What Do I Wear to a Polo Match?

It is summertime, which means polo clubs are in full swing, so it is time to pack your picnic and head to a game.  Whenever I head to a match with friends who haven't gone, or rarely go, to a polo game, the inevitable agony of "what to wear" comes up.

The good news, or bad, depending on your perspective, is that there is a very large range of appropriate things to wear to a polo match, anywhere from jeans to Jimmy Choos. Obviously, the first question to ask is, are you attending a charity game, or just a normal season match. If you are going to a charity match than you are welcome to ratchet your attire up a notch or two, but unless you have just splashed out thousands of dollars to watch William play at the Santa Barbara Polo Club, don't overdo it or you will end looking a bit of a newbie.

Let's look over what Kate has deemed appropriate. Kate has been photographed at multiple matches over the years and has displayed the full gamut of choices. Starting at the casual end...

Jeans or an Airy Dress

Kate could be relied on to show up at many matches in jeans and a pullover. Polo seasons stretch into the early fall, and in the Northern climate of the UK many days can be on the cooler side. When temperatures spike, Kate often opts for a cool sundress in a summer shade. Below are several instances where Kate wore jeans to polo.

Kate Middleton Wearing Jeans to Polo Matches

And the dress route...

Kate Wearing Dresses to Polo

There is no faster way to pull down the condescending attitudes of your fellow fashionistas at a polo match than to wear heels and not wedges. This is a sport played on grass and the spectators are on grass as well. You can't stomp divots very well in spiked heels. Kate has only been to polo with heels about three times. Once when she wore her heeled boots, and the second two times as the Duchess of Cambridge when she was really dressed for a more formal match. Case in point, Santa Barbara and the Jimmy Choos:

Should I wear a hat to a polo game? If you mean a hat like Kate has worn to various horse events, by all means, stay shaded. If you are asking about hats along Royal Ascot lines let me just say, have you ever seen Kate wear such a hat to match? Any match?  Food for thought... That being said, some clubs like to do the whole hat day thing, and if the spirit moves you to join the crowd, by all means jump in!

Yes!

Uuuuhhh, no. 

Summary: Almost anything goes. Keep in mind temperatures you will face while trying to enjoy the match. A light airy dress might be better for a scorching day, but also bear in mind wind--no one wants to overexpose themselves...Also consider whether you will be sitting on the grass or have a chair along. Pack a picnic lunch and some cold champagne and have a lovely afternoon!

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Color Me Green: Kate's Various Shades of Green for 2013

Every year the experts at Pantone choose an official color for the year.  This color can often inspire or influence designer collections and eventually trickle down throughout the fashion industry. Emerald has been chosen as the official color of 2013, so green, in various shades, will be just a tad hotter this year.  Thankfully, for those who take their sartorial cues from the Queen of Style herself, HRH the Duchess of Cambridge, she has worn plenty of green and we can all steal some inspiration from her past choices.

Kate dazzled last year in this aqua green Jenny Packham gown at the Our Greatest Team Rises Gala in support of the British Olympic team. Jenny Packham may not be McQueen or LK Bennett, but she has certainly had her fair share of royal attention. Kate has worn Jenny P on a number of high profile occasions, and the label has essentially filled the evening gown gap left when the new royal quietly distanced herself from her pre-wedding favorite, Issa. This intricate dress, modified from the designer's bridal collection, checks many of Kate's boxes, including graceful movement in the fabric, her penchant for feminine lace, and the exquisite detailing on the bodice and back.   

On the job, Kate wore a deeper teal when she joined the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they kicked off the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.  Some women have the ability to see pieces on a hanger, looking only ordinary or rather dull, and yet pull them together to make something stunning. The separates were from favorite brand LK Bennett and the retro vibe was cutting edge chic. Highlighting the suit with a black structured beret, Kate created absolute magic. That being said, the next time Kate appeared with her grandmother-in-law, they had coordinated their outfits to complement in color just a little better. Even veteran royals learn on the job, it would seem. 

In a very unusual move, Kate went American in an olive green Ralph Lauren (Blue Label) knit dress when she visited Centrepoint with William. This look is classic Kate Middleton.  A streamlined silhouette in an understated color, black stockings and her iconic black suede boots. Before her engagement, it was not unusual for her to be seen in very similar ensembles shopping Kensington High Street. These are her Aquatalia Rumba boots she has worn countless times since she first debuted them in Scotland on her engagement tour of the UK. 

Last year on St. Patrick's Day, Kate wore a lovely forest green coat dress. With emerald green the official color of the year, it will be interesting to see if she opts for a brighter shade this coming March!