Saturday marked an unmissable day on the social calendar: the Alfa Romeo Portsea Polo. A day of raw linen, straw satchels and wide-brimmed sun hats, the Polo saw Australia’s most fashionable descend upon the Victorian coastal town of Portsea for the annual event. Despite the downpour (which made a frequent yet undesirable appearance), fashion and beauty were at an all-time high. On the (wet) ground in Portsea, we caught up with blogger Rozalia Russian and model Tahnee Atkinson to discuss Polo style and beauty.

Tahnee opted for a flowing bell-sleeved dress by Australian label Steele, spliced with shiny flecks of red, blue, green and gold. Looking ever the Polo bohème, she paired the floaty dress with a metallic flat and petit straw bucket bag by Scanlan and Theodore. Fashion gold at the end of the rainbow indeed.

Roza brought her brand of glamour to the Polo, albeit a pared-back variety. Styled by Elliot Garnaut, the Steele two-piece was a Polo standout; a textured crop and slouchy peg pant in buttery linen articulated Polo style perfectly. Paper-bag at the waist, it was expertly cinched with both belt and bum bag (YSL, naturally). Expressive details completed the look: golden hardware by Isabella May, disc-like Ray-Bans and a Christian Dior silk twilly, deftly threaded through a plait by hairstylist Hermiz Daniel.

“We were excited to work with Steele as for me they embody the Polo trend perfectly,” notes Garnaut. “Relaxed linens and gorgeous cottons are exactly what women should turn to for a beachside summer event. We wanted to take this and add an edge, which we did through bold earrings, bum bag and a play on the headscarf trend.”

Both girls chose simple beauty notes: a complicated contour, nude lip and subtly smoky eyes. Here Roza and Tahnee talk Polo fashion and beauty with GRAZIA.

Rozalia Russian


Tell us about your look today, and how did you arrive at this look?
I have been working with my stylist Elliot Garnaut for a few months now to achieve something both sophisticated yet casually cool. Considering the location and event, I was really excited to wear the label Steele and keep my look pared back as opposed to my usual dressed up nature. I’m wearing their amazing Aster Set.

How would you describe Polo style?
Polo style to me is effortless. Girls have the ability to get more creative with their looks and really showcase and highlight summer trends.

Is there a kind of style etiquette which should be adhered to come Polo Day?
Yes, definitely. Softer fabrics such as linen and neutral colour palettes lend themselves to the perfect Polo look and something Steele does so well.

How does the Polo differ to the Races when it comes to Fashion?
The Polo is much more relaxed than the Spring Racing Carnival. You’re able to show more of your personal style as you’re not restricted to cocktail dresses and headpieces that surround the glitz and glam of race day.

And what should be avoided?
Overdressing is definitely something to avoid. Stay away from wintery fabrics such as velvet and felt and dark colour palettes such as black and burgundy.

Describe your perfect Polo beauty look?
Less is always more. Softer makeup with bronzed tones, a nude lip and effortlessly chic up ‘dos.

Are there any beauty no-gos at the Polo?
Too much eye makeup.

Choose one of the following…
Hat or no hat? I love both
Wedge or flat? Neither – I’d go a block heel
Skirt or pant? Pant
Jumpsuit or dress? Dress
Red lip or nude? Nude
Bronzer or blush? Bronzer
Hair up or down? Up


shop the look

Steele aster pant, $199. shop now

Tahnee Atkinson


Tell us about your look today. how did you arrive at it?
Today I’m wearing a beautiful metallic rainbow-print Steele Dress. I kept everything else really slick and modern. When I think of Polo, understated, cool and relaxed styles always come to mind. I like to dress simple and classy. Their Prism dress is perfect.

How would you describe Polo style?
Summery, comfortable and classy.

How does the Polo differ to the Races when it comes to Fashion?
Polo is more casual. You can get away with a more relaxed look.

And what should be avoided?
Fascinators.

Describe your perfect Polo beauty look?
Tanned and natural.

Are there any beauty no-gos at the Polo?
I think keep your hair and makeup simple; nothing too heavy or dark.

Choose one of the following…
Hat or no hat? No hat
Wedge or flat? Flat
Skirt or pant? Pant
Jumpsuit or dress? Dress
Red lip or nude? Nude
Bronzer or blush? Bronzer
Hair up or down? Both


Shop the look

Steele Prism Long Sleeve Dress, $299. SHOP NOW