Melrose Highlights Back to School Fashion
Where affordability meets class, Melrose is the destination for budget friendly back to school fashion featuring the classic polo shirt and twill khaki pants. With our polos available in five colors and khakis in three, shoppers have a variety of mix and match options for their sharp and polished back to school look.
As back to school creeps into day-to-day conversation and summer vacation comes to a close, it’s a good time to say something about the classic polo and khaki pants.
From Sports to Casual Wear: A Look at Polo Shirt History
The classic polo shirt has a sporty origin debuting in polo; a horseback ball sport, in India 1859 and later in Great Britain in the 1920s*. Knitted cotton is the most common material used for the polo shirt due to its breathability and comfort. Modern use, suggests versatility as its virtue.
The first rendition of the polo shirt used by polo players were long-sleeved, thick and made with Oxford-cloth cotton. In 1896 John E. Brooks noticed the collars of said player to have their collars buttoned down to avoid them flapping in the wind. The birth of the first button-down polo shirt came to fruition**.
Seven-time Grand Slam champion René Lacoste “The Crocodile” designed the “tennis white”, short sleeved, piqué collared, button to top, long tailed polo for tennis players. In 1927 designer Robert George creates the signature Lacoste crocodile emblem we see today***.
In 1972, Ralph Lauren markets the “tennis” shirt as a “polo” shirt, establishing his signature line Polo. Lauren’s vision of the Polo shirt includes a wide array of colors which may have aided in Polo becoming an icon in American fashion. In 2008, Polo Ralph Lauren is an official Team USA outfitter****.
Melrose Reccomendations for a Modern Look
Melrose suggests pairing a polo shirt with khakis and leather shoes for the sharpest look for back to school fashion. However, polo shirts are an excellent choice to wear with multiple options.
A casual example with a polo shirt is a pair of jeans (flare if you're keeping up with the trends) and a sturdy pair of cowboy boots. If you want a sneaky accessory, slide a simple short chain necklace in for an eye catching glow at the right angles. Sounds like a perfect outfit for some fashionable two-stepping.
For an active day out, pair a light colored polo with shorts and sneakers. Don't forget a pair of sunglasses and a small backpack for your essentials along with a water bottle. This combination is great for an easy, breezy, and posh look on a hot summer day.
For young professionals in a more business casual environment, try a polo shirt with nude colored slacks and a comfy, yet tasteful pair of loafers. You'll enjoy a more relaxed and breathable look, while remaining appropriate for the office. Dress it up further by switching out the loafers for some sleek oxfords. A carryall bag would be the perfect accessory to complete the dressiest look.
A more feminine spin is to pair a polo shirt with a solid colored pleated skirt, ankle socks and your favorite athletic shoes. Whether you're about to have a tennis match or go on a walk in the park, you'll be put together even on a bad hair day where a messy bun is a must.
From Soliders to Civilians: A Khaki Origin Story
Khaki pants and their origin are similar to that of the polo shirt; comfortability is key. These bottoms started gaining traction as a part of British army uniforms in the mid-1800s in India. Khaki pants served soldiers better in the heat. Later the United States adopted khakis during the Spanish-American War 1898. The trend of khaki pants as part of Western fashion began at the end of World War II in the 1940s as young men returned home and went to college. Many of them continued to wear khaki pants as civilians which subsequently influenced patriotism in their fellow Americans.
Levi’s was the final push to modernizing the use of khaki pants in every day wear. In 1955 Levi’s launched the brand’s first casual khaki pants. As fashion evolved, Levi’s launched their new brand Dockers in 1986*****.
Melrose Recommendations for a Modern Look
Khakis are a versatile type of bottom that can be worn with more than polos for a back to school season. Melrose recommends the basic, classic, comfortable, and bold.
T-shirts are a definite go-to for these pants, specifically solids in black, white and navy. Add a camo print to mix it up. Wear a pair of athletic or street sneakers for a complete casual look.
For the young professional try your khakis with a simple button down shirt in light shades of blue and pink. Layer up your professional appearance with a powerful blazer, polished oxford shoes, and a briefcase. This combination is bound to not only boost your confidence, but emulate a commanding presence.
If you enjoy mixing colors consistently stick with shades of brown and tan. For a bold look, pop out a statement top in bright colors such as red, lime green, yellow, etc. The creative possibilities with khaki pants are endless.
Attributions
*Abling, B., Calasibetta, C. M. & Tortoa, P. (2003). Fairchild Dictionary of Fashion. Fairchild Books.
**Brooks Brothers. www.brooksbrothers.com. https://www.brooksbrothers.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-brooksbrothers-Site/en_US/Heritage-Show
***LACOSTE. Once Upon a Crocodile. www.lacoste.com. https://www.lacoste.com/us/lacoste-inside/story.html
****Ralph Lauren. (2019). About Ralph Lauren - The World of Ralph Lauren Timeline. Ralph Lauren. https://www.ralphlauren.com/rl-50-timeline-feat
*****Dockers Shoes. A History of Khakis. Dockers Shoes. https://www.dockersshoes.com/blogs/fashion-guide-news/a-history-of-khakis
