From my first-ever in-person tennis match to my first Honey Deuce cocktail, this year’s US Open brought a lot of exciting firsts for me. But before I even stepped into the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, I had to get into the sporty spirit with my outfits. Because if Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka were serving (both in looks and on the court) in hooded capes and chunky jewelry, I could dress up for the occasion too.
For spectators and fans, tennis outfits can be super fandom-forward (with some wearing their merch as soon as they purchase it on-site) or super Wimbledon-adjacent (yes, some even wear stilettos!). Everything goes, from preppy polo tops and sporty baseball caps to crisp white dresses and dazzling tennis bracelets. So taking inspo from Pinterest — and trying to channel even an ounce of Zendaya’s iconic Challengers press tour looks — I opted for matching sets, preppy accessories, and tennis ball-inspired greens for my two US Open days.
Ahead, see how I interpreted tennis style as a fashion writer attending the sporting event of the season. And get outfit inspiration if you’re going to watch parties or heading to Arthur Ashe Stadium yourself for the quarterfinals and beyond.
Tennis Outfit Inspo: Sporty Sets
On my first match day, I was invited to attend with Offline by Aerie, so I put together an athleisure look for the occasion, and a matching set was the perfect starting point. I loved this longline sports bra, which felt more like a crop top, and flowy shorts, which gave tennis skirt vibes. But to shield myself from the blazing sun and sporadic rain showers, I added a cropped white button-down for an extra preppy layer.
On to accessorizing, I paired a baseball cap (in collaboration with Offline and the U.S. Tennis Association Foundation) with a compact crossbody bag, though Offline also offers a bag that looks like a tennis skirt, which would also be on-theme! I stuck with my trusty Nike Cortez sneakers in limited-edition gingham, but think any checkered or Mary Jane sneaker is a cool, modern take on a standard tennis shoe. And of course, I had to get some merch when I was in the stadium, buying an adorable tennis ball and racquet keychain that quickly became my bag charm of the day.
Tennis Outfit Inspo: Go Green!
Ever since I dyed my hair copper, green has been my favorite color to wear, and it has quickly filled up my wardrobe. From Kelly green and emerald to lime and chartreuse, my closet was made for a tennis match. Inspired by the shades of tennis balls and courts, I went all out with a green striped skirt, bold sunglasses, crossbody bag, and printed silk scarf. And because I had the US Open during the day and a Havaianas party at night, I had to slip into Brazilian flag-colored flip-flops for it all.
For sporting events, crossbody bags are definitely the way to go, and a convertible one that can also be worn as a top-handle, shoulder, or belt bag is a major win. I cannot tell you how surprisingly versatile my chartreuse Kate Spade Duo bag actually is (or just how many compliments it got at the matches). To complement it, I tied my sold-out Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers polka dot-printed scarf around the strap. And if you want the same look, there are tons of green polka dot or tennis ball print alternatives online. And while I accessorized with sleek silver jewelry, including my Bulova watch, you just know I would’ve worn a green-faced watch if I owned one to go green to the max.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Rock The Business Tie Trend For Harry Styles’ Tour
