Dress up this simple wardrobe staple for a smart evening look.

All things considered, the perfect thing to take away with you on holiday is something classic, easy to wear and, above all, versatile. By this, we mean something that you can wear for both a stroll on the beach and out for an evening meal. If such a garment exists, it is without doubt the polo shirt. And, if we’re talking polo shirts, there’s no better place to start than with Polo Ralph Lauren, the American brand that captures refined summer dressing better than any other. Crafted from breezy piqué cotton, Polo Ralph Lauren’s classic white polo shirt has that paradoxical quality of looking utterly effortless while never leaving the wearer feeling underdressed. It’s a tricky feat for such a straightforward piece of clothing, but the easy simplicity of a polo shirt is exactly what makes it work.

If you are heading to a bar for the evening, for instance, a polo shirt is foolproof. But what to wear it with? As the sun sets, turn the dip in temperature to your sartorial advantage by pairing with a jacket and jeans. Both will go well with the polo shirt, but to keep things casually sophisticated and offset the white of your top, it’s a good idea make them dark. Navy will work well, and a jacket and jeans in a similar shade of dark blue will give the impression and authority of a suit with none of the stuffiness. When it comes to your feet, you’ll also want to dress it up a bit – no flip-flops, please – and, really, there’s nothing that will work better than a polished pair of leather loafers. Feel free to eschew socks – baring ankles is practically mandatory while in sunnier climes. And finally, to inject a little flair and personality into your look, accessorise with a watch and a silk scarf. The purpose of the latter isn’t to keep you warm, but to bring the outfit together and add some evening-appropriate polish, so choose a scarf that’s as lightweight as can be. Now that’s sorted, you’re ready for cocktail hour.

**Shop Polo Ralph Lauren here **