Confession: I used to be pretty darn preppy in middle and high school. We're talking polo shirts with popped collars preppy (don't judge me). While I didn't layer my polos like some of my so-hip friends (though I'm embarrassed to say that I did consider it), I pretty much wore American Eagle, Abercrombie, and Hollister everything and yes, I finished most of these looks off with butterfly clips, a pukka shell necklace, and heavy eyeliner (yikes, I know . . . #TBT).
Cut to my 30-year-old self where hints of my preppy past remain, but overall, my vibe is classic, feminine, and often tailored. I love smart staples, from button downs to shirtdresses [1] and chinos, leaving my polo shirt fandom in the past . . . until now. Popping up (see what I did there?) on many a designer runway over the past few seasons, the preppy hero piece is officially back and, not-so shockingly, I'm super into it.
New-season polo shirts come with a heavy dose of nostalgia (like the majority of trends these days), referencing varsity stripes, zip closures, and ribbed fabrics á la the '70s with '90s touches like shrunken fits and frilled detailing proving major, too. And while pastel hues and neon shades are big (just as they were in my middle and high school days), splashy patterns, modern stripes [2], and cool colorblocking makes 2019 versions feel ultrafresh for Summer and a stylish choice in place of simple t-shirts [3] or structured shirts and blouses.
When styling a polo shirt with a modern spin, I'll be ditching my beloved denim miniskirt [4] from high school (and most definitely won't be popping my collar) and swapping in smart midi skirts, vintage-wash jeans [5], and high-rise trousers for both work and weekends — I might even layer one with a slip dress and barely there sandals [6] because, let's face it, Summer fashion is all about fun, and what's more playful than a total throwback look?
If you're here for the polo shirt resurgence like I am, shop my favorites ahead, from superaffordable finds [7] (including versions from Abercrombie and American Eagle!) all the way to designer styles that walked the runway.
Abercrombie Ribbed Button-Up Polo
Abercrombie Ribbed Button-Up Polo [8] ($34)
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Striped Polo Sweater
POPSUGAR Collection at Kohl's Striped Polo Sweater [9] ($26, originally $44)
Maison Kitsune Polo Tricolor Fox Patch Polo Shirt
Maison Kitsune Polo Tricolor Fox Patch Polo Shirt [10] ($150)
Adam Selman Sport Pointelle-Trimmed Knitted Polo Shirt
Adam Selman Sport Pointelle-Trimmed Knitted Polo Shirt [11] ($225)
Yan Yan Holey Short-Sleeved Polo
Yan Yan Holey Short-Sleeved Polo [12] ($190)
JoosTricot Ribbed Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt
JoosTricot Ribbed Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt [13] ($395)
Cotton Citizen Milan Polo Shirt
Cotton Citizen Milan Polo Shirt [14] ($245)
I-Am-Chen Colorblock Semi-Sheer Polo Shirt
I-Am-Chen Colorblock Semi-Sheer Polo Shirt [15] ($316)
Wilfred Free Tayla Knit Polo Top
Wilfred Free Tayla Knit Polo Top [16] ($88)
Tory Burch Striped Cropped Polo
Tory Burch Striped Cropped Polo [17] ($128)
No. 21 Polo Shirt
No. 21 Polo Shirt [18] ($565)
Tibi Crispy Viscose Short-Sleeved Polo
Tibi Crispy Viscose Short-Sleeved Polo [19] ($350)
Quinoa Knit Polo Shirt
Quinoa Knit Polo Shirt [20] ($246)
Aimé Leon Dore Monogram Polo
Aimé Leon Dore Monogram Polo [21] ($175)
Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch Knitted Polo Shirt
Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch Knitted Polo Shirt [22] ($165)
LHD Le Phare Open-Knit Cotton Polo Shirt
LHD Le Phare Open-Knit Cotton Polo Shirt [23] ($350)
Kule The Vivienne Polo Shirt
Kule The Vivienne Polo Shirt [24] ($178)
Polo Ralph Lauren x Opening Ceremony Martini Bear Polo Top
Polo Ralph Lauren x Opening Ceremony Martini Bear Polo Top [25] ($95)
Fila Sport Mesh Yoke Golf Tee
Fila Sport Mesh Yoke Golf Tee [26] ($40)
Proenza Schouler PSWL Stripe Sleeve Polo Top
Proenza Schouler PSWL Stripe Sleeve Polo Top [27] ($375)
Kate Spade New York Polo Sweater
Kate Spade New York Polo Sweater [28] ($298)
Sies Marjan Rory Striped Stretch-Knit Polo Shirt
Sies Marjan Rory Striped Stretch-Knit Polo Shirt [29] ($575)
Cos Knitted Organic-Cotton Polo Shirt
Cos Knitted Organic-Cotton Polo Shirt [30] ($89)
Rochas Knitted Polo Shirt
Rochas Knitted Polo Shirt [31] ($464, originally $927)
Esby Chloe Henley
Esby Chloe Henley [32] ($150)
Acne Studios Ribbed-Knit Polo Shirt
Acne Studios Ribbed-Knit Polo Shirt [33] ($360)
Lacoste Mini Paisley Polo Shirt
Lacoste Mini Paisley Polo Shirt [34] ($115)
Tommy x Zendaya Polo Cardigan
Tommy x Zendaya Polo Cardigan [35] ($150)
Loewe Oversize Polo Shirt
Loewe Oversize Polo Shirt [36] ($1,290)
Kenzo Zipped Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt
Kenzo Zipped Short-Sleeved Polo Shirt [37] ($280)
Sonia Rykiel Striped Ribbed-Knit Cotton-Blend Polo Shirt
Sonia Rykiel Striped Ribbed-Knit Cotton-Blend Polo Shirt [38] ($630)
American Eagle Ribbed Polo V-Neck Sweater
American Eagle Ribbed Polo V-Neck Sweater [39] ($35)
Khaite Enzo Wool Polo Shirt
Khaite Enzo Wool Polo Shirt [40] ($680)
Jacquemus Ray Stripe Polo
Jacquemus Ray Stripe Polo [41] ($276)
Rita Row Cayo Knit Polo
Rita Row Cayo Knit Polo [42] ($195)
Dreis van Noten Merino Wool Polo Shirt
Dreis van Noten Merino Wool Polo Shirt [43] ($515)
House of Sunny Eyelash Button-Front Polo Shirt
House of Sunny Eyelash Button-Front Polo Shirt [44] ($89)
PH5 Ivy Logo Embroidered Rib Polo
PH5 Ivy Logo Embroidered Rib Polo [45] ($215)
Prada Intarsia Silk Polo Shirt
Prada Intarsia Silk Polo Shirt [46] ($980)
See by Chloé Embroidered Stretch-Jersey Polo Shirt
See by Chloé Embroidered Stretch-Jersey Polo Shirt [47] ($235)
Need Jeannie Open-Knit Polo
Need Jeannie Open-Knit Polo [48] ($98)
Koché Deconstructed Multi-Panel Top
Koché Deconstructed Multi-Panel Top [49] ($521)