Tennis has always been a well-loved sport that attracts spectators to large events to watch the best players in the world compete for a professional title, and the U.S. Open is no exception. The past year has been an especially big year for tennis. From 19-year-old American player Coco Gauff winning the title last September to the release of the Zendaya-led Challengers in the spring and the rise of the “tenniscore” fashion trend, people cannot stop talking about the sport and incorporating fun nods to it in their wardrobe.
The end of August marks the beginning of the U.S. Open, which takes place in Queens, New York. Whether you’ve had this trip planned for months or are buying a last-minute ticket, there’s still the important question: “What do I wear?” Thankfully, this New York City-based fashion writer has you covered. I’ve picked out 15 of my favorite tennis outfit styles, including chic blouses and elegant matching sets to comfortable athleisure dresses, that are surefire aces for the 2024 U.S. Open. If you’re attending the full, two-week-long tournament or just stopping by to see some quick tennis action, you’ll be sure to find something to serve in. However, the best part of all is that each one can be worn well after the event, too — and that they’re starting at $15.
Madewell Ribbed Polo Mini Dress
Madewell’s take on the traditional polo dress is an amazing option for a day of watching tennis in New York City. With its collared neckline, this dress is sure to have you looking elegant among the swanky spectators. The brand’s sustainable Tencel fabric slightly hugs the skin and is just loose enough to guarantee a comfortable, breathable fit. The ribbed detailing adds a bit of sophistication to the look, but you could certainly dress this up or down. I could easily see myself pairing this with white sneakers and a canvas tote bag, or you could take a different approach with low heels and some nice jewelry to round out the look.
Quince Poplin Boxy Short Sleeve Shirt
Another fresh rendition of a timeless look is this cropped button-down shirt from Quince. The boxy, oversized fit with large panels of fabric along the edges gives it a modern and trendy essence, while classic features like the button-down front and a crisp, pointed collar help it remain incredibly fashionable. The loose, utility fit already provides a breezy feeling while wearing the shirt, and the 100-percent organic cotton fabric will also help keep you cool even at an all-day outdoor sporting event in August. With three different neutral colors to choose from, it would be easy to pair this with anything currently in your wardrobe.
Anrabess Knit Pullover and Pants Two-piece Set
If you’re like me and find it hard to decide what to wear to an upcoming event, make it easy on yourself and wear a two-piece set. The sleeveless sweater top and the smart casual trousers are an excellent combination for a posh look that will leave you feeling put together all day. The slightly cropped top hem with the high-rise waistband of the bottoms creates a flattering silhouette when worn together. Outside of a tennis match, this could easily work for a Sunday morning brunch or a lovely evening dinner while you’re still in the city.
Sam Edelman Simone Sneakers
Having the proper footwear at the U.S. Open is just as important as your outfit itself, and this stylish pair from Sam Edelman is just what you need. Even though you’ll be finding yourself sitting and watching the action for a large portion of the day, you’ll still want a shoe that provides function and support for the different activities around the stadium. With thick, 1-inch soles, they ensure comfort in each step. The Simones come in four different colors and a trendy scalloped trim that would look great for a variety of different occasions. If you’re going for a preppy outfit for the event, the ivory color with touches of gold or the all-white pair would tie in nicely for a tennis match look. Although, the pine green colorway is a personal favorite of mine.
J.Crew Amelia Maxi Shirtdress in Poplin Cotton
J. Crew’s Amelia Shirtdress is an effortlessly elegant piece that will catch glances as you walk through the famous Arthur Ashe Stadium. Little details throughout the dress, like the button-down center and the collared neck, give it a classy and polished touch, and the slightly ruffled sleeves and hemline add a dainty and feminine quality as well. Not to mention, the tie in the middle of the dress helps bring dimension to the piece and creates a flattering silhouette. With a few pieces of jewelry and other accessories like a pair of sunglasses and a fun pair of shoes, you’ll be ready to go.
Cugoao Half-zip Polo Tennis Dress
If you’re attending the U.S. Open and looking to go the athleisure route, Amazon has the perfect dress. With a mix of nylon and spandex, the Cugoao tennis dress offers just enough stretch to stay comfortable throughout the day. One of my favorite features of this dress is the zippered neckline that can be worn up or folded down into a collar. Even if you’re playing tennis in this sporty dress, having the zipper down would keep things cool while active. There’s also a pair of separate shorts that come with the dress to wear underneath that have two pockets on the sides if you ever want to slip in small items away quickly.
Alo Yoga Tennis Club Sweater Knit Dress
This best-selling dress from Alo Yoga is all the rage — so much so that it sold out and was just restocked. The knit sweater dress, with a varsity jacket-styled pattern lining the edges of the fabric, creates a classic and chic look that would be perfect for wearing to the tennis stadium. The dress is currently available in black and gray and could be dressed up or down depending on how you choose to accessorize. I’d personally style this dress with gold jewelry pieces, oversized sunglasses, white sneakers, and a small shoulder bag to find that happy medium of cute and casual.
Athleta Essential Tee Dress
You can never go wrong with a simple T-shirt dress, and this one from Athleta, made with the brand’s lightweight Supima cotton, has a flowy and comfortable fit that you’ll feel good in from the day session matches well into the night session matches. One thing I love about this dress is that it’s available in regular and tall sizing, so depending on your height, it will offer enough length to keep you covered. Pair with a belt for more shape, a cardigan wrapped around the shoulders, and some white sneakers or platform sandals, and you have the perfect U.S. Open outfit.
Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flats
A classic style that’s made its way back to the mainstream, Mary Jane flats had an epic return and are here to stay well through the fall. For under $100, this pair from Franco Sarto would be a great addition to anyone’s closet for year-long wear. Boasting a versatile design, these shoes are a great option to go with a variety of outfits, whether it’s for a refined look at a tennis match or maybe just a casual day at the office. The metallic silver and leopard print styles immediately caught my eye, but with nine colors to choose from there’s something for everyone.
Anthropologie Melie Bianco Willow Shoulder Bag
What’s better than a bright yellow-green shoulder bag at the hottest tennis event of the year? If you’re looking to make a subtle statement walking around the grounds, then look no further: The Melie Bianco Willow Shoulder Bag is just the right mix of luxurious yet playful. The bag is made with smooth vegan leather that allows it to keep a sturdy shape. Measuring 10 inches by 6 inches by 3 inches, it’s the perfect size to hold all of your essentials. There’s even a slip pocket on the exterior of the purse if you need easy access to a few things.
For the sporty dressers out there, I recommend toting around something sleek and spacious like the Telena Belt Bag from Amazon. Its adjustable strap allows it to be worn around your waist, crossbody-style, or on your shoulder, and there are plenty of pouches to hold your tickets, phone, and more.
Vuori Set Dress
What says “tennis” better than a pleated skirt? Thankfully, you don’t have to be a tennis player to wear this classic look from Vuori. The Set Dress could easily double as the perfect outfit to play a set in or be styled for an everyday look. With a built-in sports bra and thick straps for extra support, it’s a great option to provide all-day comfort. Beyond the U.S. Open and your next rally, this dress could also be worn on a trip, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of walking and sightseeing.
Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Short-sleeve Cardigan
Abercrombie & Fitch recently added this short-sleeve cardigan to its collection, and it’s an excellent choice for a day of tennis in New York. The cardigan-style, short-sleeve sweater is simple enough to be styled well with anything from straight-leg jeans to a maxi skirt, but the gold buttons down the middle and the crew neckline give it a polished look that would make any outfit seem incredibly put together. It comes in four different colors, and whether you take this from the tennis match to the office, it will have you feeling comfortable and stylish.
Everlane The Boxy Cardigan in Everyday Cotton
A cute option that could nicely cross over into your fall wardrobe, this organic cotton cardigan from Everlane is a lovely versatile closet staple. With eight different colors to choose from, it wouldn’t be too hard to find a color that catches your eye and pairs with your outfit for the U.S. Open. In the summertime, I love to take cardigans like this and drape them over my shoulders to create a casual yet classy look without fully committing to putting the sweater on. I’d wait just a few more weeks until the temperatures begin to drop for that. However, if you’re traveling from out of town to watch the tennis matches, this would be the perfect item to keep you warm if you find yourself getting cold at the airport or train station.
New Balance 6 Panel Washed Corduroy Hat
A cute baseball hat during the summer can do wonders not only for your eyes but for your outfit as well. At first glance, this hat from New Balance is no different than an everyday baseball cap, but its corduroy fabric helps set it apart. It comes in two colors: beige linen and burgundy rich oak. Either color would be a great option to accessorize an outfit for the U.S. Open as the material adds a bit of charm and character to help make a look unique. The rich tones of the brown-red color would also be an amazing accessory to wear into the fall.
Mosanana Trendy Rectangle Sunglasses
A pair of oversized sunnies is a must for a day spent outside at a sporting event, and this pair from Amazon gives luxury without the designer price tag. The vintage-like rectangle shape is a great choice to throw on with any outfit, but it will also give you that final touch that adds a bit of class to the look. For only $15, these sunnies are essential to keep on you while traveling to the U.S. Open and during the matches. You even get a case with your purchase.
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