We've got summer sports on the brain — namely, tennis and golf. The PGA Tour is underway; Wimbledon is approaching next month. But even if you're not spectating, we bet the golf and tennis looks have still been on your mind this summer.
That's because we're seeing the ultra-sporty style trend in a big way this summer. Both golf and tennis have traditionally been synonymous with prep culture. While that vibe is still prevalent, the styles are far more effortless, casual, and wearable than before. It's the latest iteration of the athleisurewear trend, and it has just the right mix of elevated polish and laid-back ease. Plus, with looks this fun and flirty, you can wear them anywhere — no court or links required.
Ahead, check out the elements of what makes for a stylish golf or tennis player — that is, minus the racquets and clubs.
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Workout Dresses
Not long ago, tennis dresses didn't come with built-in shorts or bras — a true abomination. We're awfully lucky to live in the era of the quick-dry, pull-on workout dress, many of which now comes fully equipped with inner bike shorts, pockets for tennis balls, and extra bust support.
Outdoor Voices Court Dress, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Terez Black Daisy Tennis Dress, $, available at Terez
Pleated skirts are a classic option for those wanting a less sporty, more flirty foray into golf and tennis style. It's a similar concept to the skort minus the built-short component; you can pop on a pair of breathable cotton bloomers underneath for non-active fashion wear or pair them with trusty spandex and your club or racquet of choice.
Halara Everyday 2-in-1 Pleated Tennis Skirt-Airy, $, available at Halara
Alo Varsity Tennis Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Micro Bike Shorts
If you're going to wear a pleated skirt, you'll likely need a pair of mini biker shorts underneath. These contouring shorts not only offer coverage, but you can also tuck tennis balls up the side leg as a tennis "pocket" hack.
Jgame Georgica Compression Shorts, $, available at Jgame
Splits59 STEFFI RECYCLED TECHFLEX SHORT, $, available at Splits59
Crew Socks
Make no mistake — there's a certain style of sock needed to complete the tennis or golf look, and that is the high crew. The reason is so that a higher-cut sock can absorb sweat that's dripping down your legs. (Ankle socks could never.) You've got a few extra inches of upper sock area to show off, so go ahead and select a snazzy pair.
Kule The Women's Tennis Sock, $, available at Kule
Urban Outfitters Striped Crew Sock 4-Pack, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Nike Everyday Cushion Ankle Training Socks (3 Pair), $, available at Amazon
Collared Polo Shirts
Ah, the polo shirt. It's classic, it's summery, it's athletic — and it deserves a spot in your wardrobe, even if you're not playing. The look of tennis and golf used to be dressier and far more refined, but we're especially loving the cropped, boxy collared polo shirt these days. (Though, we certainly don't mind the more fitted, buttoned-up look, either.)
Tory Burch PERFORMANCE PRINTED POLO, $, available at Tory Burch
Abercrombie and Fitch Striped Ribbed Polo Tank, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Pleated Golf Shorts
Golf shorts tend to have a pleated detail at the front, which makes tucked-in polo shirts look more streamlined and proper. Nowadays, you'll find plenty of pleated lightweight, wicking shorts made from a four-way stretch material, which makes it easier than ever to maneuver around — whether you're on the course or off.
Adidas GO-TO PLEATED SHORTS, $, available at Adidas
Gap High Rise Pleated Khaki Shorts with Washwell, $, available at Gap
Nike Dri-FIT Ace Women's Pleated Golf Shorts, $, available at Nike
Tennis Sneakers
Wearing proper tennis footwear is key. Whereas running shoes are built to get you moving (primarily) forward, tennis shoes are made to help you hustle from front to back, side to side, up and down, and skidding across. Off the court, they can be worn with your new tennis ensemble or paired with jeans for a comfy weekend look.
Adidas BARRICADE TENNIS SHOES, $, available at Adidas
Wilson Rush Pro 3.5 Women's Tennis Shoe, $, available at Wilson
Visors
Another place that golf and tennis looks often overlap? The visor. Players appreciate the visor because it not only keeps the sun out of their eyes but, unlike the regular baseball cap or dad hat, the crownless style allows for top-of-head ventilation. This preppy staple also is a sun-safe summer accessory: win/win.
Urban Outfitters Britney Printed Visor, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Madewell Packable Braided Straw Visor, $, available at Madewell
Adidas Women's Tie Breaker Adjustable Visor, $, available at Amazon
Large Canvas Tennis Totes
An oversized canvas tote is a stylish way to transport all your tennis or golf gear — balls, racquets, towels, a water bottle, an extra set of clothes, you name it. Bonus points if you grab the tote in a cute design, which can easily take you from the country club to wherever you're headed next.
Kule Kule The All Over Gingham Tote, $, available at Anthropologie
Kate Spade New York courtside tennis large canvas tote, $, available at Nordstrom
I didn’t grow up with a grandmother, so I envy friends who had the distinct pleasure of raiding their granny’s jewelry boxes. Nearly all the baubles that would emerge from grandma’s house fell into one very specific vibe: deliciously gaudy. You know costume jewelry when you see it. It’s the absurdly oversize rings encrusted with colorful rhinestones, necklaces strung with chunky beads the size of ping-pong balls, and massive chain-link bracelets sagging from the weight of meticulously detailed charms. The Nora Ephron-esque coastal grandma aesthetic may be having its leisurely moment in the sun, but to me, the senior style that’s more aspirational is cosmopolitan grandma, dripping in all her big-ass jewels. Ahead, find 16 pieces of costume jewelry inspired by the most bedazzled g-mas.
It seems as though a new era of statement jewelry is nearly here, thanks to evolving Y2K fashion trends that now include loading up your fingers with chunky colorful plastic rings, wrapping your neck with a clown-ish flower choker, or adorning limbs with tons of pearls. When it comes to contemporary designers, I salivate at the heart-shaped pendants coming from NYC-based Sandy Liang, who takes the nostalgia of childhood novelty toys like Polly Pocket and relays them into throwback trinkets for adults. Or I can always trust that L.A.-based jewelry brand Mondo Mondo will release something unabashedly big, brassy, and bold, and usually scattered with flashy gemstones. Australian jewelry-maker Chief is also founded on the basic principle that stylish seniors do it better — the brand describes its pieces as “high-low rebellion endorsed by your grandma.”
While there’s a certain art to layering dainty jewelry, there are seemingly few to no rules when it comes to donning grandma jewelry, which can be very freeing and empowering for those who want to bling out without overthinking it. Intentionally clashing metals and materials is part of the styling excitement — plastic bangles can stack alongside rhinestone cuffs, two mismatched cocktail rings can live on the same finger, and playful pendants of fruits or animals can be layered elegantly with a string of pearls. What I love about wearing grandma jewelry is that all you need is just a little confidence and a sense of humor to pull it off. The glamour of it all — even if the look entirely consists of fake opulence — inevitably follows.
If you’re looking to fill out your own jewelry box with some grandma pieces, you may want to start off with at least one large bangle or cuff, one string of imperfectly lumpy oyster pearls, a few stackable chunky rings, and a substantial chain-link bracelet you won’t mind roughing up. Obviously, nothing compares to actual hand-me-downs from your grandmother’s collection. But if you don’t have access to a stylish senior ready to pass down precious wares, you can always default to modern jewelry brands. OBJKTS Jewelry, BaubleBar, and Notte — to name a few — strike the fun balance between 1920s vintage-inspired and winky ’90s motifs of smiley faces, butterflies, hearts, and celestial stars. Leveling up to the cosmopolitan grandma look may be more in reach than you think.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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