The ABCs of polo etiquette and good taste for our esteemed guests. The basics of Polo etiquette – explained by Simone Styger.
Always dressed appropriately (well)?
What should you wear when invited to a polo tournament? Many ask themselves this question, especially guests who have never been to our venue in Ascona. But first, some general style rules in the sport of polo:
Should you button the top button of a polo shirt?
No matter how many buttons your polo shirt has, always leave the top one or two buttons open and never leave all buttons open. (Exception: women)
Make sure the buttons do not go below the top of the armpits.
Pop the collar?
A classic in terms of style. In principle: whatever you like is allowed. However, the collar should not be popped if you don't want to look like a show-off or simply "out of fashion".
The preppy look is back in fashion
The Preppy style (from Preparatory Schools) is a classic and elegant style, inspired by American university sports and the Ivy League, and is currently trending again. It is characterized by neat, high-quality, and timeless basics such as button-down shirts, chinos, cable-knit sweaters, and loafers. The look skillfully balances sporty casualness and formal elegance and is generally suitable for afternoon events. New features include rather oversized cuts and unusual materials (e.g., terry cloth, Cool-Dry blends, etc.).
Wearing a cap with a polo shirt?
A cap can stylishly liven up simple outfits. Happily worn with sporty outfits, the cap also goes well with polo shirts. But here too, the guidelines for a successful style apply: no wild mix of patterns, no advertising, and always choose according to the occasion. For leisure time, the cap completes the sporty look of the polo shirt; official occasions or professional commitments are not suitable for the cap and polo shirt combination. Otherwise, the rule is: a cap with a polo shirt only if it suits your type.
Shoes, shoes, shoes
Men love to wear loafers, boat shoes, or elegant sneakers. Women opt for wedges, platforms, or flat shoes – high heels are rather discouraged during polo, even if in Ascona the game is played on sand and therefore the classic "Divot stomping" (trampling the grass) is missing.
Loud or Quiet?
Can I dress flashily or is it better not to stand out? In traditional tournaments, the rule is: Quiet Luxury is better, not too flashy. And women often wear hats (traditional Hat contest, though this year in Ascona we will do without it).
Polo events are rather elegant events, mostly without a specific dress code. In Ascona, of course, it is a bit more relaxed and you can also stand out, if you like.
Ascona with dress code
During our 3-day event, there will be a dress code for Friday evening (Party) and Saturday evening (Gala). On Friday at the Beachparty, the dress code is «simply white». This does not pose a major challenge for most women and men, as everyone has some light-colored items in their wardrobe.
Welcome to the jungle!
On Saturday evening, this year's dress code is: "Welcome to the jungle!". This leaves plenty of room for interpretation, and we are always surprised and delighted to see how creatively our guests bring the dress code to life.
For this reason, we have decided to set up a jury for the first time to award prizes to the three best outfits of the evening. So: whether you choose a leopard costume or appear as Tarzan and Jane, there are no limits to your imagination. The most important thing about a dress code: it is not a carnival party and you do not have to "dress up", but rather implement the theme according to your personal style. Your well-being on this special night is the top priority.
Etiquette
Not only does your appearance influence your presence, but so does your behavior. Therefore, here are some etiquette tips to make all guests, players, and staff feel comfortable:
Arrive early, before the matches begin. This shows respect for the players and organizers, and you won't miss any of the action. Polo is a social game. The event is therefore a good place to meet new people and enjoy each other's company. Just remember how you like to be treated. Small talk (talking to strangers) is always positive. So say something nice or remain silent.
Always remain respectful and refrain from negative comments. Do not be too loud during the match (except when cheering for the teams). Keep your mobile phone as invisible as possible, except when taking photos. Stay until the end of the event – the players appreciate a full tent. Even if your favorite team does not win, show good style by staying until the end of the event.
Enjoy these three days to the fullest and we thank you if you also support the Styger Children's Foundation (raffle and auction), so that together we can give something back to children in Switzerland who are not on the sunny side of life. (see also the article in this issue).
THE STYLE CONNECTION – Seestrasse 457a – 8038 Zurich – Phone 044 340 02 72 – simone.styger@styleconnection.ch