To a polo match or equestrian event you wear clothing that suits the dress code and the outdoor character of the day. Choose shoes that can walk on grass and bring something for sun and wind. Above all, choose polished and practical. Below we work that out per item.
The atmosphere: outdoors, light and understated
A polo match or equestrian event takes place on grass, in the open air and often in late spring or summer. The atmosphere is often classic and polished, but the dress code differs per event. More important is that your outfit suits the location, the weather and the programme. Always read the invitation or the organiser's information first, because the dress code differs per event: sometimes it is smart casual, sometimes emphatically elegant.
Keep in mind that you spend a lot of time outdoors. You walk over grass, sit in a grandstand and stand in the sun longer than you expect beforehand. So your outfit needs to be comfortable and not crease too early.
The colour palette at a glance
| Colour | Why it works | Combine with |
|---|---|---|
| Cream and ivory | Light and timeless | Navy, light blue |
| Light blue | Fresh and calm | White, cream, beige |
| Navy | Classic and polished | White, beige, camel |
| Beige and sand | Soft and warm | White, light blue, brown |
Muted colours are easy to combine, but bright colours are of course fine too if the dress code allows it.
For women: a tweed set or a polo dress
Tweed suits a classic outdoor event well. The Lavinia jacket in glacier blue is a cropped tweed jacket and goes with the matching Lavinia skort in glacier blue, a tweed skort with skirt look. Together they form a coordinated set that you put on in one go, and that you can also wear separately: the jacket over a white dress, the skort with a white shirt. A skort can be practical on grass and gives extra freedom of movement. You will find more looks for festive days in the Celebration collection.
If you love a dress, choose the Marianne in white, a polo dress of 95% polyester and 5% elastane. The polo collar gives a sporty touch, which suits an event around horses. Wear a navy cardigan or a light blazer over it if it gets a bit windy.
For men: light trousers and a polished shirt
For men, light trousers are a simple option. The Winston in cream are light high-waist trousers of 66% polyester, 28% viscose and 6% elastane, which suit a summery day well. Combine them with the Hamilton shirt in light blue, made of 100% cotton, and a navy blazer if it needs to be more formal. If you want it less severe, choose a polo such as the Julian in ivory cream, a knitted polo with quarter zip of 84.3% cotton, 10.9% silk and 4.8% linen. You will find more options in the polos for Men collection and on the Signature Occasions for Men page.
Shoes that can walk on grass
Grass and high heels do not go well together. Thin stilettos sink into the ground and make walking difficult. For women, choose a block heel, a wedge, a smart sneaker or a flat shoe such as a loafer or ballet flat. For men, loafers, suede shoes or a smart low sneaker are suitable. Check beforehand whether the ground is dry. A rainy weekend quickly makes a soft leather shoe dirty, so possibly bring a second pair in the car.
Sun, wind and accessories
- Headwear: a hat with a brim or a simple cap keeps the sun off and suits the atmosphere. Women often choose a straw hat, men a cap or fedora.
- Sunglasses: a classic model in black or tortoiseshell suits all occasions.
- Bag: small and with a strap over the shoulder, so your hands stay free.
- Scarf or cardigan: a light layer for when the wind picks up or the sun disappears.
- Jewellery: small and timeless, such as pearl studs or a thin necklace.
If the weather turns
On a day outdoors the weather can change quickly. Bring a light raincoat or a compact umbrella in the car, and think beforehand about what you will do if it starts to rain. A dress or skirt that clings to your legs in damp weather is awkward; trousers or a skort give more ease. Also make sure your shoes have a sole that does not slip on wet grass. Follow the organisation's instructions on site, keep your distance from the horses and put your phone on silent during the match. That way you contribute to a calm atmosphere, and you can enjoy the day yourself too.
What you had better leave
Choose clothing in which you can easily walk, sit and stand outdoors. Check beforehand whether specific rules apply for denim or sporty shoes. Too much glitter or shine also suits a day outdoors less. Fit and practical comfort are more important than a striking accessory.
A short checklist for the morning
- Read the dress code in the invitation or on the event's website.
- Look at the weather forecast the evening before and choose an extra layer.
- Iron or steam your outfit and check light colours for stains.
- Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a small bag.
- Wear your shoes in once beforehand, so you do not end up on the grounds with blisters.
Shop the look
Lavinia: cropped tweed jacket, glacier blue
Lavinia: tweed skort with skirt look, glacier blue
Marianne: polo dress, white
Winston: light high-waist trousers, cream
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Julian: knitted polo with quarter zip, ivory cream
Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code at a polo match?
That differs per event. It is often smart casual to elegant: light colours, good fabrics and no striking logos. Always read the organiser's information.
May I wear heels on grass?
Thin heels sink into the ground. Choose a block heel, a wedge or a flat shoe, so you can walk comfortably.
Do I have to wear a hat?
You do not have to, but a hat suits the atmosphere and protects against the sun. A straw hat or a smart cap is enough.
Which colours suit an equestrian event?
Cream, light blue, beige and navy are classic and calm. Avoid bright neon colours and large prints.
