Polo at the Don Cesar
Turtleneck (similar) || Jeans || Flats || Similar Jacket || Scarf || Hat || Earrings
Despite the lows temperatures and overcast skies, David and I braved the Florida “winter” for a day at the beach. Bundled up in several layers, we got to take in a fun day of polo at the Don Cesar. They hosted the second annual St. Pete Beach Polo Classic. I was so disappointed to miss the event last year and definitely did not want to make that same mistake in 2021. The fact that I was channeling my favorite Palm Beach girl and polo enthusiast, Caroline Bramlett, was just a bonus!
What Should I Know About Polo?
For a lot of people in the crowd, including yours truly, it was the first time seeing a polo match in person. It has a much bigger presence on the east coast of Florida, particularly Palm Beach, but has been growing in popularity in Sarasota. This weekend’s match was a 3 on 3 format, divided into four periods (called chukkers). From there, the premise is pretty familiar to basketball, where players use the mallet to get the ball into the goal area. Because this was a friendly match, the traditional ball was replaced by volleyballs, which made hits unpredictable with the wind gusts.
How is the Don Cesar?
The Don Cesar couldn’t have been a prettier venue. The sand is impossibly white, especially against the bright pink of the historic hotel. In between the two matches, most spectators stopped by the Rowe Bar for a delicious lunch and warmth at their fire pits. David and I always love exploring the property and settled for a quick coffee and snack at Uncle Andy’s Market. Their mint chocolate mocha was exactly what I was needing.
What Do I Wear to a Polo Match?
So many people were dressed to the nines and ready to impress. I was more focused on staying comfortable and warm. This Barbour jacket did the job, especially when layered with a turtleneck and Hermes scarf. While walking in powder soft sand, and I feel bad for the girls who chose to wore heels, my espadrille flats made to be a surprisingly comfortable choice. I hope next year’s match will call for slightly warmer weather.
First impressions on polo. It’s a fun and entertaining sport that I can’t wait to see more of. Do I see myself playing anytime soon? Absolutely not, but I should never say never. If you have the opportunity to witness a live polo match for yourself, I highly recommend, even if it’s just for a nice day outside.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.