Not Your Ivy League
*This post is sponsored by Polo Ralph Lauren. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own (as always). ;)
I didn't go to an Ivy League school, I don't play tennis and I don't work in a business-casual office, but I DO have a very real appreciation for the polo shirt!
Yes, they're perfect for the aforementioned activities, but they're also the perfect Summer shirt! They're more elevated than a t-shirt, and more casual than a button down. I would say they're innately preppy, but you can turn that on it's head pretty easily with the right layering pieces. For today's look, I'm grunging up the polo just a bit for a look that's more city and less tennis court.
(Leave it to the New Yorker to grab black leather and distressed denim...)
In general, I gravitate towards classic menswear pieces rather than crazy trends, but they have to have interesting details. Polo Ralph Lauren is known for their quintessential American sportswear, and they have some incredibly cool standout pieces in their collection. These slim fit jeans are hand painted and distressed, as if you casually wiped your hands across your thighs while painting in your studio. It's a really cool detail and they fit amazingly well!
Also really into their Logan Loose Tapered Jean. It takes 'patched and repaired' to the next level. ;)
A classic leather moto jacket will never go out of style! The design hasn't changed much since the late 20's when guys starting rocking them on their Harley Davidsons. The fit has changed though! This Polo Ralph Lauren leather moto is slim cut and is structured, but made of incredibly soft leather. I already know it's going to be my go-to jacket all season long.
When it comes to the polo, you know I love my greys!
Grey goes with literally everything. I'm a personal fan of the "half tuck". I tuck a bit of the fabric in just above my belt and let the rest hang out. I used to do it on all my mannequins back when I was a visual merchandiser. It looks cool and is more stylish than leaving the whole shirt untucked. I found a belt a few sizes too big so I could loop it around itself. It's really easy with woven belts, but you want to make sure the belt is skinny. If it's too thick it will look HUGE when you loop it.
SHOP THE LOOK:
If you don't own a handful of polos, your wardrobe isn't complete. You can wear them with dress pants to the office (just don't wear them with a blazer, that's not a cute look) and on the weekend with shorts or distressed denim. They can work the full spectrum!
It's not quite warm enough outside to wear them on their own though, so grab a leather jacket, a bomber or a harrington coat and you're good to go! Warmer weather is just around the corner!
