This Outfit Sends a Powerful Message

It’s time to put some prep in your step.

The preppy polo is emerging as an unlikely summer staple amidst an early-aughts resurgence, dominating both runways and street style alike.

While legacy brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren have kept the polo shirt in rotation for years, luxury designers are revitalizing this classic piece, which has gained a new wave of popularity among celebrities despite its once “ugly” reputation.

Maggie Bullock, author of “The Kingdom of Prep,” told Nylon, “The polo is never just clothes. For anyone who’s paying attention, this is a garment that sends a message.”

Celebrities have certainly been paying attention. Trendsetter Hailey Bieber has been seen more than once sporting a striped polo. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter was recently spotted in a collared Miu Miu top paired with a white mini skirt. Her close friend, Taylor Swift, even wore an oversized rugby shirt as a dress.

Rihanna joined the trend last year, photographed in a bump-bearing striped top similar to Bieber’s during her pregnancy. Billie Eilish also hopped on the preppy bandwagon, performing on “Saturday Night Live” in a pink and blue polo by Raimundo Langlois.

The sporty shirt—described by industry experts as an elevated tee—also made appearances on the spring/summer 2024 runways for Gucci, Givenchy, Loewe, Carolina Herrera, and Miu Miu, which notably revived prep-inspired boat shoes and specs.

Fashion writer and consultant Laurel Pantin told Nylon, “To me, it’s a meeting of maximalism and ‘stealth wealth.’ It’s somewhere in the middle zone, where there’s a layer of old-school wealth that isn’t so ‘Succession’—it’s a bit more youthful.”

The resurgence of the polo seems to be part of a broader “tenniscore” trend, which began last year and reached a fever pitch with the release of “Challengers,” starring Zendaya as the athletic heroine Tashi Duncan.

According to WGSN, tennis-inspired fashion increased by 7% year over year in 2024. Meanwhile, #tenniscore has garnered millions of views on TikTok.

Lacoste’s deputy CEO, Catherine Spindler, previously told the Post, “Tennis has always been associated with elegance, particularly from a sartorial point of view. In recent years, the influence of tennis in fashion has accelerated. Pieces inspired by the world of tennis are now worn by everyone.”

Even if you aren’t hitting the courts or country clubs this summer, the style fits seamlessly into any wardrobe due to its ease and comfort. Plus, it doesn’t have to be a significant investment—unless you’re buying Miu Miu.

“It works for almost all generations and body types,” a fashion trend forecaster at Modacable previously told the Post. She added, “Big stars wearing sports clothes everywhere makes people feel like they can look cool, spending almost nothing, in a basic track set or yoga set … It’s easy, and always on point in 90% of day-to-day life.”

The revival of the polo shirt underscores its versatility and enduring appeal. As the style continues to evolve, it simultaneously pays homage to its preppy roots while adapting to modern trends.

Whether it’s on the runway or the streets, the polo shirt is proving that it’s more than just a garment—it’s a statement of style.

Source: Nylon, WGSN, The Post