Move Beyond the Pleated Mini
The pleated white skirt is the undisputed icon of the tennis trend, but it can also feel the most literal. Serena Williams built her fashion legacy by shattering expectations of what a tennis player should wear. She embraced silhouettes that prioritized
power and presence, from her controversial and sleek catsuits to asymmetrical designs. To make the trend your own, think beyond the standard skirt. Opt for a crisp tennis dress with a modern cut, a sharp pair of tailored athletic shorts, or even a sleek white romper. The goal is to capture the sporty, clean-lined essence of tennis without being confined to the uniform. By choosing an unexpected silhouette, you immediately shift the outfit from a literal interpretation to a fashion-forward nod.
Layer With a 'Third Piece'
A simple tennis dress or a polo-and-skirt combo can easily read as purely athletic. The fastest way to transform it into a deliberate, stylish outfit is by adding a non-sporty third piece. This is a classic styling trick that immediately signals intention. Think of how a blazer elevates jeans and a t-shirt; the same principle applies here. Throw a tailored blazer or a classic trench coat over a simple tennis dress to create a look that’s perfect for brunch or a creative office. A cable-knit sweater draped over your shoulders adds a touch of preppy, off-duty elegance that feels more country club than center court. This strategic layer is what separates dressing for the game from dressing with style.
Accessorize With Power
For Serena, accessories were never an afterthought; they were part of the statement. She famously wore everything from statement necklaces to custom-designed sneakers by Off-White's Virgil Abloh, turning functional items into high-fashion moments. Apply this philosophy to your tennis-inspired look. Instead of a sporty visor and wristbands, add a structured leather handbag, bold gold jewelry, or a pair of chic, oversized sunglasses. These elevated accessories provide a crucial contrast to the sportiness of the clothes. They ground the outfit in an everyday, fashion-conscious context, making it clear you're not actually headed to a match. The right accessories can single-handedly make the entire look more sophisticated and wearable.
Embrace Bold Color and Print
While traditional tennis is synonymous with pristine whites, Serena famously broke the mold with vibrant colors and daring prints, from neon green to leopard spots. This is one of the easiest ways to adopt the spirit of tenniscore without looking like you’re abiding by a Wimbledon dress code. Choose a polo shirt in a saturated hue, or find a pleated skirt in an unexpected color or a subtle pattern. Celebrities have also embraced this, with Zendaya sporting looks in vibrant lime green during her “Challengers” tour. Moving away from the all-white palette allows for more personality and makes the trend feel more integrated into a modern wardrobe. It’s a direct nod to Serena’s confidence and her role in pushing the sport's stylistic boundaries.
Rethink Your Footwear
The shoes you choose can completely change the vibe of your outfit. While a pair of classic white court sneakers is a safe bet, it can also reinforce the feeling of a uniform. Serena often collaborated with designers to create custom footwear that blurred the line between athletic gear and high fashion. Take a cue from this and experiment with your shoe choice. Pairing a tennis dress with sleek loafers, fashion-forward sandals, or even a pair of edgy boots can provide an interesting juxtaposition that makes the look more dynamic and personal. It’s a simple switch that steers the outfit away from pure athleisure and toward a more considered street-style aesthetic.
