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!