Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by Eve Dawes
Polo dresses are back in style and the key to getting the old money country club aesthetic
Polo dresses haven’t had a moment for a while but they are back in style for 2026. As the preppy aesthetic is still in style for 2026 along with country club, smart casual vibes. Which means you’ll be seeing lots of loafers, pleated skirts, cable knit sweaters layered over collared shirts, blazers and polo dresses being a wardrobe staple. So I wanted to share with you lots of polo dress outfit ideas to wear this fashion trend. As seen at Gucci, Theory, Givenchy, and Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood. Choose a contrasting or matching color collar, solid or print, mini, midi or maxi, short or long sleeve polo dress, it really doesn’t matter as it’s hard to mess this fashion trend up. Get ready to embody the collegiate meets country club vibe of 2026 with the best styles around this season and lots of polo dress outfit ideas.
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I’ve worn polo shirts in the past. I think everyone whose ever been to a golf club or grew up when Lacoste was the brand to wear has. However, polo dresses are new to me and one Spring fashion trend I can’t wait to wear. It’s comfortable, fresh and easy to throw on and most of them are also really easy to dress up or down.
What are polo dresses
A polo dress is perfect for a casual look that’s more elevated than your basic loungewear while still being comfortable. It’s name comes from the polo neck sports shirts and normally has a similar cut, turndown collar, buttons and cotton-knit fabric that men used to wear during polo games that originated in Great Britain.
It was René Lacoste that patented the design of this shirt and which was one of the 1st brand of polo shirts I wore. One of the reasons I love a polo dress more than polo shirts is that the feel more feminine, fresh and on trend. Polo shirts are great for golf but it’s the dresses I want to wear for comfortable everyday wear.
Polo neck VS turtleneck VS Polo dress
Being English but having lived in America for 20 years I got very confused with knowing what to call the neckline on polo dresses. To me a polo neck can be either a turtleneck or a polo shirt style.
Turtle-neck is the American name given to a polo neck, but in England, where there are both polo and turtle necks, it has a dual meaning. For the English, this neckline is tubular, although not as high or folded down as a polo neck often is.
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In America you’re better about distinguishing between the 2. So to save any confusion, in this article I’m going to call them polo dresses as I’m not referring to turtlenecks.
Are polo dresses in style for 2026
Yes polo dresses are set to be a big fashion trend for 2026 and a very much in style as the preppy aesthetic continues. As seen at Gucci, Theory, Givenchy, Miu Miu and Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood Spring Summer runway shows.
How to style polo dresses | Trending polo dress outfit ideas
If you’re wondering how to style polo dresses in 2026, think preppy and country club old money aesthetics. Both of which are still big fashion trends for 2026, making polo dresses an obvious choice.
Don’t let the athletic vibe pigeon hole you into how you style these dresses though. They’re a really easy style to dress up too. It’s just as fine to style them with jewelry and heels or knee high boots as it is with sneakers, flats and loafers.
Here’s some on trend polo dress outfit ideas to start you off:
- Style them with sneakers and a trending style of sunglasses.
- For a smart casual polo dress outfit style them with heels and a belt.
- For preppy summer outfit style a polo mini dress with loafers with or without socks.
- Style a thicker polo long sleeve, maxi sweater dress with knee high boots for Winter.
- A baseball cap and sneakers with your mini dress is perfect for grocery store runs and a casual, athletic look.
- Create a feminine, summer outfit with a polo dress and wedges.
- For a country club casual polo dress outfit idea, style them with socks, loafers and throw a cable knit sweater over your shoulders.
Shop the best polo dresses trending now
The 30 best polo dresses to wear in 2026. Some of the best brands for polo dresses include:
- Best designer polo mini dresses: Gucci and Prada
- Best designer long polo dresses: Tom Ford
- Old school athletic aesthetic: Fred Perry, Lacoste and Polo Ralph Lauren
- Feminine Chic: Balmain
- Best minimalistic polo dresses: Simkhai
I don’t normally say I’m obsessed with things but I am with Gucci’s polo dresses. They’re the right mix of modern athletic elegance and old money and cut beautifully. I’ve also been wearing this cream long sleeve polo dress a lot with both flats for the day and cream high heel boots for the evening.
If you don’t want to wear a dress, a polo playsuit is another super cute option.
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