REINVENTING TENNIS CORE
We’re all familiar with the typical tennis look that constantly comes back into rotation. There are pleated skirts (or skorts), a matching v-neck top or polo, white shoes and the functional activity dresses that look great on absolutely everyone. That tennis look certainly fits the preppy aesthetic that we were obsessed with a few years ago.
The only problem is that this particular type of tennis fashion doesn’t actually elevate athletic wear into luxurious style befitting 2024. That’s changing with Zendaya’s “Challengers,” where she’s pulling inspiration from real-world tennis champions, the previous tennis model and method dressing.
Method dressing entails actors, actresses and their fashion teams creating looks that fit their character’s persona. Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, are masters at it. From a dress reminiscent of Serena and Vanessa Williams’ 1998 Vogue photoshoot to a checkered mod jacket, these fashion moments are changing tennis core potential before our eyes by blending it with traditional luxury.
It’s also making celebrities delve into the trend at rapid paces.
And it all starts with color. White, greens and shades of blues are our collective best friends when it comes to putting a new and improved tennis core outfit together. Try pairing a white tennis dress with light green heels and sunglasses for a refreshing take on the trend.
Once we find shades and hues we love, it’s time to find the right silhouettes. The shape is how we bring in the original trend without straying too far into athleisure, so consider short shift dresses, straight lines and perfectly fitted matching sets. These seemingly unimportant choices will determine whether you step into this reimagining or fall back into the same catalog tennis looks we’ve seen before.
The details are important. A dress with a polo v-neck and collar, for example, pushes into the tennis core in subtler ways than a pleated skirt. This allows us to fit the style without compromising luxury.
Get ready to wow your friends and family when you show up in these outfits, especially for the upcoming summer. It’s the perfect way to signal an elegant and sophisticated season.
FEATURED:
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
Tennis Zip-Front Flare Mini DressBrunello Cucinelli tennis polo dress with logo and racket embroidery on the chest. Spread collar; half-zip placket. Sleeveless. Mini length. Fit-and-flare silhouette.
SANTONI
Afrodi Suede Slingback Pumps2.50 in / 65 mm flared block heel. Pointed toe.
Stretch slingback strap. Leather outsole.
VERONICA BEARD
Darien Polo DressA modern take on classic country-club style, the Darien is the definition of understated elegance. Made from an ultrafine stretch-cotton for a ribbed texture, it fits close to the body—creating a long and lean silhouette. Sporty details—like the polo collar, v-neckline, and flattering racerback cut—are finished with contrast trim. Vented for easy movement, its figure-skimming skirt falls to a chic midi length. Pair with sneakers for day and switch to stilettos for night.
