Few sporting events in the British social season are as hallowed as Wimbledon. After all, where else can you witness a graceful volley on the court while spotting celebrities, donning your most elegant sports attire, and enjoying a legitimate 11am Pimms? If you’ve been lucky enough to secure Centre Court tickets, chances are you’re wondering what to wear to Wimbledon. 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.

While there’s no official dress code for what to wear to Wimbledon, 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 on Centre Court (where formal dress is required). It also goes without saying, pay close attention to the day’s weather forecast – wouldn’t it be awful if your new sundress was to be ruined 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.

British designer and host of fashion podcast, Style DNA, Amanda Wakeley OBE says: “Wimbledon is the epitome of refined British summer style – it’s less about following a strict dress code and more about embracing a sense of polished ease. For women, I love the idea of relaxed tailoring in breathable fabrics – a white linen trouser suit or a belted midi or maxi skirt and shirt for a look that is effortless yet chic. It’s a long day, so comfort is key.”

She adds: “Accessories should be considered but never overthought – a beautiful raffia and leather tote to hold an extra layer for later in the day, statement sunglasses and perhaps a classic Panama hat. Wimbledon dressing is ultimately about elegance that feels effortless – a quiet nod to tradition, with a distinctly modern sensibility.”

If you’re still unsure about what to wear to Wimbledon, look to the Princess of Wales whose looks remain on point 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 to sport around court this season…

Get dressy

A breezy sundress is the easiest answer to any Wimbledon dressing woes. Skip the minis for a floaty midi dress. Look to Emilia Wickstead for the perfect occasion-appropriate (and suitably green), square neck dress that’ll keep you cool and stylish. Alternatively, Rewritten’s beautiful butter yellow satin dress trimmed with contrasting lace offers something super bright and summery.

Elsewhere, brands are spotlighting this summer’s drop waist trend. Sandro’s knitted version takes on a pleated design in a preppy white shade that will match the players’ on-court style, while Kitri’s pretty pink iteration is cut from a lightweight linen-cotton blend for an easy breezy, girly feel.

Rixo’s Sandrine dress embraces SS25’s en vogue polka dot pattern and is cut on the bias for a flattering fit. Meanwile Hansine’s whimsical dress is rendered in a beautiful green watercolour print for a graceful, vintage feel (and is perfect for chillier days with its long-sleeved silhouette).

If you did want to go mini for a short, chic style, Ralph Lauren – official outfitter of all Wimbledon on-court officials – has the smart striped shirt dress for you. Or for something a little more feminine and floral, you can’t go wrong with Farm Rio’s fabulously floral-print dress with puffed sleeves and a matching belt.

Game, set, match

Not one for dresses? You could always play it safe with classic tailoring. Really Wild’s checked trousers and waistcoat are summer-ready and work well with lashings of gold jewellery, while Reiss’s neutral-hued suit will work wonders with both a crisp Oxford shirt and crewneck T-shirt.

For a more romantic approach on what to wear for Wimbledon, opt for a skirt co ord like Self-Portrait’s baby blue broderie anglaise set, or Khaite’s vibrant raspberry printed silk top and skirt combo, which is very Wimbledon strawberries and cream appropriate.

Cover up

The aforementioned temperamental weather means it would be inadvisable to go out for the day without layering up. Choose from Balmain's preppy cardigan rendered in a gorgeous rose pink and complete with the maison’s signature gold-tone buttons, or Reformation's oversized V-neck sweater for a super soft layer with a sporty edge. Both offer warmth without compromising on style.

Looking for something slightly more formal? More jacket than cardigan? Button up Claudie Pierlot's tweed jacket or throw on Joseph's Amelot pleated blazer. Both are smart, sophisticated and designed in neutral shades to go with just about every summery dress or co-ord variation.

Best foot forward

The Princess of Wales' 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 espadrille wedge – take Castañer's fuchsia pair, which you’ll surely be reaching for all summer.

Wish to skip the heels all together? Consider a pair of ballet flats for a comfortable alternative that is still smart in style. The Row and Le Monde Beryl offer elegant options, the former in cream or brown, the latter crimson red.

Accessorise 

While Wimbledon 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 Chloe's raffia basket bag.

For something a little bolder, turn to Lulu Guinness. Blending vintage glamour with modern chic and a lot of playful edge, every bag is a showstopper. Take the rose basket bag in satin chartreuse with vibrant pink flowers, perfect for Wimbledon and beyond. Mashu's Calliope bag is equally out there, rendered in a punchy lipstick/London bus red. A true statement accessorry if we ever saw one.

When it comes to jewellery, keep it simple. We adore Mejuri’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.

Read more: What to pack for a weekend in the country