Enid Blyton meets Lord Cowdray

The polo shirt is one of the most popular items in the high-street shops right now. Not surprising really: they're cheap, wearable, and a tomboyish antidote to frills, flowers and gingham

1

Kookai stripy polo shirt, pounds 9.99 Good fit, and great value for money. Horizontal stripes can be very unflattering, as we all know, but these seem just the right width to enhance a curvy look for most figures. From Kookai branches nationwide: 07-937 44

Muji, pounds 9.95 Grey, long-sleeved, with a lazing-around-the-house appeal, and definitely one for him and her to fight over. Also with short sleeves in white, grey, natural, black and navy. A top for all seasons. Available from Muji, 26 Great Marlborough Street, London W; 63-67 Queen Street, Glasgow. Enquiries and mail-order: 07- 494 97

French Connection dress, pounds 30 The polo dress is just one variation on a number of polo-shirt styles in abundance in the high street. They're a welcome change from tight-fitting vest dresses and flouncy florals. French Connection includes a range of short-sleeved and sleeveless shirts. Colours are vibrant in orange, turquoise, lilac and pink. From French Connection, 249 Regent Street, London W and branches nationwide (07- 580 2507)

Ralph by Ralph Lauren, pounds 65 Cropped Aertex mint polo shirt. He of the Polo label is bound to make a great polo shirt; however, this borders on being a little too sweet and tiny. Your mother may say that, at pounds 65 for a simple sports top, you would expect a bit more fabric. But price criticisms aside, this is from a man who knows how to make clothes look great. Available from Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, London SW7

CK by Calvin Klein, pounds 35 If it's a designer name you're after, Calvin Klein definitely puts Ralph Lauren to shame on the price front. Sure to be a hit with stylish and the label-conscious, although some may think the size of the logo is a little to flashy. Available from Harvey Nichols, London, as above

Marks & Spencer, pounds 2 White sleeveless tennis top with pink piping on the sleeve. This is definitely a lot more sporty-looking than the others selected. It is generously cut on the sleeve, allowing the wearer ease of movement. The one criticism is that perhaps it is a little too sheer. Available from branches of M&S nationwide (enquiries on 07-935 4422).