Polo prep starts here!
There is nothing better than watching polo on a day filled with sunshine, champagne in hand and the sound of ponies in their stride. The Australian polo circuit rears its head once again as the summer air brings the ponies out to play. Kicking off the season is Land Rover Polo in the City, starting the circuit on November 16 through to December 12 across the nation. Bringing the tour to Brisbane on November 23, the players and ponies will descend on Dorrington Park, Ashgrove for a day full of sport, social and style with the event touted as the most glamorous on the social calendar.
This year guests can enjoy top-notch hospitality with the likes of Land Rover, Bird in Hand Wines and Pommery to drive emotions during games. Perusing party options for the day, guests will find the Maui Polo Lounge the place to start, the passionate polo attendees opting for The Honolulu Polo Club or Pommery VIP Marquee (by invitation) for the full experience or a private Corporate Marquee for nearest and dearest to enjoy. Around the event, guests can mingle with players, indulge in the sumptuous bar offerings all while the resident DJ serenades more than just the horses. Rushing to the sidelines to spectate, one can watch the parade of stylish guests sporting fabulous outfits dashing in and out of the tents for a fresh refill of champagne. The competition extends between games to the Divot Stomp and Men’s and Ladies Mad Dash, while those that take style in their stride look to the crowning of Fashions on the Field. As the sun sets, the frenzy continues with exclusive after-parties announced to guests and buses waiting to escort to the next luxe venue.
As the world’s fastest growing spectator sport with local events gaining momentum and prestige internationally, there has never been a better time to indulge in a summer of polo in Australia. Introducing international players into the tournaments is increasing; this year polo royalty and heartthrob Mariano ‘Nano’ Gracida will be coming down under to lead team Hawaii about the field, playing against Australia across the national series that begins in Sydney’s Centennial Park, on November 16.
So, with that let’s cut to the chase – outfits.
HOW TO STYLE FOR THE POLO
The traditional polo style takes comfort between summer casual and cocktail, with the boundaries on suitable attire flexible to allow for personal expression and practicality. For women, think sophisticated Sunday’s best meets garden party, the range of dress and coordinates options spanning from flowing maxis, cocktail dresses, linen basics and smart casual in glamorous colours, elegant shades or statement patterns. The biggest decider on an appropriate polo outfit is the choice of accessories – nothing too showy or difficult will fit the natural, effortless environment. Stay with more relaxed jewellery or small complimentary statement pieces, adding a hat, sunglasses or headband to finish the look. Down to the ground, shoes without stiletto heels are essential, the uneven turf and divot stomping between games are no match for anything but a wedge or flat.
THE FEMININE FINISH
Talulah La Maison Garland mini dress,Collin Petal Pink Block Heel sandal,Jimena Alejandra The Josie earrings,Bvgarli Serpenti sunglasses from Sunglass Hut.
THE STATEMENT PRINT
Novo Shoes Bryce Wedge,Saba Paco Linen crop rop and wide leg pant,Lack of Color Dolce sun hat,Adorne Weaved Resin Clasp Clutch.
THE CITY EDGE
Sheike & Co Free Spirit dress,Frankie4 Tiff Gold flat,Fawnstar King Hucci earrings&Boss necklace 24K,Mimco Waver Box hip bag.
For gentlemen it’s a more casual affair, taking cues from the smart casual basics with a frivolous edge. Chino pants or smart shorts with a linen or lightweight shirt/tshirt is the uniform, some males standing out with details like a colourful belt, bohemian prints and pastels. For walks between the bar and the sidelines, a leather boot, sophisticated sneaker or loafer is ideal for the terrain. Don a hat or light jacket if the weather looks to be heat friendly, the summer weather, a common enemy to overdressed gentlemen.
THE CULTURED MAN
Urbbana The Palmas shirt,Country Road linen button front short&Two Tone plait belt,Bailey Neilson Ward sunglasses,Tom Ford York Chain loafers.
THE CLASSIC GAME
Orlebar Brown Giles linen shirt&Bulldog shorts,M.J Bale Harris braided belt,Polo Ralph Lauren Sayer sneakers&leather card case from David Jones,Calibre leather wrap bracelet.
THE DAPPER GENT
Calibre Men’s Double Check Suit&Double Check Pant Combo,Lyons pocket square,R.M Williams Jervis white shirt,IWC Pilot’s watch from Kennedy,Urbbana Tassel brogues.
Ella Golding
Connecting her passion for indulgence, style and leisure with readers around the world, Ella enjoys experiencing all that is luxurious and unique. With a background in fashion, travel and events, she is just as entertained by a statement pair of earrings as where the next best wine bar is popping up. Using her discerning eye to find the best of countries near and far, you can be assured that whatever souvenirs or stories she brings back are worth the wait. All of Ella’s articles.