Cheryl Shops

When I was growing up in the '80s, polos and rugbys were everywhere...and I hated them. As a very individualistic child, they felt like trying to be something I wasn't. I still have an aversion to actual polos, but polo sweaters I can get behind. They tend to come in softer, more neutral colors and more sophisticated fits, plus they don't have an annoying little logo embroidered on the chest. Polo sweaters have been around for a few years now, but I'm including them in this year's trend report because they've evolved a bit. Whereas a few years ago they all had open collars—technically called a Johnny collar—this year's batch has buttons at the placket, the deeper the better in my opinion.  My original intent was to wear one of the latter, but you'll see I'm in the former for reasons I'll explain in a minute. Long story short, I'm a big believer in this season's polo sweaters, and I've got my eye on a bunch of great options. 

But first, I have a problem that it seems like a lot of other people also have, which is that I tend to think the answer to "I have nothing to wear" is more clothes. I saw a polo sweater that I really wanted and thought I'd build an entire post around it; I ordered it, tried it on, and realized two things. One, the silhouette didn't work for my body type—I have big boobs and a short torso, so a fitted, slightly cropped sweater makes me look totally out of proportion. Two, I already own a striped, collared sweater that I love, and while it's not exactly what I had in mind, I'm wearing it in this post to illustrate a point, which is you should always shop your closet first before going out and buying something new. This one is from Gap and is several years old; sadly they're not selling anything similar at the moment, but the good news is that I found a bunch of really great options below and full disclosure, I will probably end up buying at least one of them.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara blazer | Gap sweater (similar here) | Citizens of Humanity Ayla jeans | New Balance 327 sneakers

More polo sweaters

1. Not a secret but almost feels like it should be: J.W. Anderson, who's now the head designer at Dior, does a line of preppy-with-a-twist basics for Uniqlo, and a new collection just dropped. At $50, this merino wool(!) polo is pretty much a no-brainer, especially in Life of a Showgirl orange. 

J.W. Anderson x Uniqlo Lambswool Polo Sweater

2. This Zara sweater is mostly synthetic, which I don't love, but I'm including it because the burgundy shade is so good (it also comes in gray and navy) and I like that it has a ribbed hem, which makes tucking into pants much easier. 

Zara Plain Knit Polo sweater

3. Aligne is a newer brand that's making really, really good classic pieces with that little something extra that elevates them. This is what looks like a basic sweater but the ribbed sleeves, collar, and hem set it apart in the best kind of way. 

Aligne Jill Knitted Polo Jumper

4. Sometimes it's all about the details, other times it's all about the fit. This one doesn't look super remarkable laying flat, but click through to the model shots and you'll see it has a perfectly drapey, relaxed fit that hangs away from the body just so. Love the rich chocolate color too. 

Almina Concept Polo Wool Sweater

5. Everlane and I have had our ups and downs over the years, but they've always done really good knits, and this polo sweater is no exception. I love how deep the placket goes on this one, and while the burgundy is my favorite, the color offerings all feel spot-on.

Everlane Oversized Polo 

6.  Of course I had to include a cashmere option, and this may be a best-for-last situation. The shape on this one feels so versatile—the ribbed hem helps it hang perfectly and the overall fit is relaxed without being sloppy. Bonus points for the interesting seam detail and voluminous sleeves. 

Loulou de Saison Homere Cashmere Sweater