Polo is the new racing, there’s no doubt about it. Prince William and Harry’s favourite hobby has become a hugely popular spectator sport in Australia, especially for celebrities and VIPs.

If you want polo at its best, you should head along to the prestigious Australia vs New Zealand Polo International at Windsor Polo Club in Sydney on April 4. The Polo International is polo’s answer to the Melbourne Cup. You get high quality, fast, fabulous polo on the field, while off the field, the crème de la crème of Sydney’s social scene, rubs shoulders with handsome polo players in swish champagne filled marquees. 

Tickets are available to these VIP enclosures, but you need to be quick as they are selling fast.

Windsor Polo club is renowned for its high quality international polo tournaments. It even hosted Prince Harry, who played there in the young England team (where he beat Australia). So what does one wear to an elite polo event?

Here are some tips to avoid any fashion disasters…

Shoes

This is your most important fashion item. Get it wrong and not only will you look out of place, you’ll also get sore feet! Remember polo takes place on a paddock, so stilettos are out! If you want to wear heels, wedges are a good option. Flats or fashionable sandals are also great. Probably best to leave the thongs behind.

Try these…

1 Seed – Lori Flat Point, $129.95

2 Chloe – Wedge Leather Pumps, $842.75

3 Marni – Crystal-Embellished Calf Hair Sandals, $516

4 Witchery- Amelia Flat, $129.95

5 Jimmy Choo – Philo Sandals, $665

The dress

Keep it simple, stylish and pretty and make sure it’s not too short. Showing ample cleavage is also not a good idea, also avoid the floaty number. The last thing you want is for a gust of wind to come up as you’re treading the divots. A maxi dress is a great choice and tailored shorts or trousers are also acceptable. Golden rule: if you’d wear it to a nightclub then don’t wear it to the polo.

Try these…

1 Country Road – Marble Print Dress, $179

2 Zimmermann – Confetti Floral Print Dress, $671

3 SEA – Fringed Broderie Anglaise-Paneled, $678

4 Kenzo – Printed crepe mini dress, $539

5 Top Shop – Sleeveless Cut-Out Midi Dress, $64 Approx 

6 Goldie – Rose Print Chiffon Dress, $84 Approx

Headware

Leave the fascinator at home!! At the polo, headgear is purely for sun protection so wear something practical such as a wide brimmed hat.

Try these…

1 Agent Ninetynine – Sienna Stone Fedora, $49.95

2 Agent Ninetynine – Saharah Black Straw Fedora, $29.95

3 Seed – Contrast Panama, $59.95

4 Asos – Oversized Fedora, $58

Sunglasses

An absolute must. Aviators always look the part and there’s nothing more glamorous than a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Try these…

1 Quay – Mia Oversized Sunglasses, $49

2 ASOS – Handmade Round Sunglasses, $68

3 AJ Morgan – Zipster Oversized Sunglasses, $29

4 ASOS – Handmade Acetate Chunky Retro Sunglasses, $68

5 Ray Ban – Aviator Sunglasses, $275

The bag

Size does matter! Leave the clutch at home and instead opt for a classy shoulder bag. The Polo International hosts an after party after the match so it’s going to be a long day. You need to be able to carry all your emergency supplies including your makeup.

Try these…

1 Whistles – Mini Bucket Bag, $375

2  River Island – Lilac Large Satchel, $58

3 Sophie Hulme – Envelope Leather Shoulder Bag, $354

4 Michael Kors – Selma Shoulder Bag, $202

What should guys wear? 

• A pair of moleskins, good jeans, or cotton trousers
• A well ironed linen or cotton shirt. Short sleeved polo style shirts also work, especially if it’s a warm day.
• RM Williams boots are always in abundance at the polo. Leather loafters are also a good option. No thongs!
• A good pair of sunglasses

Try these…

1 AJ Morgan – Clubmaster Sunglasses, $29

2 Burberry – Cotton Pique Blazer, $818

3 Massimo Alba – Linen and Cotton Blend Trousers, $323

4 Mj Bale – Celtic Blue Shirt, $99.95

5 Breda – 1646 Numbered Watch, $45

6 Asos – Chelsea Boots, $87