Help--polo shirt required for work

Julie

Hi all! I've been reading the blog for a couple of weeks but just now jumped in as a member.

Here's my dilemma: We have a work function this weekend and we have been told to wear our "team" polo shirt. There have been, as far as I know, no restrictions put on bottoms.

I HATE polo shirts, but I have no choice but to wear it. Does anyone have a suggestion of how to style it so that all semblance of fashion is not lost?

The shirt is navy blue, and I work at a university.

Thanks much!

Julie

15 years ago

Dressing

10 replies

Latest reply was from Barbara

ticksgirl

Active Member

Oh no!!! Hopefully someone will have some good advice for you. Are you sure you can't just forget to wear it? Or wear a different shirt in the same color? How many of you are there? Maybe no one will notice. I was once in this situation and I "forgot" to wear the shirt. Why must they do this to people?

15 years ago

ticksgirl

Active Member

Scarf? Shawl-collar cardi?

15 years ago

Maya

Veteran

I hate it when organizations do this. It doesn't fill me with team spirit. Quite the opposite! It makes me resentful that I have to wear such an ugly shirt.

Can you layer it under a sleeveless dress? Are there any restrictions on how visible it needs to be?

15 years ago

stringy

Veteran

The silver lining is that everyone else will be in the same situation, so at least you won't be the lone polo-wearer in a crowd of well-dressed people. Think of it as a uniform you wear for a purpose, like gear for the gym, rather than an outfit that expresses your individuality.

15 years ago

Anonymous

Welcome, Julie. Could you wear the polo shirt under a stylish jacket..boyfriend, moto, military or a leather jacket come to mind. If it's chilly, maybe it could be worn under a jacket and with a big scarf. Can you wear jeans? If so, wear a great fitting pair tucked into your most fab boots or booties..or wear oxfords. The right footwear can really make a difference in the look of an outfit.

15 years ago

ticksgirl

Active Member

Julie, I thought about this a little more and even though I'm brand new here myself and completely unqualified to do this, I asked myself "What would Angie do?" which for some reason brought to mind this outfit (not that there's anything remotely team polo shirt-ish in it, but it might work): http://youlookfab.com/2009/07/.....-3-london/. So as Joy suggested, a stylish jacket, jeans, cute shoes, heck, maybe even some pearls, all with the polo untucked?

15 years ago

Julie

Active Member

If I could conveniently "forget to pack it," I would, but that is not an option.

Jeans will not be allowed--the event is an open house for prospective students.

I'm thinking that I'll wear it with a grey skirt, tights and shooties, but I'm wondering if wearing a long sleeve tee underneath might be too high school uniform-y. I'm definitely a cardigan wearer, so that might find its way into the ensemble, as might a belt.

It's the navy blue that throws me. All of my bottoms are black (or some gradation thereof).

I'll definitely post a picture with the final idea.

15 years ago

April

Veteran

When I have occasionally been compelled to wear my union shirt (an oversized, bright purple polo with insignia), I flipped up the collar, belted it over a pencil skirt, and added a big necklace.

15 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Hi Julie,
Navy should work well with your black bottoms. How fitted is this shirt? I think if it is not too baggy it can look OK with some slim black bottoms (pants or pencil skirt), a belt, boots and a bold necklace or scarf. I would add something bright or cream or white near the face to light up all these dark colors as well If you opt to add some color with a scarf I think yellow, coral or lightpurple can work well with navy.
Good luck and do not get too upset if it does not work out - after all it is just one time thing!

15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

Julie,

If it's just for the weekend, I wouldn't worry TOO much about making a fashion statement, good or otherwise! Remember, you're not the only one forced to wear this polo shirt! I like April's suggestion about popping the collar and adding a necklace.

Sveta suggested adding a colorful scarf - great idea!

15 years ago

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