How to serve up some Centre Court chic in your wardrobe

• Zendaya’s tennis-esque looks have caused a surge in interest in preppy, style
• READ MORE: Zendaya finds the Met Gala ‘terrifying’ as she prepares to co-chair 

Trust the undisputed queen of the red carpet, Zendaya, and her stylist, Law Roach, to serve sartorial ace after ace on the press tour for her hotly anticipated tennis drama, Challengers.

The film, which is released tomorrow, stars the American actress as Tashi, a former player turned coach, who finds herself caught in a love triangle.

Zendaya’s playful outfits have included a custom Thom Browne dress covered in embroidered tennis rackets, tennis ball-speared stilettos by Loewe and a couture neon green gown featuring a plunging neckline with a matching tennis ball embellishment at the waist.

Her Wimbledon-esque looks have caused a surge in interest in preppy, athleisure style, which has been officially dubbed ‘tennis-core’.

But it’s not just thanks to the film that sporty chic is on trend — the catwalks have embraced tennis style, too.

Trust the undisputed queen of the red carpet, Zendaya, and her stylist, Law Roach, to serve sartorial ace after ace on the press tour for her hotly anticipated tennis drama, Challengers. Above: Zendaya attends a photocall for her film on in Rome on 8 April

Dress, £36, asos.com; trainers, £199, penelope chilvers.com; jumper, £89, mintvelvet.com; visor, £48.22, marzoline.com; earrings, £95, and ring, £75, astridandmiyu.com; bracelet, £89, hugoboss.com

Cableknit vest, £49.95, joules. com

Pleat mini skirt, £129, karenmillen.com

Blazer, £365, waistcoat, £200, and trousers, £225, paperlondon. com; bag, £275, katespade.co.uk; necklace, £320, tillysveaas.co.uk; bangles, £125 each, aspinal oflondon.com; earrings, £95, astridandmiyu.com

Miu Miu’s SS24 collection featured polo shirts and matching skirts, while Lacoste’s AW24 designs paid homage to the classic tennis uniform of pleated skirts and dresses in whites and greens.

Of course, the High Street has taken note. Athleisure brands such as Sporty & Rich and Varley are offering elevated takes on tennis-core, while Mango’s new tennis club collection includes logo cardigans and caps perfect for accessorising off court.

For while you may think that tennis dresses aren’t appropriate for everyday wear, the High Street has delivered wearable pieces suitable for all ages.

The cream, long-sleeved ribbed knitted short dress from Hill House Home (£168) features a collared neckline, functional buttons and ruffle edges for that extra feminine touch.

Just add a pair of 1970s-inspired wedges like these by Penelope Chilvers (above, far left) and, for an extra preppy touch, a green linen hair bow.

If you prefer longer styles, Asos has the perfect seamed maxi dress (£36). Pair with a visor and some vintage-inspired trainers for a fresh summer look.

Meanwhile, a tennis skirt combines style and functionality. Karen Millen’s version features an interesting cut-out to showcase the classic pleat detailing (£129).

Shirt, £95, withnothing underneath. com; dress, £320, labeca london.com; shoes, £35.99, zara.com; earrings, £100, and bracelet, £80, tilly sveaas.co.uk; bag £250, katespade. co.uk; headband, £41.25, marzoline. com

Dress, £168, hillhousehome.co.uk; shoes, £229, penelopechilvers.com; bag, £230, longchamp.com; earrings, £95, astridandmiyu.com; bow, £35.98, marzoline.com

Blazer, £55; waistcoat, £35; shorts, £25, and bag, £39.50, marksand spencer.com; loafers, £175, bobbies.com; earrings as before; sunglasses, £135, jimmyfairly.co.uk

Keep it casual and tuck a loose-fitting T-shirt in at the waist. Or opt for a polo shirt and trainers for maximum tennis-core credentials.

For ease and comfort, shorts are the perfect alternative. These linen rich, high-waisted shorts from Marks & Spencer (£25 come with a matching waistcoat (£35) and cropped blazer (£55). Wear with flats or wedge sandals for extra polish.

In Challengers, Tashi’s tennis whites are courtesy of Adidas, but you can copy the all-white look with this three-piece linen suit from Paper London, which is smart enough for the office (blazer, £365, waistcoat, £200, and trousers, £225). Add an extra tennis spin with a pop of neon, like this Kate Spade bag (£275).

So, whether you opt for full tennis-core or play it safe and subtle, you’ll be sure to serve a winning look. Game on!

Read more