Street Chic: Governor’s Island Polo

Despite 94-degree heat, New Yorkers dressed to impress at this Sunday’s Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic 2010 on Governor’s Island. Elaborate hats, some of them made by the wearer, dotted the sidelines at this match while Prince Harry faced off against Nacho Figueras. While sundresses are still a favorite for polo attire, short shorts and rompers made a bigger showing this year, a reversal from the maxi dresses at the Hamptons polo matches in previous seasons.

A daringly modern, minimalist look that stood out in the crowd. A black sunhat still roots the outfit in polo territory.

White dresses and straw fedoras were a popular way to beat the heat.

On the right, another white dress. Left, a breezy chiffon dress in a floral print and wedges.

More white linen pants, which look particularly sporting with a military-style navy jacket and loafers.

A well-dressed couple. Love her elaborate hat and faux pearls. Plus: more white shorts, which are turning out to be the basic of the season.

A yellow parasol and bag are a nod to sponsor’s Veuve Clicquot’s colors.

Three hats. The tiny embellished bowler hat on the right was made by the wearer.

A black straw hat with big swooping white ribbon.

Several guests took shelter under saffron-colored Veuve Clicquot umbrellas, a great keepsake from the match.

This Mad Hatter-esque straw hat has got to be one of my all-time favorite hats. Paired with white and tan oxfords and white bobby socks.

If you’ve got it, flaunt it – especially in hot weather. A white, ruched body-con dress with white bag and fedora.

A great ikat sundress with a sophisticated black straw hat.

A very stylish early-’60s prep look on a fellow photographer, complete with rep tie and retro Ray Bans. The punk haircut adds an edge.

Several guys in the crowd went all-out preppy for the event, like this one in pink, green and a needlepoint belt with a lobster motif. WASPs represent.

A lesson in mixing patterns. Love the 1930s cut of her straw hat with ribbon.

Two pretty, old-fashioned looks in ivory.

The whole look is simple, elegant and practical.

The New Yorkers at this event had a much better sense of irony than most Hamptonites about what to wear to a polo match, as evidenced by the amusing pith hat in the sweltering, jungle-like weather. On the right, a fedora tops off a Ralph Lauren polo shirt, obviously a propos.

A flash of color is always appreciated, like this peacock-print sundress.

A cool ’50s look of black and white, head to toe. Vertical-stripe dresses feel particularly on trend for summer 2010.

More black and white stripes and an elegant straw hat.

I photographed this for his casual but classic outfit with a slightly beaten-up fedora and plain white tee. But notice how the gesture of texting while walking has become as omnipresent as smoking used to be (see the guy behind him, too). Phones are the new cigarettes….

Two great picnicking outfits. One thing to keep in mind: whatever you schlep with you to picnic is an accessory. Better to make it a fabulous wicker basket like this one than a big ugly cooler – egad! And love the parasol.

Note the longer length of this skirt and the higher waist of her dress, and keep it in mind for fall. Wedges like these or flat sandals were the way to go shoe-wise for polo, which, as you know, is an event held on a field. Stilettos looked so SATC 2000…..

Here’s a sight you don’t see every day: a polo horse against the backdrop of Red Hook loading cranes. Gotta love NYC and our new Governor’s Island playground.