First-Timer’s Guide to Newport Polo: What to Know Before You Go

I finally checked something off my Rhode Island bucket list: Newport Polo.

My husband and I attended our very first polo match, and boy, were we impressed.

From the beautiful weather and well-manicured grounds, to the creative cocktails and unique viewing areas, we're already thinking of going back.

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If you're like me and have always wanted to go to a Newport Polo match, but never knew when to expect, read on as I share a few helpful hints.

First and foremost, you won't be in Newport. The polo grounds are in Portsmouth, RI.

What Should I Wear?

Could you wear Julia Roberts' iconic Pretty Woman ensemble? Sure.

@olenagondza Polka dot dress from the movie “Pretty Woman” Although many of us associate Vivian with her tank dress or her red dress at the opera, it is the polka dot dress that plays a key role in the film. It is in this dress that the heroine goes through the transformation stage. Despite the film’s questionable message, it is when Julia Roberts’ character wants to appear to be of a higher social status that she appears at an event wearing a polka dot dress, gloves and a straw boater. Note that at the party not only she wears this pattern, but also other elegant ladies. This pattern is eye-catching, but at the same time it is not flashy. Thanks to Dior, it appeared on the catwalks and became a sign of elegance. I immediately remember the dress Kate Middleton wears when she takes her children to school. And although the dress is a different style, she is wearing the same color, a brown dress with cream polka dots. In the section of the film when the heroine is wearing this dress, she actually takes on a higher status, and her shoes, which are first taken off for her and later taken off herself, subconsciously refer us to the character of Cinderella, who is finally noticed by the prince. #prettywoman #juliaroberts #polkadots #polkadot #polkadotdress #marilynvance #iconic #famousdress #fashioninfilm #fashion ♬ Oh, Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison

In fact, I saw a couple of ladies wearing brown dresses with white polka dots. However, you can wear whatever you're comfortable with.

"Newport casual chic" is recommended, so break out your sundresses, hats, fascinators and more.

Plus, you get to stomp the divots at the half, so wear appropriate footwear.

Whether it's a dress, a polo, shorts, pants or a $16 jumpsuit from Burlington (that was me), you can't go wrong, nor will you feel out of place.

Each week does have a theme, so if you want to go all-out, you can do that, too.

For example, the match I attended channeled the 1920s. Other themes include Oktoberfest, Billabong Barbie and Passport to the World.

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Go Early

Since it was my first time at polo, I knew I wanted to arrive with plenty of time to scope out the grounds, find a spot on the lawn and hopefully avoid some traffic.

The match began at 5 p.m., so we decided to arrive at 3 p.m.

This gave us plenty of time to check out the area and grab a cocktail and a bite to eat before the match started.

If we had more to set up, I would recommend arriving even earlier to claim your spot, especially if you're going with a large group.

Gates typically open four hours before the match.

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Bring All the Food and Drink You Want

Lawn seats give you the freedom to bring along anything and everything to make the day what you want.

The folks sitting to our left pulled out all the stops, complete with crystal champagne flutes.

On our right, the polar opposite: a couple camping chairs and a few bags of chips was all that group required.

There are food trucks and bars on site, so you can purchase a specialty cocktail or a sweet treat if you'd like.

My friend Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru, is there every weekend serving up some phenomenal refreshments.

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Want to bring an EZ-up tent? You can do that too, but listen up: for those simply sitting with no tent, you can be close to the playing field.

Tents need to be past the second line marked on the perimeter of the field so as not to interfere or block the view for other spectators.

At the end of the match, you can even high five the players!

So pack the cooler, bring your friends and don your favorite polo attire. Newport Polo is about to be your new summer tradition.