how to accessorize/jazz up a polo shirt?

ele

Hello everyone! I will be studying abroad in the Gulf next year and I want to keep my travel wardrobe chic and simple. I thought sticking to cotton polos and simple v necks might be a good idea. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

How can I accessorize simple pique polo shirts in a very HOT climate? The only time I'll need a cardigan are in the very COLD air conditioned malls and airports.

Suggestions for cardigans, accessories, and possible outfit combinations welcome. *Shorts are not acceptable in conservative islamic countries.

Measurements:

bust- 34 in
waist- 25 in
hips- 35in
height- 5'5 1/2

Body type: Busty on top, boyish on the bottom, skinny thighs.

Please help me, I'm totally clueless! The more specific the better.

With my appreciation,

Ele

14 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Polo shirts are rarely flattering on busty gals. Have you tried any on to see how they look?

14 years ago

Patty

Veteran

Ele--What Gulf will you be going to?? I am guessing one might be more modest than another (?LOL?) Don't know if that matters --just a thought.

14 years ago

ele

Active Member

@Patty-Places like Dubai short sleeves are pretty acceptable (as long as its not showing cleavage of spaghetti strap). Thanks for the heads up!

14 years ago

ele

Active Member

@chewyspaghetti-if polo shirts are not flattering on busty gals, is there another type of shirt you would suggest? Would you consider a 34 C busty?

14 years ago

April

Veteran

Ele, I occasionally have to wear a polo shirt to work, which I do not like at all, but I do dress it up. My favorite way is to belt it, pop the collar, put it over a pencil skirt, and add a long necklace to provide an elongating V shape in front. When it's cold I add a cardigan.

I don't generally think polos are very flattering. What about something breezier and less clingy than a pique knit? Some thoughts:

http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....Women.html

http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....3004Y-_-04

http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....Women.html

http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....3680C-_-04

http://www.sierratradingpost.c.....Women.html

14 years ago

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

I would suggest some woven tunic type shirts, but guessing you don't want to iron. I would probably stay away from polo shirts, and maybe lean towards cute tees and tanks that are embellished. Or get some cute jewelry to jazz up plain shirts. Ann Taylor Loft often has really cute tees and shirts that are just as easy as a basic tee or polo, but with a bit more style. Then some cute cardis for when you need them, my favorites are the Halogen ones from Nordstrom. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....ltback=136

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....Color=Milk White&defaultSizeType=Regular

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....pe=Regular

Now I say all this without really knowing your style, but i'm sure someone will say something helpful!

14 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

For a really hot climate (I live in the desert) I would suggest very lightweight woven tops made from natural fibers and in silhouettes that floaty away from your body. Even in elbow length sleeves, these are much cooler than a polo shirt.

14 years ago

Heather

Veteran

Hi, Ele.

Perhaps you have a particular love of a polo shirt, but I agree with April, Khris and Amy on the cotton wovens.

I have never been to the Middle East; however, I have experienced 100F+ heat and I personally would not be super comfortable in a piqued polo shirt.

In any case, I thought I would offer an idea on styling a polo shirt. I wore this to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta a few weeks ago. It was about 80F and a little humid (South Georgia!), but I was pretty comfortable.

I layered a short sleeve button down blue gingham blouse under my red polo. I think having a sleeveless polo would be more ideal the hotter it gets...but many in that extreme of heat wouldn't dream of layering unless spending the day in AC (and probably not even then!). I also sported a madras J.Crew belt and a cute fedora. Of course, I am wearing shorts as I was at a golf tournament (I know that part is out for you).

Typically, I only wear a polo if I am playing golf (or observing). Perhaps investigate some cotton woven blouses since you have a little bit of time before your study abroad and see what suits your fashion persona and lifestyle.

Good luck to you!

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14 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I'd be inclined to wear floaty dresses or loose woven tops in that sort of heat x

14 years ago

Active Member

What a great opportunity, Ele!

I agree that polos will probably too hot for 100 degree temps, and I don't find them all that chic (although Heather is definitely an exception!).

I would go for woven tops or tunics over cropped pants or knee length skirts. Dresses in woven fabrics might also be a good option for you. Add a few colorful, lightweight cardigans that you can throw on for indoor a/c, and you're good to go.

14 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I had to wear a (much-hated) polo shirt for work for 19 years and they were terribly uncomfortable in the heat! I would avoid any shirt that has a collar- that extra material around the neck makes a *huge* difference!

14 years ago

ele

Active Member

Thanks for the advice everyone!

14 years ago

Anonymous

Silk that you can hand wash is so much cooler in hot weather, even with sleeves. You might also try nylon like the Sweet Pea brand tops. There are many styles.

14 years ago

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