Take part in the summer’s most fashionable event: here’s an insider’s guide to the fashion and memorable moments of Adelaide Polo Classic
One of the most anticipated events on South Australia’s summer social calendar is Adelaide Polo Classic. It’s an afternoon and evening of sunshine, thoroughbreds, world-class hospitality, entertainment and, of course, field-side fashion.
The event is a way to experience polo in a more unbuttoned sense, with fast-paced, 20/20-style sets. The crowd-friendly proceedings extend to the fashion; it’s less about high heels and fascinators, and more about feeling comfortable and confident.
The polo blends luxury and leisure for a polished but unstuffy aesthetic. Here, we deviate from statement millinery and venture into the realm of softer, sun-smart attire; instead of fascinators, straw hats and silk scarves come into play; wedges and block heels replace grass-sinking stilettos; heavy suiting and all-black ensembles are eschewed in favour of lightweight linens and cotton in bright colours and fun prints.
Wear something that allows you to move, mingle and dance throughout the day. Your polo wardrobe can feature items from the likes of CAMILLA AND MARC, Carla Zampatti, Ralph Lauren, Aje, Scanlan Theodore, Seed Heritage, Witchery and ZIMMERMANN.
What to Wear
For the ladies, consider adopting the following fashion items. Fascinators are for the races, not the polo, so opt for headwear like wide-brimmed, straw hats, chic boaters or even a silk headscarf. As it’s a summer event, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and silk blends will be your friend. If you can find them in relaxed tailoring like floaty dresses, midi skirts or sets, all the better. And you can go light with your colours and bold with your prints; add stripes, polka dots and florals, if you wish.
Avoid anything tight or uncomfortable, as you want to be able to move (and dance!) around. It’s a relaxed event, so anything that leans more black-tie glamour will feel out of place. And leave your stilettos at home—you’ll be standing or walking on grass, so opt for block heels, wedges or flats to avoid sinking into the turf.
Gentlemen can make good use of crisp, well-fitted shirts in linen or cotton—they’ll keep you looking and feeling cool. Always opt for enclosed footwear: flip-flops or slides are for the beach, not the polo. Chinos and brogues are a comfortable and classy option for footwear, while a Panama hat or fedora and pair of sunglasses will keep you safe in the summer sun. Avoid a fashion faux-pas: singlets, tees, sports gear, big logos and distressed denim are not your friends, here.
Things to Know
Fashion on the Field
In case you needed another excuse to dress up… Fashion on the Field is returning to Adelaide Polo Classic this year! Essentially, this is a ‘best dressed on ground’ competition. Don your glad rags to compete for prizes. Judges will be roaming throughout the day, tapping standout guests to go in the running, with winners announced later in the afternoon.
Divot Stomp
The only sporting event where spectators are invited onto the field, the divot stomp has been a tradition in polo for generations. During a match, polo ponies tear up pieces of grass and soil with their hooves, leaving behind holes and loose clumps of dirt, called ‘divots’.
At halftime and between polo matches, spectators are invited onto the field to help replace the divots by pushing displaced turf back into place with their shoes. It helps protect the field and break up the day with a bit of leg-stretching and socialising. Also, an excellent reason to forego stilettos for sturdier footwear—the former will be of no use to you here!
What to Bring
If you’ve booked a general admission ticket, make sure to bring your own items to setup a spot on the lawn: picnic rugs, portable folding chairs, snacks and water. Otherwise, you’ll be well taken care of at the The Stables or Veuve Clicquot VIP Marquee, which comes with shaded areas to watch the action.
A key for every attendee is sun protection. That means wide-brimmed straw hats, fedoras or Panamas (no caps, please!), quality sunglasses (make it an outfit statement, if you wish) and plenty of high-SPF sunscreen (at least factor 30, and reapply throughout the day!).
Polo Etiquette
Some handy tips in order to maximise your day:
- Arrive on time! The gates to Tampawardli open at 2:45pm, with hospitality kicking off from 3pm.
- Sideline safety: stay strictly behind the marked sidelines during active play—though if the ball crosses the boundary, spectators are encouraged to roll it back in.
- Respect the horses: do not startle, feed or touch the polo ponies without explicit permission. In particular, never walk directly behind a horse, as they are likely to kick.
- Keep the noise down: maintain a respectful volume, especially if you’re close to the boundary, so riders and horses can concentrate.
- Clean up after yourself: if you’re picnic-ing on the lawns, make sure you leave things as you found it: take every chair, wrapper and bit of mandarin peel with you. Tampawardli is a beautiful, public space at all other times of the year, so act considerately.
A Bit of Polo Lingo…
Backhander: a backhand swing that sends the ball in the opposite direction to change the play.
Bowl-in: the start or resumption of a polo match where the umpire rolls the ball down the centre of a lineup of players.
Check and turn: slowing the pony and making a safe turn.
Chukker: a period of play in polo, lasting seven and a half minutes. There are usually six chukkers in a match.
Flagger: an official who signals if a goal is scored by waving a flag above the head or no goal by waving below the waist.
Hook: using the mallet to block or interfere with an opponent’s swing below the level of the horse’s back.
Knock-in: restarting play by hitting the ball from the back line after it crosses the back line, performed by the defending team.
Nearsider: referring to the left side of the pony.
Neck shot: hitting the ball under the pony’s neck.
Offsider: referring to the right side of the pony.
Safety 60: also known as Penalty 6, awarded when a defender hits the ball over their own back line, allowing the opposing team a free hit from the 60-yard line.
Tail shot: hitting the ball behind and under the pony’s rump.
Turn: a backhand hit to change the ball’s direction away from the defending goal.
Wraps: protective bandages worn on the polo ponies legs to prevent injuries.
If you haven’t yet booked your ticket for Adelaide Polo Classic, there’s still time to partake in Adelaide’s most fashionable end-of-year event. Limited tickets remain for the exclusive Veuve Clicquot VIP Marquee and the lively Stables precinct: a spot in either makes for a high-energy, unforgettable polo experience, with everything you need included in your ticket.
The Veuve Clicquot VIP Marquee offers four hours of flowing French Champagne, premium hospitality and close-up trackside views, while The Stables offers a four-hour beverage package (including RTDs, wine and beer), a fun social scene and access to live entertainment.
Book The Stables:
adelaidepoloclassic.com.au/the-stables
Book the Veuve Clicquot VIP Marquee:
adelaidepoloclassic.com.au/vip-marquee
Don’t miss out on Adelaide’s most fashionable way to toast the end of the year! We’ll see you field-side.
Adelaide Polo Classic
December 11, 2026
Ellis Park / Tampawardli, City West, Adelaide
adelaidepoloclassic.com.au
@adelaidepoloclassic