What To Wear With a Polo Shirt: Female Style Guide Inside

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Polo shirts aren’t just for sports—they’ve evolved into a versatile wardrobe must-have that’s comfortable and timeless. These collared classics, initially designed for polo players in 19th-century India, were first spotted on tennis courts and golf courses before becoming preppy essentials in the ’90s and ’00s. Today, these shirts are a trendy go-to. 

Ready to find out what to wear with a polo shirt? Female style tips and more are included in this guide to eight creative outfit ideas for every occasion.

What’s a polo shirt?

A polo shirt is a collared T-shirt that's typically made of breathable knitted cotton. It has a buttoned placket and short sleeves, but you can also find long-sleeved variations. 

This shirt originated in India in the 19th century as athletic wear, and British soldiers adopted the style, modifying traditional dress shirts by fastening the collars to prevent flapping during sports like golf. 

By the late 1800s, these shirts had made their way to England and the United States. And in the 1920s, tennis legend René Lacoste designed a lighter, more comfortable version specifically for the sport, featuring Lacoste’s trademark crocodile logo. 

Later, Ralph Lauren introduced the polo shirt as a preppy must-have, cementing the brand’s status as a fashion icon. 

How to wear polo shirts: Female outfit inspiration

Try one of these eight women’s polo shirt outfit ideas.

1. Classic preppy 

Channel a preppy vibe with a fitted white polo shirt and a pleated tennis skirt. Choose a skirt in a pastel hue like baby blue or blush, and tuck in the shirt to emphasize your waist. Accessorize with white sneakers and a structured mini bag in a complementary shade. Add a thin headband or pearl earrings for an extra-classy touch. 

Wear this look to casual brunches, garden parties, and days at the country club. It’s also an excellent option for long study days. 

If you’re petite, choose a skirt that hits your mid-thigh to elongate your frame. Curvier silhouettes look more balanced with an A-line style.

2. Business casual

Turn a polo shirt into casual but stylish office wear by tucking it into straight-leg khakis or tailored trousers. A high-rise fit is flattering for most body types. Choose an earthy tone like olive or camel and a neutral top like black or cream. These pieces create a versatile base you can wear alone or with a fitted blazer in plaid or houndstooth. 

Style this look with loafers, which go with everything, or low block heels. A black leather tote bag or satchel matches perfectly, alongside subtle gold jewelry. 

This outfit transitions well from meetings to after-work events and dinners. 

3. Sporty weekend 

Pair a striped polo shirt with distressed boyfriend jeans for a relaxed weekend look. Roll the jeans’ cuffs to reveal your favorite chunky sneakers, and add a crossbody bag and baseball cap. Oversized sunglasses, a zip-up hoodie, or a denim jacket look excellent here. 

Wear this outfit for running errands or exploring the city with friends. It’s functional and fashionable—a win-win if you have to-do list items to accomplish. 

Petite figures should opt for slimmer boyfriend jeans. A slim fit prevents the denim from overwhelming your small frame. If you’re curvier, stretchy jeans add comfort. 

4. Evening glam 

Elevate a polo shirt for an evening out by choosing a black or jewel-toned top and wearing it with a mid-length silk skirt. Pick a midi skirt in a rich, complementary color like emerald or burgundy, with a subtle slit or asymmetrical hem for extra detail. 

Wear this combination with the shirt tucked in neatly for a crisp silhouette. Add strappy heels and a metallic clutch. Or swap the heels for pointed-toe flats if you’ll be on your feet for hours. 

This look works just as well for date night as it does for a cocktail party. For curvier body types, choose a polo with some stretch and a skirt with an elastic waistband. 

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5. Casual layers 

If you’re wondering how to wear women's polo shirts when the leaves start to turn, layer a polo shirt under a chunky knit cardigan. Choose a neutral color palette, like a gray sweater and white top. Pair this with dark straight-leg jeans and tan or brown ankle boots. 

Add texture to this fall outfit with accessories like a plaid scarf and a beanie. If the weather demands extra warmth, choose a trench coat with a belt to cinch your waist. Add a crossbody purse in a rich leather finish for an ensemble you can wear to casual outdoor gatherings. It also works for pumpkin picking and weekend strolls. 

If you have a petite figure, a cropped cardigan looks best. If you’re curvier, try an open-front style. 

6. Retro-inspired 

Embrace a ’90s vibe by wearing a vintage striped polo with high-waisted cargo pants. Choose muted colors like sage green or beige. Loosely tuck the polo into the pants and finish the look with platform sandals or chunky boots. Accessorize with a bucket hat and a mini backpack. For cooler days, throw on a denim jacket or an oversized cardigan. 

7. Weekend-ready jumpsuit 

Layer a sleeveless or short-sleeved, fitted polo over a utility jumpsuit for an outfit that stands out. Choose a beige or olive jumpsuit and pair it with chunky white sneakers, a leather backpack, and aviator sunglasses if you’ll be outside. 

This look is perfect for hanging out with friends or going out for the night. It’s an interesting alternative to more traditional night-out outfits. 

8. Maxi skirt combo 

Pair a pastel-colored polo shirt with a floral maxi skirt for a sweet summer look. Tuck in the polo to define your waist. Accessorize with strappy sandals, a woven straw bag, and a wide-brimmed hat.

This ensemble is suitable for beachside dinners, garden parties, and casual wedding receptions. If you’re petite, choose a slim-fit skirt that reaches just above your ankles. Curvier body types can choose a maxi skirt with a slight A-line cut to complement their figure. 

Find women’s polo shirt outfits on ThredUp

Once designed for sports, polo shirts are now a go-to piece for everything from casual outings to office looks. They pair well with a wide range of garments and accessories, and you can find them on ThredUp for less.

If you need help styling your polo, ThredUp’s Style Chat feature makes creating unique outfits easy. Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we'll show you the options to shop your ideas. If you have an outfit in mind, browse ThredUp’s extensive selection of polo tops and more from top brands. With 50,000 new items dropping daily, sustainable shopping is a no-brainer. 

Browse our online thrift store today to refresh your wardrobe with preloved treasures. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What pants go with polo shirts?

Polo shirts are so versatile that they pair with almost any type of pants. For a classic look that’s still casual, straight-leg jeans or boyfriend jeans work well. If you’re more sporty, try a polo with slim-fit sweatpants. For dressier occasions, match a polo with tailored trousers or chinos. 

Is a polo shirt business casual for a woman?

Polo shirts can easily fit a business-casual dress code. To look the part, wear a fitted black, navy, or white polo tucked into a pencil skirt or high-waisted trousers. Add a black blazer and loafers, and you have an outfit you can wear to work or work-from-home video calls. 

How do you casually wear a polo shirt?

Just because a polo shirt has a collar doesn’t mean it can’t be casual. Try this shirt with denim shorts or relaxed mom jeans, and leave it untucked for a more carefree feel. Accessorize with sneakers or flat sandals and a simple purse, like a canvas tote bag.