Hold your horses; it’s polo time! Attending your very first polo match? It will be an absolute delight… provided you are properly prepared for what to wear and how to tailgate.
Polo is a thrilling piece of living history dating back over two thousand years. Its noble heritage serves as a gentle reminder that your apparel and hospitality should always honor the legacy of the turf. The secret to field-side chic is effortless simplicity- think elegant daytime country club attire with a touch of cinematic romance… Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman at the polo match!
A longtime polo attendee, who has witnessed newcomers inadvertently revealing their naiveté, recently asked me to share a few essential etiquette secrets. Consider this a definitive guide for first-timers to understand the field’s secret de rigueur.
What to Wear for Ladies
The style for polo is refined and classic- a direct nod to the sport’s prestigious equestrian heritage.
Ladies: Because it is an outdoor summer event, lightweight natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk in light palettes and timeless prints are always correct. A lovely midi-dress or a crisp pair of white linen trousers paired with a tailored blouse will ensure complete comfort when sitting in a low tailgate chair or bending down on the grass. A conservative sundress is lovely too.
Ladies’ Footwear: Pretty flats, elegant sandals or classic cork wedges.
Gentlemen: A collared shirt with cotton trousers or tailored shorts.
Gentlemen’s Footwear: Stubbs & Wootton slippers, driving shoes, topsiders, or handsome loafers.
Ladies’ Hats: A classic handwoven straw hat.
Gentlemen’s Hats: A crisp boater or a Panama hat.
Ladies’ Wardrobe No-No’s to Know
No-no: Stilettos or Spiked Heels
What is done: At halftime, guests are invited onto the pitch for the traditional “divot stomp.” Spiked heels sink instantly into the grass, ruining both the turf and your shoes.
No-no: Overly revealing attire
What is done: Ladies, save the tight, short, or form-revealing pieces for evening cocktail events. Polo is rooted in timeless daytime modesty.
No-no: Riding Apparel
What is done: Unless you are actively competing, leave the breeches and riding boots at home. Look like a polished guest, not a member of the stable crew.
No-no: Formal “Race-Day” Fascinators or hats.
What is done: Elaborate hats and fascinators with feathers and netting look far too theatrical for the polo field. If there is a designated festive “Hat day,” then it is appropriate
No-no: Heavy Fabrics
What is done: Avoid heavy denim that traps heat.
No-no: Oversized Totes
What is done: Leave the large, slouchy, everyday handbags at home. Carry a classic wicker handbag or a small clutch for a tailored silhouette.
No-no: Ultra-Casual Streetwear: Athletic sneakers, graphic t-shirts, sweatpants, and rubber flip-flops are entirely too casual for the refined tradition of the turf.
The Elegant Tailgate
Polo: The only sport where tailgating is an art form! A polo tailgate should look relaxed, yet quietly elegant. A cooler with ice is a must for keeping food chilled until served and for replenishing items as needed. Always take the day’s temperature into consideration when planning your menu!
Old-school Classic Fare: Traditional crustless finger sandwiches (classic watercress and cucumber with a light, herbaceous spread, or seasoned chicken salad) packed tightly in a chilled cooler before serving. Classic Virginia ham biscuits, my Southern cheese crispies, or an olive tapenade served with crisp cheese straws. Individual Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and folded basil leaves are also delightful. Steer clear of traditional charcuterie boards—heavy cheeses and cured meats sweat and spoil quickly under a hot afternoon sun. Always a winner: traditional homemade chocolate chip cookies!
For a Cooler Day: A chilled shrimp cocktail served in a silver bowl nestled over crushed ice, and crisp crudités (like radishes, blanched asparagus) with a light vinaigrette. A bowl of fresh, in-season strawberries with mint leaves makes for a refreshing addition.
The Libations: Chilled Champagne, Rosé, White Wine, or a refreshing Pimm’s Cup garnished with crisp cucumber slices and fresh mint. Cold iced tea or pink lemonade, and if beer is served, it should always be poured into a glass, never drunk straight from the bottle.
The Presentation: Mummy always said, “Everything tastes better on silver!” Serving on a silver tray, field-side, brings a timeless elegance to the grass—and best of all, it won’t break! Pair it with a handsome, Ralph Lauren-style blanket or throw, and crisp napkin linens. For glassware, I highly recommend stemless wine glasses; they are stable, elegant, and far less likely to tip over in the grass. Alternatively, silver mint julep cups add a lovely, authentic touch.
The Golden Rule: Skip anything that requires a knife-and-fork. If it cannot be gracefully eaten with one hand while holding your glass in the other, it simply doesn’t belong at a polo tailgate.
Essential Spectator Etiquette
To ensure a perfectly proper afternoon, here are the final, essential boundaries to keep in mind while enjoying the match field-side:
No-no: Parasols or umbrellas
What is done: While they seem charming, parasols block the sightlines of the guests behind you and can easily catch the wind, potentially startling the horses. Wear a beautiful straw hat instead!
No-no: Stepping Across the Safety Boards
What is done: Polo is a breathtakingly fast game; a 1,200-pound horse traveling at thirty miles per hour cannot stop on a dime. Always remain behind the designated safety boards or lines on the edge of the pitch.
No-no: Sudden Noises or Flashing Objects
What is done: Horses are naturally sensitive. Loud yelling, booing, or waving large objects during active play can startle the ponies. Save your enthusiastic applause for the moments immediately following a goal.
No-no: Approaching the Horses Without Permission
What is done: Never approach a horse, a trailer, or a player’s tie-up area without an explicit invitation from the groom or rider—and never walk directly behind a horse’s hindquarters.
No-no: Ignoring the Divots
What is done: When the horn blows for halftime, do not simply sit at your tailgate! Participating in the traditional “divot stomp” is not only a lovely way to stretch your legs and socialize, but it is an essential duty of a polite spectator.
Horses and Polo: My happy place!
My father played polo as a young boy in Tientsin, China, and he passed his immense passion for horses down to me. Polo truly is the perfect combination of brilliant riders with exceptionally agile, athletic horses. There is simply nothing like being part of a time-honored tradition and gathering with dear friends to celebrate in classic style, knowing you look every bit as elegant and timeless as the sport itself.
After all, as the saying goes, polo is a game of kings, but true manners are what make us royalty on the sidelines…Chukkers and Cheers!
Xx
Holly
PS: Let me know if I missed any other secrets to share with polo attendees! Please be a dear and share this with others. I would be grateful if you could inspire them to subscribe!