!
I have always wanted to go to a polo game!! The style there is totally my inspo. SO chic!!
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Taylor – if you ever are in Kentucky, go to the Derby. The fashion alone is reason to go. Also, Saratoga Springs, NY has one of the most beautiful derbys around!
Great tips! You have a great sense of style.
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Thanks, Jay! So kind!
I’ve never been to a polo match, and I doubt that I will ever be invited to one. But I do love looking at the amazing hats and dresses that the ladies wear.
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Never say never!
This seems like a great social event. Does the dress code change depending on where the match is being held?
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Hi there! No – it all depends on the organizer, I believe…
I have never been to a Polo match, however, I would love to get dressed for one! How fun!! Love the hats, dresses, and fascinator!
I’d love to attend an event like this. Sounds nice and sophisticated. 🙂 Thanks for the suggestions
So pretty! This makes me want to attend polo. Seems like a great time!
I want that peacock hat!
You look beautiful! Looks like you really enjoyed yourself at this event. I like your style suggestions. I had no idea that there were dress codes at polo matches. I’ve always thought a polo match would be fun to attend.
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I didn’t know that they were so strict either! So crazy! Thanks for reading and for your kind words!
I love the hats and your look is proper posh repping the Brit in you!
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Thank you, Adeola!!
I’ve attended Royal Ascot twice and you can wear fascinators. I did.
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There are two versions of the Ascot – the fancy one that the Queen attends earlier in the summer, you cannot wear fascinators. Thanks!