Few sporting events in the British social season are as haloed as Wimbledon. After all, where else can you witness a graceful volley on the court while spotting celebrities and dressing more elegant than the average jersey-wearing sports fan? If you’ve got the biggest tennis event on your social calendar this year, chances are, you’ve wondered what to wear. Is there a dress code? Should I wear my country club tennis kit? Should I bring a jacket? No, no, and absolutely yes. Whatever your question, we’ve got you covered with our handy guide to acing Wimbledon fashion this summer.
While there’s no official dress code, dressing smartly is encouraged, which means avoiding shorts, graphic T-shirts and flip-flops. Traditionally, spectators tend to dress up, especially in the Royal Box and Centre Court where formal dress is required. Meanwhile, pay close attention to the day’s weather forecast – wouldn’t it be awful if your new sundress was flecked by sudden summer showers? While the hot sun warrants hats and sunglasses, it gets colder in the shade, so make sure to bring a jacket.
If you’re unsure of your chosen outfit, look to the Princess of Wales whose Wimbledon fashion has been iconic year after year with an array of sophisticated dresses and her favourite two-toned spectator pumps. Whether you wish to don a breezy midi dress or go formal with tailoring, read on for the best outfits you can sport around court this season…
Get dressy
A breezy sundress is the easiest answer to any Wimbledon dressing woes. Skip the minis for a floating midi dress. Look to Polo Ralph Lauren, official outfitter of all Wimbledon on-court officials, for the perfect occasion-appropriate striped linen shirtdress that’ll keep you cool and stylish. Elsewhere, Sister Jane adorns a flowy white dress with typically British broderie anglaise, while Rixo’s polka-dotted dress is cut on the bias for a flattering fit, and Self-Portrait’s lace midi dress adds a romantic touch.
Game, set, match
Not one for dresses? You could always play it safe with classic tailoring. Really Wild’s linen-blend trousers and waistcoat are summer-ready and work well with lashings of gold jewellery, while Reiss’s light-pink suit will work wonders with both a crisp Oxford shirt and crewneck T-shirt. For a more romantic and feminine approach, opt for a skirt co ord like Zimmermann’s monochrome floral set, or ME+EM’s textured buttercream yellow suit.
Cover up
The aforementioned temperamental weather means you can hardly go out for a day without layering up. Choose from Brunello Cucinelli and Gucci’s limited-edition Wimbledon capsules: the former’s preppy cable-knit cardigan is embroidered with an on-theme tennis badge, while Gucci’s chic wrap iteration will transport you to the beach clubs of Italy. Looking for a more delicate alternative? Throw on Bode’s hand-beaded coat or an elegant Prada jacquard shawl.
Best foot forward
Kate Middleton’s favourite sky-high spectator pumps are chic, but most of us aren’t a dab hand at walking in heels all day long. Lucky, then, that Aquazzura's rendition comes with a block heel. The Princess also favours the more comfortable Castañer's espadrille wedges which you’ll surely be reaching for all summer. Wish to skip the heels all together? Consider Ferragamo’s black loafers with stacked heels and gold-toned hardware for a smart alternative.
Accessorise
While Wimbledon fashion doesn’t prescribe strict dress codes, when it comes to bags, you can’t carry one bigger than the average aircraft cabin size: 40cm x 30cm x 30cm. Quintessential British brand Mulberry’s boxy Lana bags and wallets are a great option, while nothing says ‘summer’ quite like Demellier’s raffia tote bag. As for jewellery, keep it simple. We adore Monica Vinader’s diamond tennis bracelet and you can’t go wrong with pearl drop earrings. Whatever you choose to accessorise with, don’t forget match-day essential sunglasses: Dior and Bottega Veneta have an array of classic options for every taste.
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