It’s Australia’s most elegant pony-centric event series, and as the Land Rover Polo in the City continues its journey around Australia (Sydney and Brisbane have passed, Melbourne happens this weekend, with Perth and Adelaide the following weeks).

Much like the races or motor racing, spectator polo brings with it a unique type of dress code. Think of the Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, or Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in pretty sundresses watching their princely beaus compete and you’ll get a sense of the typically elegant, but relaxed, feels.

Planning to join the fun for the first time in the coming weeks? Perhaps you’d like a little expert guidance in the dress code department to up your chances of winning the Fashion on the Field competition between games.

No Australian woman is more expert on polo fashion than Natalie Decorte, editor-in-chief of glossy magazine The Polo Project, brand manager of Land Rover Polo in the City and wife to elite player Janek Gazecki. (Decorte made GRAZIA’s Best Dressed edit at the Sydney installation of the series earlier this month and, as per the header image of her above, was a magnet for photographers there). Here are her best tips on what to wear to the Polo in the City 2018.

Decorte and her elite player husband at the Land Rover Polo in the City 2018, Sydney.

Tip 1: KEEP it polished but relaxed

The general tone at the polo is understated with a touch of glam. A simple outfit accessorised with some fabulous earrings or sunglasses works every time.

Celebrity stylist Jess Pecoraro with her husband Steven Monaco at the Land Rover Polo in the City 2018, Sydney. (Credit: Supplied)

Tip 2: GO FOR A CHIC block colour

I am noticing a trend for block colour outfits this urban polo season. Pretty pastels look great against the green grass background and full white or full black is timeless.

Net-a-Porter global buying director Elizabeth von der Goltz’s dress at New York Fashion Week would be ideal for the polo sideline. (Credit: Supplied)

Tip 3: FEMININE SILHOUETTES are ideal

Think midi-length skirts and dresses, which are feminine and classic. Linen is still hugely popular and great for a day in the sunshine too.

Freida Pinto, Sienna Miller, Penelope Cruz, Laura Harrier and Darren Criss at the polo in New York state. (Credit: Supplied)

Tip 4: Steer clear of stilettos

Thin heels are truly a nightmare on grass and although they might look great in a floored marquee, you want to be out there stopping divots and meeting the horses and players. Opt for a block heel or a wedge if you need the height, but flats or slides are also totally acceptable.

Solid heels rather than stilettos are the smartest polo footwear. (Credit: NOWFASHION)

Tip 5: Finish off with a sun hat

Anything that resembles a fascinator will have you escorted from the field – only kidding – it just won’t get you winning best dressed. Work a sunhat or boater into your outfit instead. Not only do they look fantastic but are also great for when you are having such a good time that you forget to reapply sunscreen.

Decorte behind the scenes at the Land Rover Polo in the City 2018 Brisbane event. (Credit: Instagram @natdecorte)

Tip 6: Or try a headscarf

Headscarves have always been around but are huge this season, if you are a bit scared of getting the scarf around the head correctly (it can take some practice), a smaller scarf around a low pony is super chic and simple.

Rozalia Russian wore a scarf woven into her braid at the polo in 2017. (Credit: Instagram)

See here for details on the Land Rover Polo in the City series.