What to Wear to Wimbledon

Wimbledon really is the height of Britishness, isn’t it? The strawberries and Pimm’s, preppy tennis whites and the smell of cut grass lingering in the air- the All England Club truly knows how to put on a show.

For such a prestigious affair, however, there’s no official dress code. That’s not to say there aren’t traditions – there are certainly some unspoken rules. You’ll no doubt see plenty of white, beige and Ralph Lauren logos. But traditional doesn’t have to mean boring. To prove it, we’ve hand-picked some Centre Court-worthy looks that will have you turning heads in all the right ways.

Pleated White Dress

There’s a fine line between dressing for an occasion and dressing as the occasion, the latter which can only be deemed a sartorial sin. Designed with a classic skater skirt, this Alaïa pleated white minidress tastefully nods to vintage tennis whites without ever looking like a costume. The drop-waist also provides a flattering length, complementing the sculptural silhouette in traditional Alaïa style.

Woven Tote Bag

A wicker bag goes hand-in-hand with summer style and the Passenger Tote from London Velvet is no exception. Hand-woven from vibrant green and sky-blue jute and framed by supple calf leather, it’s as sturdy as it is stylish. It also has a handy inner pocket, a drawstring to secure your items and a crossbody strap to make carrying it around all day that much easier.

Colourful Co-ord

As stated at the top, there’s no need to feel resigned to wearing white at Wimbledon. If anything, it’s the perfect summer occasion to trot out your most colourful clothes – the brighter the better. BY HAÓ’s latest collection, Jardins de la Cour, is a good starting point. Crafted predominantly from silk and linen blends sourced from developers in Como, the brand’s Orlina Set blends artistic prints with refined tailoring. Thanks to the natural fibres used, it’ll also keep you cool should the sun choose to shine.  

Tennis Bracelet

If there were ever an occasion to wear a tennis bracelet, it would be to the world’s oldest tournament. Iconic for a reason and effortlessly timeless, it will never not be chic. You can opt for something classic with this Susannah Lovis vintage one, with uniform diamonds on a thin gold chain, or something slightly different with Jade Trau’s Maverick Line bracelet, which features three statement larger gems.

Platform Sandals

There’s a surprising amount of walking at Wimbledon as the grounds are deceptively large. That means one thing and one thing only: comfortable shoes. What it doesn’t mean, however, is flats. These chunky raffia espadrille platform sandals from Farm Rio provide a sizeable height boost, without requiring you to totter about on a stiletto all day. They’re chic with true staying power – no need for an emergency pair of pumps in your bag.

Linen Suit

When a former Vogue stylist and Tatler editor starts a brand, you sit up and listen. Taking cues from men’s tailoring, Pip Durell’s With Nothing Underneath originally started as a curated small capsule collection and has since grown into one of the fastest-growing companies in the UK, beloved by Kate Middleton. Needless to say, they know their way around a suit. The single-breasted, boxy Hatton blazer paired with the pleated Rampling trousers is just the androgynous option for simple, sharp Wimbledon dressing.

Silk Blouse

Pair your linen suit with a silk blouse to mix materials and build the illusion of layers. The Brady silk blouse from Alice + Olivia is cut from stretch silk charmeuse, giving it a soft, fluid drape. The hidden placket design creates a clean, minimalist look and embodies the quiet luxury aesthetic.  

Sleeveless maxi dress

Born from a love of vintage, Rixo garments evoke a certain nostalgia for a lost art of dressing. The Yousra dress comes in hand-painted tie-dye green and is reminiscent of a time before fast fashion. With an elegant crew neckline and a keyhole detail in the back, it’s relaxed yet still makes a statement. It’s also made from crepe de chine – a material that holds its flattering shape.

Leather Belt

Either over a dress or at the front of a French tuck, a good belt is the quickest way to elevate any outfit. The CB buckle belt from heritage British brand Connolly has a contemporary take on the traditional buckle, adding depth to your look. Made in Italy from vintage palladium and supple leather, it’s true craftmanship that speaks for itself.

Sunglasses  

No summer look is complete without a pair of sunglasses. The most popular styles at the moment oscillate between slim 90s frames and a more oversized 70s vibe. If you’ve opted for a minimalist outfit, I suggest opting for the latter to add an extra dimension. The aviator is a classic for a reason and Black Eyewear’s Navarro model demonstrates precisely why it’s such an iconic shape. It comes in over 12 different colours (I like berry and dark tortoiseshell) and has panoramic eye protection so you’ll never miss a shot.