T-shirts have, and always will be, the backbone of a summer capsule wardrobe. Helping to add a cool and laid-back feel to everything from jeans to tailored trousers, and midi skirts to denim shorts, from white iterations to block colours, this humble building block never goes out of fashion.
But after spotting Coleen Nolan in a short-sleeved polo top, it’s clear that when it comes to elevated basics, there is a rival style worth considering, and it adds a cool, polished and preppy finish to every look.
Seen on Instagram in Next’s chocolate brown/blue striped knit look short-sleeve polo top, the collared button-up proved just as versatile as crew-neck tees, but the collar and stripey style added retro charm, delivering a trending athleisure finish to her look. A silhouette that has proved popular across the high street this season and is an easy way of adding extra pops of colour to your outfit too.
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This knitted cotton polo has a boxier fit than Coleen's iteration, though its colours and striped design are a great match. When it comes to the chicest shades this summer, the fashion colour trends for 2026 are big on pale blue and brown together, and this echoes this aesthetic beautifully. Again, the slightly cropped hem is ideal for higher waistlines.
A classic stripe pattern that blends trending blue tones with classic chocolate brown, and a neat collar, button placket and ribbed detailing at the hem make this an extremely elevated and flattering buy that will work well with trousers or skirts.
Not only is this Boden top an elevated everyday staple, but it's also made from a blend of 95% cotton and 5% cashmere that offers a soft, breathable and comfortable feel. This is helped along by the regular cut, which is relaxed and not too tight. We love the retro colour combination here too.
Chocolate brown is a hue that can pair well with so many different shades, as this Anthropologie polo proves. Feeling sporty yet smart, its statement contrast stripes create an eye-catching palette that's still relatively neutral and, thus, incredibly versatile. The shorter hem makes it ideal for pairing with high-waisted skirts or jeans.
Shoppers rate this Nobody's Child top highly, with one review saying, 'It’s so comfortable and it looks amazing.' While another added, 'Great quality and fit. Roomy and not too tight for summer.' The button-through design adds a more elegant and polished finish to this sporty style, and the retro colouring adds plenty of charm.
This long-sleeved iteration of a polo shirt can be a great piece to have on hand for chillier summer days as while it's not knitted like Coleen's style is, it is made from a lightweight cotton jersey fabric to keep it feeling breathable but warm. It's an ideal transitional piece for the end of summer and into autumn.
Coleen styled her Next top with a classic pair of dark-wash denim jeans to create an elevated casual outfit, and the combination felt put-together effortlessly. Blue and brown are one of the colour combinations loved by stylists for the current season, making this pairing particularly timely.
A knitted t-shirt is quite the hero piece for the weeks and months ahead, and adds a directional twist on classic cotton iterations. Coleen's preppy, collared design further revamps this wardrobe basic and leaning into trending colour combos will help to make this style feel more fashion than track and field.
If you want to add a smart casual finish to your athleisure-inspired look, try pairing your polo t-shirt with an A-line, midi skirt. This adds a feminine finish to what can become quite a boxy and androgynous look. Opt for a more cropped top, so that it can just be tucked into the waist without creating bulk. Alternatively, try bold colour iterations in more feminine fits, teamed with jeans to keep your look more sleek than sporty.
