Zendaya’s recent tennis-inspired red carpet looks have taken the world by storm.
The Euphoria star, 27, has been promoting her new film Challengers, where she plays a tennis prodigy whose career is cut short due to injury (in cinemas April 26).
Zendaya has helped bring tenniscore fashion back into the mainstream, and she’s not alone – Chanel’s recent runway showcased sporty co-ords and luxury tennis apparel brand Lacoste returned to Paris Fashion Week in March.
— LAW ROACH (@LUXURYLAW) April 17, 2024
The look has been endorsed by by Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach, who has urged people to start wearing tennis-inspired outfits – meaning it’s only a matter of time before it takes over as one of the season’s biggest trends.
With Wimbledon just a few months away, there is no better time to start experimenting and introducing it into your seasonal wardrobe. Equal parts chic and practical, the tenniscore trend is also surprisingly easy to style.
1. Polo shirts
A versatile polo shirt is a true wardrobe hero and is one of the simplest ways to kick off your tenniscore wardrobe. Light hues such as pinks, baby blues, or soft whites will give the most authentic court-ready look, while a navy or black gives a nod to the style without being too overt.
"Try swapping out your simple white tee for a crisp polo shirt with the collar popped up, but be sure to neatly tuck it into your waistband to create a silhouette," says Laura Ward, CEO of EXEAT, the luxury British tennis brand for women.
Style with a white skirt during the warmer months, or tone down with some loose-cut jeans to add a more casual feel.
2. Pleated skirts
Although tennis skirts are designed with exercise in mind, they can work brilliantly as a comfortable everyday style.
"As the temperatures soar, ditch your shorts in favour of a sharply pleated skirt that falls a few inches above the knee and marvel at the sleek fluidity it bestows on your lower half – not to mention how flattering and comfortable it is," says Ward.
With extra coverage compared to standard mini skirts, they’re a foolproof option for warm weather. But if you want something a little longer or more appropriate for multiple occasions, Zendaya’s eye-catching maxi skirt at the London premiere of Challengers proves that any type of white pleated skirt can fit the bill.
3. Sweater vests
Sweater vests have been steadily growing in popularity over the last few years, and V-neck cuts will help you ace the tenniscore look.
Unsurprisingly, a white or cream cable knit gets our vote as the top style, but any pastel hue or similar knit will look equally as chic when styled up with courtside accessories. Plus, it adds an extra layer of warmth, which is ideal during transitional weather.
4. Sporty trainers
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We have not been short on trainer trends to sink our teeth into this year, and retro, athletic-style designs have triumphed over the last few months.
From Adidas Spezials to Veja Campos, a minimalist, streamlined trainer is one of the simplest and most versatile ways to introduce the tenniscore trend into your wardrobe. If you like to add pops of colour to your outfits, footwear is the best place to start.
5. Athletic accessories
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No good ensemble is complete without the right accessories. If you want to play around with the tenniscore style without looking like you’ve walked right off the court, a cap, a pair of sporty sunnies or even a practical headband can give the right feel without too much fuss.
"Part of the reason the tenniscore look has captivated the style set is because it’s so easy integrate these elevated and feminine pieces into your existing wardrobe and it’s an aesthetic shorthand for ‘quiet luxury’," says Ward – which is exactly why these simple accessories work so well.
She adds: "When adopting the trend, the key is to remember that tenniscore is all about looking effortlessly polished."
