Work Polo Shirt: Is it possible to ever look stylish?

[SevernWonders]

Slight change in work rules mean that if we are going to certain events we now have to wear a work logo polo shirt.

They are an ugly sky blue-ish colour with a weird mini waffle weave - sweaty material for anyone but especially bad on my hefty size 18 frame.

Is there any redemption? Can I style it somehow so I look vaguely nice?

Annoyingly I have to wear one when I know that I will be bumping into DHs XW after a night of little sleep.

The lack of replies has confirmed my initial thoughts that it is just not possible to nicely style a work polo shirt, unless you're a size 8 and work for Ralph Lauren.

But hopefully bump nonetheless.

I think they look better on larger ladies if they're loose fitting. Other than that I think all you can do is work on the grooming side of things, so you look well turned out. Tuck it in, wear a belt etc etc.

I spent some time working at Asda a few years back. Lime green polo shirts.

I now hate polo shirts with a passion.

So I'm saying no. Burn it.
#helpful

SevenWonders, I was in a similar situation some years ago. Fortunately I can sew. 'Styled' polo shirt by shortening to a length that suited my height and created rounded side slits. I may have shaped it a little. Lots of compliments from other wearers. Perhaps you could do similar with a couple for special occasions. Agree with sizing up, nothing worse than a tight polo shirt.

Tuck in to some good fitting trousers/smart jeans that don't clash with colour of the top.

Thank you for those ideas, time to send DH to get the sewing machine out of the loft.

I don't know about styling it but I do feel it looks much better when my arms are tanned and also wear either a really good fitting bra or a bralette that keeps your boobs mushed together rather than under each armpit like mine usually are 🤣

I think you can't jazz up a work polo shirt so you'll just have to make sure you wear a good bra, and depending on the job maybe a pair of noticeable earrings and a bangle. And if it's a no jewellery job then just a big smile and a new lipstick!

Yeah I would be getting the sewing machine out. Make sure it loosely fits around the bust and tummy but that the back is more fitted and the side splits mentioned above can help with it riding up - length again another one as often bigger sizes makes manufacturers think tall so us 5ft 2 size 18s are swamped

I would look at the side vents, maybe a bust dart, shape at the side seam and possibly some waist alterations at the back to give it more of a silhouette. You could also shorten and tighten sleeves or even shoulder seams. Put it on and get someone else to drape and pin to see what works best

Bing Videos

Some of that is a bit rough and ready but you get the gist

Persuade HR to buy the ladies polo shirts. We use Arco workwear and they are so much better in terms of fit.

I would recommend getting it fitted to your shape a bit and getting it the right length too.

That is great, thank you. I had looked for styling videos but hadn't thought about alterations videos.

I switched things up by pairing my polo with high-waisted trousers and a boxy cardigan, tucked in slightly at the front. It made a huge difference. I also added a cap from wholesale-caps.com to give it more of a casual, intentional vibe rather than looking like I was stuck in a uniform. Small tweaks like that really helped make it feel more like "me" while still sticking to the dress code.