Polo necks: The fool-proof way to ‘winterise’ just about any outfit

“Are you cold? Do you mind if I switch the radiator on?” a colleague asked me in the office the other day. To which I replied, “I’m always cold.” And it’s true, I am. This time of year is great, sartorially speaking, but all I really want to do is plug my electric blanket in and snooze until summer comes; autumn/winter is not for cold girls. 

Sadly, I’m not a chipmunk, so hibernating isn’t really in option. However, I have come up with a pretty good alternative; in lieu of a month-long nap, I just wear polo necks. It sounds like a simple solution, and that’s because it is. 

The ultimate in winter layering, polo necks are especially great this time of year when it’s hard to know what season to buy for – it’s still freezing out, but St Brigid’s Day (the official marker of spring in Ireland) is just around the corner. We don’t want to invest in more knitwear, but it’s not quite legs out weather either.  

The foundations of a good trans-seasonal wardrobe, you can wear a polo neck with just about anything – on its own, under a fine knit jumper, a pinafore dress, or even your favourite summer slip. An added layer of cosiness on days you can see your breath and a great way to get more use out of the clothes you already have too. 

Whether you opt for an oversized, knitted version, a sleek black number or a patterned one in a fun colour, there are plenty of different variations of the classic out there. Shop our edit of the best polo necks below. 

Claire Top, €109, Anine Bing

Turtleneck Pullover With Feathered Cuffs, €150.50, Maje Paris

Liana Open-Back Sweater, €164, The Frankie Shop

Soyaconcept Sleeveless Polo Knit Vest, €50, Choice Boutique

Slim-Fit Merino Wool Turtleneck Top, €49, Cos

Myke Roll Neck Top, €495, Nanushka

Maja Knitted Polo, €99, Whistles

Turtleneck Top, €39, &Other Stories

Ginnifer Long Sleeve Jersey Top, €28.95, Aligne

Black Turtleneck Long Sleeve Top, €26, River Island

Cable-Knit Polo-Neck Jumper, €13, H&M

Roll Neck Knit Jumper, €37.60, Warehouse

High-Neck Knit Sweater, €25.95, Zara

Combined Panel Knit Sweater, €39.99, Mango

Feature image @victoriabeckham. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.