by Anami Vakil, Moden Men’s –
The polo shirt is collared, short sleeved, has three buttons, and in general, is a shirt made of a softer fabric that is meant to allow for rigorous activity whilst maintaining a classy look. Granted, most of us aren’t going to be leaning over the side of a pony at 70 clicks anytime soon (hint: origin of the polo), so the idea is mainly to look classy in relative comfort. As a resentful teen, the polo was an acceptable compromise with my father for holiday meals. As an adult, I find it’s a great substitute for its stiff, long-sleeved cousin (the dress shirt), with a sport coat or blazer. Brad Pitt, as Billy Beane in the movie Money Ball, makes great use of this combo. A black polo under a charcoal jacket during trade negotiations with the Cleveland Indians says: “I’m relaxed but ready to do business.” OK yes, it’s Brad Pitt, so naturally he looks pretty good. But even for us mortals, the polo is a versatile and sharp-looking option.
This is the Hardy Knit Polo with a pair of Marcellus pants, both from Rails, combined with the George Blazer from Matinique. Here the blazer is gray and the pants are navy, but you could easily switch to a gray pant and a navy blazer – a classic colour combination and my favourite for a summer wedding if a tie is optional. But please, keep that polo tucked in until at least 11 p.m.
If you’re invited on a friend’s boat for the day, I’d recommend this outfit. This is the Matinique Jones Crewneck in “faded rose” over the Hardy Polo, and a pair of Matinique Thomas Shorts in “lunar rock.” Depending on your age or the UV rating, you could easily get away with a ball cap here.
For the aforementioned dinner with the parents, this is still my go to. I’ve swapped out the navy Marcellus pants for a gray pair, and a more monochrome look. You can wear it tucked or untucked; the band at the bottom of the shirt keeps things tidy. But if your Dad is anything like mine, do not wear a ball cap.
Photos by Janis Jean Photography.
