There’s something comforting about a strict dress code, despite the play of dressing for Royal Ascot or the hassle of putting up dark ties for Glyndebourne. You know precisely what’s expected. But next there’s Wimbledon.
The expanses of Hollywood A-listers, princes, and clothing stars who descend on the grounds each year are set and fully practice this implicit gown code. The stylish activity in the appears will be as spectacular as the tennis for a fortnight starting on July 1.
The mint green and cream double-breasted Balmain jacket from last year, paired with a pretentious light ruffled skirt, perfectly captured the polished but playful spirit of dressing Wimbledon. Actress Sienna Miller, too, has excellent game – in striped fabric suits, or cool lace dresses.
For men, strong yet gentle befitting seems to tenure high. Get advice from Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston, who typically wear nighttime music, or Daniel Craig, who was spotted in the royal field last year while sporting a soft, gray Brunello Cucinelli two-piece.
For those of us who are not being chauffeured to Wimbledon, it’s important to appreciate the gown- up without forgetting the logistics. The trip from Southfields or Wimbledon’s facilities can be a schlep. Although I’m currently a SW19 citizen, my first experience at Wimbledon involved a longer-than-expected climb up the hill from the station, with scorched foot and a flushed face before the day also had begun. If you find yourself walking in shoes for 20 minutes, you’d probably prefer to stick to flats ( or at the very least group a large bag big enough to accommodate a change of shoes ).
Consider the number of very small steps you’ll be taking on ringside. Getting to your desk in pumps while carrying a basket full of Pimm’s is not for the faint of heart. You won’t want to wear anything too short either, which I did in 2018 when I first started testing my new Paul and Joe shift dress, but I didn’t take it seriously. Be prepared for anything because the weather is also known for being finicky and the display courts have rain cover that can still get cold.
All of these factors contribute to the creation of a great arts of dress planning.
“Layers are key, it’s England after all, and just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the other seasons won’t also show up over the course of a day”, says Clare Hornby, founder of British label ME+EM.
If you want to create the most attractive silhouette, you should wear a sharply tailored jacket in a lightweight material like a cotton or linen-blend.
Hornby advises purchasing a fit for those who want to enhance their Wimbledon appearance. You can style each piece separately after, whether it’s for work or other summertime events. The customized coat, which looks equally good on its own as well as layered under a matching jacket, has been the season’s key addition.
Don’t forget sunglasses, SPF and a hat in case your seat happens to be basking in the sun all day – Lock & Co’s Panamas and boaters would work perfectly. It can sometimes be sweltering in July, contrary to what I had in my backpack.
‘For ten years, I was fortunate enough to be at every men’s quarter- last and finals while hosting some amazing star guests,’ says Sadie Mantovani, a style brand consultant.
‘My approach is always to use them as style inspiration, starting from a chic palette of white, cream, tan and navy, and then incorporate current accessories, and always some statement summer jewellery. You can’t go wrong with an American elevated sportswear look, like those from Ralph Lauren or Tory Burch. He is the ultimate in tennis chic, and I frequently choose his long off-the-shoulder dress in a navy and white bandana print and white blazer, worn with Camilla Elphick towering- but- so- comfortable block heels in gold, or in velvet studded with white pearls.’
Mantovani’s top tips? Don’t pick Wimbledon as your experimentation location; it’s obvious that you should feel confident in your choices, but it’s different from Royal Ascot, where bold decisions might be made. Mantovani advises incorporating polka dots and fresh stripes into your wardrobe “for that British/Hamptons summer look.” Her final caution? Avoid going too tennisy; “You might end up looking like a lines person.”
Get the look
Tencel shirt, £120,, Wide- leg trousers, £250,
Wide Fedora ribbon hat, £108,, Siren cocktail earrings, £177.75,
Cotton pleated dress, £99,
Acrylic sunglasses, £75,, Leather flats, £270,
Sensi Studio straw tote, £215,
Linen jacket and trousers, £199,
Finley sunglasses, £283,, Leather loafers, £59.99,