The Elevated Crewneck Sweatshirt
The sweater vest’s collegiate vibe is iconic, but its sleeveless nature can be impractical for truly cool autumn days. Enter its more functional cousin: the crewneck sweatshirt. An oversized sweatshirt in a classic neutral like heather gray, navy, or cream,
when paired with a crisp pleated skirt, creates a look that’s less stuffy and more authentically athletic. The key is in the proportions. A slightly larger top half-tucked into the skirt’s waistband maintains a defined silhouette while offering cozy comfort. This pairing leans into the streetwear side of tenniscore, feeling modern and effortless. Finish the look with scrunched crew socks and classic white sneakers to nail the relaxed, off-duty athlete aesthetic.
The Modern Cardigan Comeback
If you still want the layered look a vest provides, a cardigan offers far more versatility. Instead of a preppy V-neck, consider a fitted cardigan buttoned up and worn as a top on its own. This creates a clean, streamlined look that pairs beautifully with a white tennis skirt. Alternatively, an oversized or chunky knit cardigan worn open over a simple tank top or fitted tee provides warmth and textural contrast. This approach feels softer and more relaxed than a structured vest. Paired with knee-high boots and tights, a cardigan and pleated skirt combo is perfectly suited for crisp fall weather.
The Sporty Quarter-Zip Pullover
For a look that directly channels athletic wear in a polished way, the quarter-zip or half-zip pullover is an unbeatable choice. These pieces, often in a ribbed knit or a smooth technical fabric, have a sporty DNA that feels completely authentic to the tenniscore trend. Layered over a collared shirt for a preppy touch or worn zipped up on its own, a quarter-zip provides a sleek, unfussy silhouette. It bridges the gap between a casual sweatshirt and a formal sweater, making it an incredibly useful fall staple. A navy or cream pullover paired with a white skirt is a timeless combination that looks sharp both on and off the court.
The Standalone Long-Sleeve Polo
Sometimes, the best layering piece is no layering piece at all. A long-sleeve polo shirt is a hero item that embodies the tenniscore aesthetic without needing any help. Tucked into a pleated skirt, it offers a clean, classic look that feels intentional and polished. This single-layer approach is perfect for those transitional fall days when a heavy sweater is too much. Look for high-quality fabrics like piqué cotton or soft knits that drape well. While white is a classic, don't overlook shades of green, navy, or even autumnal tones like rust for a seasonal update. The beauty of this look is its simplicity; it’s all about the clean lines and timeless silhouette.
Focus on Foundational Pieces
Ultimately, moving beyond the sweater vest is about realizing that tenniscore is an entire aesthetic, not just one item. The foundation is often a great pleated skirt, which can be styled in numerous ways. For fall, this might mean pairing it with opaque tights and ankle boots, or leaning into the preppy vibe with loafers. You can also make a statement with a plaid or tweed blazer, which adds texture and autumnal color. A simple, high-quality turtleneck is another elegant option that looks fantastic with a pleated skirt and riding boots for a sophisticated take on the trend. By focusing on these other core elements, the sweater vest becomes an option, not a necessity.
