Wimbledon: Serving Looks That We LOVE

With Wimbledon being in full swing, as everyone’s eyes follow the ball being batted back and forth, some of our eyes fall to the outfits of those playing the game. The clothes they wear through the losses, the wins, and all the Pimm’s. These outfits are always part of what makes the competition so esteemed, as they are regulated in nature, so the players must be cautious in choosing what to wear, as if the pressure of the game wasn’t enough already! The outfit rules were originally set in 1890, and though they have changed slightly, one rule has been consistently mandated for all competing players. It’s the only rule which is still in place, and it requires players to wear all-white on the court. Originally, this rule was an indicator of the player's class; now it’s just tradition, as well as being kind of practical, as white doesn’t show sweat stains or absorb heat!

Despite players being confined to a colour, this doesn’t mean that they can’t have their own style, with many players showing their personality through their choice of clothes. Who said athleisure and having functional sportswear meant having to sacrifice fashion?

On the courts

An excellent example of a player who has her fun within the dress code is Coco Gauff, an American player who has been serving looks on the court at this year’s Wimbledon. A recent outfit included a gorgeous floral embroidered top that showed how functional athleisure can still be feminine. The top was perfect for summer, whether you’re spending it with a racket in your hand or not! With its texture and pattern, she is redesigning what we see as expected fashion for the courts, whilst perfectly adhering to the requirements set by the establishment. And she’s not the first either to show style beyond her backhand!

When the tennis Goddess Serena Williams competed in the competition in 2019, she let her jewellery speak for her, with her statement hoop earrings almost stealing the show away from the game. The hoops tied in perfectly with the mandated monochromatic look, making her not only rule-abiding but also incredibly stylish as she matched the hoops to her other accessories. It’s the little details in the outfit which show who she is! Things like the earrings alone seem like a meaningless accessory, but in the context of tradition, where at one point women were required to play in petticoats and corsets (which seems like an absolute nightmare), it shows we’ve come a long way. And though she wasn’t able to affirm her identity in her behaviour on the courts, or more specifically her celebrations (we’re all familiar with the crip walk incident in 2012), she can show us who she is (as a person, and not just a player) through her jewellery.

In the stands

Interestingly, as players attempt to break tradition whilst still adhering to the strict dress code, attendees of the competition seem to be honouring classic styles. There is no dress code for the spectators of the competition, but smart casual is encouraged on the Centre Court and Court number 1 (where the big games happen). Guests who are lucky enough to secure a seat at these courts (which is seemingly harder to come about than a four-leaf clover) do actually abide by this.

Celebrities, in particular, who are in attendance at the competition this year have seemed to opt for following tradition, wearing classic silhouettes and patterns with pops of summer colours. With the men, notably David Beckham and Glen Powell, choosing suits in lighter colours, looking clean and ready for the summer sun. The ladies, including music icons Olivia Rodrigo and Olivia Dean, have been choosing classy and enviable summer dresses in trending colours like butter yellow and cherry red. All completing their looks with a pair of sunglasses, of course, with slimmer, 90s-inspired styles being very popular at the moment.

Not to mention the other star of the show (besides the players) being the couples in the stands, as tennis is clearly not the only match involved in Wimbledon! Lots of celebrity couples have been showing their classic styles with complementary clothes, making us swoon as the players serve.

The Baseline

Maybe there is something to be said about the difference between the crowd and the players.  As the players try to break tradition whilst adhering to strict dress-codes, spectators choose classic styles to watch the match unfurl. It might be because it seems like a choice to dress up in the stands, and you’ve probably had to sell your soul to secure a ticket, so you might as well dress the part. Whilst the players do what they can to feel like themselves in the biggest moments of their careers. Whether they’re showing the spectators their identity or honouring the roots of the sport with classic dressing, we can’t help but look at the clothes and not the ball. I mean, the outfits are just too good not to LOVE!