Headed to Wimbledon? These 7 Graceful Outfits Are Serves in Their Own Right

27/06/2024

Everyone may be eyeing up the Paris Olympics, but over in London the sporting event on everyone's minds is Wimbledon. Even if you're not a huge tennis fan, you'll undoubtedly be familiar with this iconic summer event, if only for the understatedly glamorous looks and the famed strawberries and cream treats.

If you're one of the lucky ones who'll be heading to see the event in person, you're probably in the middle of trying to figure out what to wear. While Wimbledon has no official dress code for spectators—aside from a ban on torn jeans, marked sneakers, or sport shorts—the famous attendees, from Kate Middleton to Alexa Chung to Nicola Coughlan, have established that this is the place to put your best fashion foot forward.

headed to wimbledon? these 7 graceful outfits are serves in their own right

((Image credit: @anoukyve ))

So let's get into the specifics. In general you want to think "smart casual." That means I'd generally try to avoid jeans and shorts, and gravitate towards easy dresses and separates. You also don't want to go full party glam, either—this isn't the place to wear your ballgown or your bejewelled mini. The good news is, the kind of styles you'd be best suited to wear to Wimbledon are likely pieces you'll happily wear time and time again.

Another important factor is comfort. You're going to be there all day, and likely be getting up on your feet a few times, so shoes that you'll be happy to spend several hours in are key, whether that's the on-trend ballet flat or a low heeled sandal. Then consider your outfit fabrics—cotton and linen are perfect for spending a long day outside, but layering a light knit or blazer over your shoulders will ensure you're prepared for whatever London weather decides to throw your way.

To help get you inspired, I've pulled seven looks that I think would be perfect to emulate for a day at Centre Court.

1. Monochromatic Skirt + Top + Ballet Flats

((Image credit: @aimeesong ))

Style Notes: Aimee's chic holiday outfit is a brilliant example of what to wear to Wimbledon. The monochromatic blue look looks understatedly elegant, but is breezy and comfortable enough for you to happily wear for an afternoon in the stands. Blue not your colour? Swap this whole look for one in your perfect hue.

Shop the Look:

Cupro T-Shirt

Arket Cupro T-Shirt

A very elevated t-shirt.

Navy Slip Mila Midi Skirt

Nobodys Child Navy Slip Mila Midi Skirt

This versatile slip skirt comes in many colours, but I think this navy is the most useful year-round.

Aurora Flats

Jeffrey Campbell Aurora Flats

I'm obsessed with these satin ballet pumps.

Chunky Mariner-Chain Necklace

COS Chunky Mariner-Chain Necklace

A chunky chain gives this whole look a cool, contemporary edge.

2. White Dress + Colourful Mules

((Image credit: @lefevrediary ))

Style Notes: Nod to the tennis whites of the pros with a beautifully structured white midi dress. Cotton poplin is the best material to go for—it's breathable and light but still holds its shape all day long. Adding a pop of colour with the heels ensures you don't mistakenly look like you should actually be on the court.

Shop the Look:

Poplin Cotton Mix Midi Dress

Whistles Poplin Cotton Mix Midi Dress

Such a timeless dress you can style in so many ways.

Lolloso 50 Bow-Detailed Ruched Leather Mules

MANOLO BLAHNIK Lolloso 50 Bow-Detailed Ruched Leather Mules

The low, chunky heels means these pretty pink mules should be comfortable to wear all day long.

The Cannes in Black Smooth With Chunky Chain

DeMellier The Cannes in Black Smooth With Chunky Chain

I love the chunky chain detail.

Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses

& Other Stories Angular Cat Eye Sunglasses

Who can resist a cat eye pair of sunglasses?

3. Pleated Skirt + Long Vest

((Image credit: @anoukyve ))

Style Notes: Anouk is the master of refined minimalism, and her look is perfect for watching a Wimbledon match. I love the contrast of the structured waistcoat with the romantic, sweeping midi skirt, and the strappy low heels give it the final polished touch.

Shop the Look:

Cassie Linen Belted Waistcoat

Reiss Cassie Linen Belted Waistcoat

This belted waistcoat would also look so chic with wide-leg trousers.

H&M

H&M Pleated Skirt

A dreamy summer skirt.

Serenity Bare Sandal

Reformation Serenity Bare Sandal

These barely-there sandals are the kind of shoe that'll go with pretty much any outfit.

Carey Crescent Hobo Bag

Charles & Keith Carey Crescent Hobo Bag

I love how Anouk's burgundy bag adds a warm hint of colour to this ensemble.

4. Shirt Dress + Slingback Heels

((Image credit: @abimarvel ))

Style Notes: A shirt dress with a cinched waist is a Wimbledon classic, striking the perfect note between polished and daytime-appropriate. Follow Abi's example and give yours a modern refresh by opting for a style that surprises with texture and detail, and pairing it with a subtly sparkling pair of slingback heels.

Shop the Look:

Cotton Stripe Midi Shirt Dress + Belt

ME+EM Cotton Stripe Midi Shirt Dress + Belt

Every detail of this dress is gorgeous, from the lace panels on the sleeves to the neat belt in matching pinstripe blue.

Women

Gucci Women's Gg Slingback Pump

Abi's exact heels—and they're a real influencer favourite. I love the unexpected pairing of these party heels with the more modest shirt dress.

Glossed-Leather Shoulder Bag

& Other Stories Glossed-Leather Shoulder Bag

With so much else going on, it's best to keep the bag a bit more understated.

Twisted Hoop Earrings

COS Twisted Hoop Earrings

The ultimate finishing touch.

5. White Trousers + Colourful Cardigan

((Image credit: @monikh ))

Style Notes: White wide leg trousers are a Wimbledon staple, but I love how Monikh has styled hers with a cardigan—brilliant for dealing with London's unpredictable climate—in red, a trending colour this season.

Shop the Look:

+ Net Sustain Bea Cashmere Cardigan

ARCH4 + Net Sustain Bea Cashmere Cardigan

You'll get so much wear out of this cardigan.

Alfred Pant

Reformation Alfred Pant

I'm a big fan of Reformation's tailored trousers.

Kitten Heel Sandals

MANGO Kitten Heel Sandals

Thong kitten heels are a big sandal trend this season.

Rattan Clutch Bag

MANGO Rattan Clutch Bag

I keep seeing rattan everywhere, and this clutch is perfect for embracing the trend—it also has a chain in case you get tired of carrying it around.

6. Colourful Dress + Chunky Loafers

((Image credit: @lucywilliams02 ))

Style Notes: When it comes to dressing for this full day event, comfort is key. You can absolutely swap heeled sandals or pumps for flats, and I personally love the look of chunky heeled loafers with a maxi dress.

Shop the Look:

Tommie Knit Dress

Reformation Tommie Knit Dress

A long sleeved maxi always looks effortlessly cool.

Leather Moccasin With Track Sole

MANGO Leather Moccasin With Track Sole

Don't want to splurge on the Gucci loafers? These are a great alternative.

Le 5 à 7 Leather Shoulder Bag

SAINT LAURENT Le 5 à 7 Leather Shoulder Bag

If you're going to invest in a classic bag, this is a great choice.

Monochroms Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses

CELINE EYEWEAR Monochroms Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses

Celine sunglasses are a celebrity favourite—and for good reason.

7. Patterned Linen Mini + Jumper

((Image credit: @livvperez ))

Style Notes: This perfectly preppy look is ideal for a day at Wimbledon, yet the pattern detail and mini hemline keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. A small top handle big really rounds out the outfit.