On a summer afternoon in 1933, tennis legend René Lacoste had just stepped onto the court wearing a revolutionary shirt of his own design.
Little did he know that this moment would mark the birth of an iconic garment that would transcend the boundaries of sport and become a staple in men’s fashion for decades to come.
Today, the Lacoste polo shirt remains an emblem of effortless style and sophisticated casual wear.
But how does one truly master the art of wearing this timeless piece? Fear not, gentlemen, for we’re about to embark on a sartorial journey that will transform you into a Lacoste polo aficionado.
Choosing the Right Lacoste Polo for Your Style
Before we dive into the myriad ways to style your Lacoste polo, let’s address the crucial first step: selecting the perfect shirt.
It’s not merely about grabbing any polo off the rack; it’s about finding the one that speaks to your personal style and flatters your physique.
Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Body Type
Lacoste offers several fits, each catering to different body types and style preferences. The Classic Fit is the original, offering a relaxed silhouette perfect for Inverted Triangle and Oval body types who prefer a bit more room.
The Slim Fit, on the other hand, provides a more tailored look, ideal for gents with Rectangle or Triangle bodies, or those with a leaner frame who fancy a more contemporary silhouette.
For the fashion-forward man, the Paris Polo offers an ultra-slim fit that’s perfect for a night out in Soho or a trendy art gallery opening.
Remember, the key is to ensure the polo sits comfortably on your shoulders and the sleeves end mid-bicep. The body should skim your torso without clinging or billowing excessively.
If you are not sure what your body type is here is a quick body shape quiz to help you find your perfect fit.
Selecting Colours that Complement Your Complexion
Colour is where you can truly let your personality shine.
While the classic white and navy are timeless Old Money style colour choices that pair effortlessly with almost anything, don’t shy away from Lacoste’s vibrant palette.
Consider your skin tone when selecting colours. If you have a cooler complexion, you might find that shades of blue, green, and purple complement your skin beautifully.
For example, the ice blue Lacoste polo for summer soirées, pairing it with crisp white chinos creates a refreshing yet sophisticated look.
For those with warmer skin tones, colours like coral, orange, and warm yellows can create a striking effect.
For example, a coral Lacoste polo, khaki shorts, and brown leather loafers create an epitome of summer elegance.
If you are not sure what your skin tone is or don’t know your seasonal colour, here is a quick colour analysis quiz to help you choose the right colour combination when shopping.
Casual Cool: Everyday Lacoste Polo Outfits
Now that you’ve found your perfect Lacoste polo, let’s explore how to style it for various casual occasions.
The beauty of the polo shirt lies in its versatility, effortlessly bridging the gap between t-shirts and button-downs.
For a laid-back weekend brunch sport a forest green Lacoste polo with dark wash jeans and white leather tennis trainers.
Top off the look with a brown leather watch and wayfarers, creating an ensemble that’s perfect for sipping flat whites at a trendy café or strolling through a farmers’ market.
When it comes to city exploration, comfort and style should go hand in hand.
For an everyday city outfit, wear a heather grey Lacoste polo, paired with navy chino shorts and comfortable yet stylish leather trainers like the Adidas Stan Smith.
Add a lightweight bomber jacket for those unexpected drizzles, and you’re ready for anything the day might bring.
For those who love to blur the lines between sporty and stylish, the athleisure look is your playground.
Try pairing a vibrant red Lacoste polo with tailored joggers in a neutral tone.
Slip on some sleek, minimalist trainers like the Nike Flyknit, and you’re ready for anything from a casual meet-up with friends to a light workout session.
Smart-Casual Mastery with Lacoste Polos
The true test of a gentleman’s style prowess lies in his ability to navigate the tricky waters of smart-casual dressing. Luckily, your Lacoste polo is the perfect captain for this voyage.
Office-appropriate
For an office-appropriate ensemble that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, take inspiration from Matthieu Maury, a producer in Paris. His go-to look features a crisp white Lacoste polo tucked into charcoal grey trousers.
He adds a pop of personality with cognac brogues and a matching belt. The finishing touch? A navy blazer draped over his shoulders for impromptu client meetings.
Date Night
Date night calls for something a touch more special like a deep burgundy Lacoste polo, paired with well-fitted beige chinos paired with suede desert boots, and a leather braided bracelet to add just the right amount of intrigue to your wrist.
It’s an outfit that says you’ve made an effort without trying too hard – the perfect balance for a romantic evening.
Semi-formal
For those semi-formal events where you want to make an impression without being overdressed, the polo and blazer combination is your secret weapon.
For example, for a gallery opening, sport a black Lacoste polo under a well-tailored grey blazer. Pair this with dark navy trousers and polished Oxford shoes.
Add a pocket square in a complementary pattern, and you’ve mastered the art of smart-casual dressing.
Seasonal Lacoste Polo Looks
One of the greatest attributes of the Lacoste polo is its year-round wearability.
With a few clever styling tricks, you can make this versatile piece work for you in any weather.
Spring/Summer
Summer is when the Lacoste polo truly shines.
Channel the spirit of the French Riviera by pairing a pastel blue polo with white linen shorts.
Slip-on espadrilles and a Panama hat complete this effortlessly chic look that would be at home on the beaches of Nice or at a garden party in the Cotswolds.
Autumn
As the leaves begin to turn, layering becomes key. Wear an olive green Lacoste polo under a light grey cashmere V-neck sweater.
Paired with dark jeans and Chelsea boots, it’s a look that transitions seamlessly from a client meeting to after-work drinks.
Winter
Winter doesn’t mean retiring your beloved polos. Instead, embrace unexpected elegance by layering a long-sleeved Lacoste polo under a tweed sports jacket.
Pair this with corduroy trousers and brogues for a look that’s both cosy and refined.
It’s perfect for a weekend in the countryside or a casual dinner party.
Occasion-Specific Lacoste Polo Outfits
Certain occasions call for specific styling, and your Lacoste polo is up for the challenge. Let’s explore how to dress appropriately for various events while maintaining your style quotient.
Garden Party
For a garden party, channel your inner English gentleman.
Pair a pastel pink Lacoste polo with stone-coloured chinos and brown suede loafers.
Add a navy linen blazer for a touch of refinement, and don’t forget a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses to complete the look.
Yacht Club
Yacht Club chic calls for a maritime-inspired ensemble. Opt for a navy and white striped Lacoste polo, paired with crisp white shorts.
Boat shoes are a must, and a braided leather bracelet adds a nautical touch. Top it off with a classic Breton cap, and you’ll look like you were born on the high seas.
Golf Course
A Golf course ensemble in a Country Club style requires a balance between functionality and fashion.
A moisture-wicking performance Lacoste polo in a subtle green or blue pairs perfectly with tailored golf trousers.
Opt for specialised golf shoes from a brand like FootJoy, and don’t forget a Lacoste cap to shield your eyes from the sun.
The best part? This outfit transitions seamlessly from the fairway to the clubhouse for post-game drinks.
Accessorising Your Lacoste Polo Ensembles
A well-chosen watch can be the perfect companion to your polo shirt.
For a classic look, opt for a leather-strapped timepiece like the Omega Seamaster.
Its versatility complements the polo’s adaptable nature, working well for both casual and dressier occasions.
When it comes to belts and shoes, coordination is key. A woven leather belt in tan paired with matching boat shoes creates a cohesive look that’s perfect for summer outings.
For a more formal approach, a sleek black leather belt and polished Oxfords add a touch of sophistication to your polo ensemble.
Sunglasses are not just a practical accessory; they’re a style statement.
Classic aviators from Ray-Ban pair wonderfully with the timeless appeal of a Lacoste polo, while modern, angular frames from Persol can add an edge to your look.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good hat.
A classic baseball cap in a neutral tone can add a sporty touch to your casual polo outfits, while a felt fedora can bring a dash of panache to your smart-casual ensembles.
Conclusion: Style with Lacoste Polo Shirts
Whether you’re dressing for a casual weekend, a smart-casual work environment, or a summer soirée, your Lacoste polo is a versatile ally in your style arsenal.
It’s a garment that bridges generations, occasions, and style preferences, all while maintaining its iconic status.
However, just wearing a Lacoste polo shirt is not enough. True sophistication lies in knowing precisely how to style your Lacoste polo shirt with other garments, footwear, and accessories that complement your body shape, skin, eye, and hair colours, to choose by occasion, location, and lifestyle.
The first step is finding your body shape and the most flattering colour for you.
Know Your Body Shape: Different Lacoste products flatter different physiques so discover your body shape now by taking our free body shape quiz for men.
Identify Your Best Colors:Â Lacoste offers a wide range of colours, but not every hue will complement your natural colouring so find out your ideal colours with our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
Then, learn how to dress by occasion, location, season, and even time of the day.
Dress for the Occasion: Understanding how to choose and style Lacoste garments, and mix them with other brands, by occasion, season, and location is crucial. From casual weekends to formal events, each occasion requires a unique approach to styling.
To save time, headaches, and even money, get in touch with The VOU’s expert stylists now.
Get Expert Styling Advice: To know which Lacoste garments, and styles to wear, consider enlisting professional help.
Take our comprehensive fashion style analysis for men, and let our expert stylists guide you in selecting and curating items of maximum impact in a wardrobe that communicates success and sophistication.
Remember, owning Lacoste isn’t enough to look good – looking stylish, wealthy, and successful is all about choosing and matching to perfection.
With these tools and expert guidance, you’ll not just wear the brand—you’ll master it, creating a wardrobe that truly reflects a unique fashion taste and many achievements.
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