The knitted polo, five ways
The knitted polo has quietly taken the place the plain shirt used to hold. It is smart enough for an office that no longer wears ties, and relaxed enough that nobody assumes you have come from a meeting.
1. With tailored trousers
The simplest version. Keep the trousers a shade darker than the polo and leave the top button open. Tucked or untucked both read as intentional, provided the hem sits around mid fly.
2. Under a jacket
An unstructured jacket over a knitted polo is more comfortable than a shirt and reads just as considered. Match the jacket to the trousers rather than the polo.
3. With pleated wide leg trousers
A looser trouser needs a top with some weight to it, otherwise the proportions run away. A knitted polo holds its shape well enough to balance the volume below.
4. With shorts, in summer
Tailored shorts and a polo in the same tonal family is the least effortful smart summer outfit available. Keep the shoe simple, a loafer or a clean trainer.
5. On its own, with good shoes
Most outfits are decided at the feet. A polo and trousers finished with a properly kept loafer will always outrank a more complicated outfit finished badly.
Looking after it
Fold rather than hang, so the shoulders keep their line, and give it a day between wears. Wash cool and reshape while damp.
