What to Wear to Opening Day of Polo

Hey all you fashionista, socialite, A-list, people watching, adrenaline junkies out there…the day you’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Mark your calendars for the 30th Annual Opening Day of Polo on Sunday, June 5th, 2016!

You may be wondering, but what’s so amazing about Opening Day of Polo? Well, I’m here to tell you, it’s by far one of San Diego’s most attended, fashionable and captivating extravaganzas of the summer! With over 4000 spectators in attendance, the Player’s Lounge styled by Modern Luxury and VIP tent will be swarming with beautiful people including jet setters and some of San Diego’s most elite socialites, dashing hipsters and celebrities.

There’s always a soul-buzzing vibe created by the horses charging down the field, the solid click of mallets on the ball and the clinking of champagne glasses and divot stomping at half time (yes, that’s right, just like Julia Roberts did in “Pretty Woman”). Of course, there’s plenty of food and libations for glamorous guest to enjoy while they’re busy socializing and taking selfies. If laid back is more your style, join friends in the general admission area with picnic tables, craft cocktails and giant jenga! No matter where you sit, Opening Day of Polo has something for everyone. It’s a place where new friends meet and old friends and family reconnect and celebrate.

Now, how are we going to get you looking chic and on point for Opening Day of Polo? Let’s start with the basics….

1. Wear Hats.

Wide brimmed straw hats and fedoras! Opening Day of Polo tends to be a bit more relaxed in style than Opening Day at the Races. Hats help to provide protection from the sun and add a more polished look to your attire. For a sophisticated and classic polo style, stick with unembellished and simple less structured wide brimmed straw hats and fedora.

2. Wedges, espadrilles, chunky heels or flat sandals.

Remember ladies; half time divot stomping is a polo tradition and a ton of fun to boot! If you don’t want to turn you champagne sipping, selfie taking, divot stomping escapade into a perilous experience…then wear wedges or flat sandals and leave those stilettos at home!

3. Stay on trend: dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, palazzo pants and rompers.

Ladies remember if your watching polo from the Player’s Lounge styled by Modern Luxury  or the VIP tent, dress in refined and classy styles.This Nicole Miller lace jumpsuit is the perfect VIP fresh and feminine silhouette. Micro pleats were all the rage on the spring 2016 NY fashion week runway. Look in vogue while keeping your cool wearing flowing styles like this ivory pallazo pant combined with a green micro pleat strapless top.

4. Lighten it up with various shades of white, or go bold with bright colors, prints or patterns!

Monochromatic ensembles in shades of crisp white and crème look sophisticated and elegant for polo and they keep you cool in the sunlight. If you want to look in vogue in monochromatic hues then choose one of spring and summers current fashions like this trendy, powder white eyelet romper; notice the statement bell sleeves! Both of these other looks are perfect for Opening Day and very fashionable. Keep it classy with a touch of sass, this pearl white lace jumpsuit with plunging neckline is a must! Looking for a romantic twist? Try this romantic eggshell lace dress with a beautiful open back.Go bold or go home! Opening Day of Polo is the day to sport those vibrant, jewel toned colors that look great when you’re striking a pose with your girlfriends.

Feeling flirty? Try a playful patterns, which are a fun alternative to solid colored attire. If Boho Chic is your style, this whimsical floral print dress is flowy and looks hip with a trend setting suede fringe hobo bag and a fedora. Other prints to try for your Opening Day of polo look are oversized bright graphic prints, colorful tropical prints and polka dots.

 

5. Wear lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk and linen that are breathable.

Your choice of fabric is just as important as the color, shape, style and accessories of your summertime polo viewing outfit. You want to stay cool while looking chic and protecting your skin from too much direct sunlight.Organic or natural fibers absorb moisture from the skin and allow it to evaporate. In contrast, synthetic fibers are water repellent, which results in evaporation reduction, unsightly perspiration rings, discomfort and irritation. Cotton, linen, silk and even rayon are all excellent choices because they’re lightweight and breathable fabrics and help to keep you cool. For additional comfort on a hot sunny day at Opening Day of Polo choose a summer outfit with cut outs or a large open weave, like eyelet or lace. Flared skirts; billowy dresses, skirts and pants; halter dresses; strapless dresses and other sleeveless options are other styles that will keep you cool while looking fashion forward.

6. Don’t forget to accessorize with trendy sunglasses, playful color coordinating accessories, a wrap, stylish hair, manicured nails and pared down radiant makeup.
We talked about hats and shoes, but there’s so much more to play with. Want to create instant movie star mystery, intrigue and glamour? Start by donning a pair of trendy oversized, mirrored lenses or embellished sunglasses and voila! Add a chic chunky collar necklace with streamlined leather straps and crafted from shimmering resin beads; they’re versatile enough to go from day to night and casual to dressy. It could get a little chilly at dusk so don’t forget to bring a pretty summer wrap, shawl, sweater or jacket, in a complementary print or monochromatic color, to throw over your shoulders when the sun is setting and your dancing the night away at the 7th Chukker After Party! And last, but definitely not least, make sure your hair, nails and make-up leaves you feeling fresh and beautiful out in the sun on Opening Day! Beautiful fresh skin and minimalist makeup with a natural luminous base is trending for summer.

Now that all of your stunning polo viewing sirens have the look down, go throw on your Louboutins and flaunt your beautiful self at Opening Day of Polo on June 5th!

Can’t wait to see you there!

Closing Day Style Guide

The most important day of the polo season is right around the corner on Sunday, September 28, 2014…  Closing Day & USPA Spreckles Cup Finals!

Polo is a fashionable affair and packed with family-friendly fun! Polo’s elite and luxury lifestyle makes it the perfect venue to see and be seen in your most elegant styles and chic fashions.

Right about now you’re probably thinking decisions…decisions…. what to wear for Closing Day of Polo? Sonya Berg, also known as the Zen Fashionista, has prepared the Ultimate Style Guide for how to dress for Closing Day.

Zen Fashionista’s 8 Style Tips for Closing Day of Polo:

Red is the color of the day on Closing Day and will match the beautiful scarlet red roses that fill the Spreckles Cup trophy and coats of the lead fox huntsman. Think true red, raspberry, ruby, burgundy, brick red, crimson, cherry, candy apple red and any shade in between.

ACCESSORIZE: Feel free to get creative and playful here. Can’t find the perfect red dress? Try a jacket, hat, ring, shoe, pocket square, sunglasses, clutch or any other accessory. You can even paint your nails red and wear a matching red lipstick. I love Dior Rouge 999 and Pandore 754 for a classic red lip and nail. Silver, black and white are other suggested colors to mix with your red on Closing Day of Polo.

It could get chilly at dusk when your dancing the night away with the talented DJ Beatnick who will be spinning the beats. Don’t forget to bring a wrap like this Versace scarf or any other lightweight cashmere wrap, sweater or elegant jacket to throw over your shoulders. The after party is a perfect ending to perfect day of action packed fun and thrilling polo adventure!  Enjoy a refreshing cocktail while dancing on the grass.  You’ll even have a chance to mix and mingle with the professional polo players and patrons to complete your Closing Day of Polo experience.

Wear A Fabulous Hat or a Fun Fascinator 

 Closing Day, September 28th is also Hat Day! If you’ve been searching for the perfect occasion to wear your favorite hat, this is it. Ladies can wear elegant wide brimmed hats embellished with feathers and organza silk to provide sun protection and make a unique fashion statement. Fascinators are whimsical, fun and easy to wear. Like this little black fascinator trimmed with ruby red feathers.

There’s still enough time for last minute shopping to find a beautiful hat or fascinator to wear to Closing Day. All of the hats and fascinators pictured are designed by the amazing Jill Courtemanche Millinery.

Gentlemen grab your fedoras for an added touch of class and style to your Closing Day Polo attire.

Wear Wedges or Flat Sandals  

Remember ladies, you’ll be sipping champagne and stomping divots at half time, so leave those stilettos at home! Not only are stilettos a fashion faux pas at polo, they can also make half time divot stomping very complicated. For comfort and style while enjoying a fun day on the grass try a red or metallic wedge or an elegant crystal embellished flat sandal instead.

Wear Simple Flowing and Elegant Sundresses and Skirts

A sundress that’s simple, feminine and elegant is perfect for viewing a polo match on a sunny afternoon. A body conscious knit dress that’s cool and breathable in crimson red is a perfect choice for the red theme on Closing Day.

Can’t find a red dress? Opt for a dress in neutral hues like cream, pearl, silver, black or white for a classic and timeless look. This elegant hand beaded shift dress in white is perfect for Closing Day when paired with a lipstick red Chanel clutch, hat and nails.

Feeling feminine? This intricate lace shift dress does best paired with metallic wedges and accented with a bright red hat.

Men Wear Sport coats, Patterned Shirts and Bowties

A crisp collared shirt and slacks will work just fine for the men. If you want to dress to impress, try a sports coat in any shade of red like this crimson sports coat and matching tie.

You can also wear a classic black and white checked sports coat accented with a scarlet pocket square, shoes and belt. Slim fit suits, bowties and other preppy attire are always stylish for men to wear to Closing Day.

Tailgater Style Is More Casual and Relaxed

If you’ve decided to enjoy Closing Day of Polo tailgating from the back of your car and picnicking with family and friends, the attire is much more casual and relaxed here. Women often wear casual sundresses in light and breezy fabrics with straw hats for sun protection and simple leather sandals or flip-flops.

Want to stay with the red theme for Closing Day? Choose a red sundress or accent your attire with any red accessory. Casual khakis with a red t-shirt and cotton or linen shorts in any shade of red worn with boat shoes or flip-flops are a good option for men tailgaters. Jeans are also an option for casual tailgating.

Children Dress to Impress

Pull out those comfortable party dresses in shades of red, silver, black and/or white. Boys will look dapper in chinos or a red colored cotton slacks with a patterned crisp collared shirt with red accents or in any shade of red. Girls and boys should wear comfortable dressy casual shoes. Think pretty sandals, flats in red or neutral hues and boat shoes for boys.

Wear Big Sunglasses

What’s more glamorous than a pair of oversized sunglasses? Big sunglasses give your face a mysterious movie-star look while providing extra protection from the sun. For show-stopping style, choose an oversized crystal embellished sunglass in red. Men, smaller stylish glasses are on trend and dress up any outfit.

Most of all, have fun and get ready to watch the finals of the USPA Spreckels Cup!

Original post can be found on San Diego Polo.

Womens Clothing: Matti D, Del Mar CA (exceptions: scarf by Versace, black satin dress by Maggi B)

Mens Clothing: Mister B’s, Del Mar CA

Hats and Fascinators:  Jill Courtemanche Millnery

Hair and Makeup Artist: Mua Rene Gonzales

Photographer- Quentin Anderson 619-796-1010 (exception: last photo by Topher Riley)