So the 2016 Wimbledon Championship kicked off yesterday on June 27th, and anyone looking to make a move over to London to catch a game might want to make sure they’re UK weather-ready.
But that doesn’t mean one should throw out their pleated tennis skirt just yet (think positive, people – there might be some sun) – and especially not if you’re watching from one of Debenture box where fashion’s as much a thing as the game is.
We’ve detailed 10 tennis-inspired nods to make when working it at Wimbledon – see it below then go get shopping!
1. Traditional Pleats
Unless you’re in the Royal Box, where you might want to dress ‘up’ (deco the smarter side of casual), you can pretty much wear what you want to spectate the games, though styling up is way more fun than dressing down with denim.
And how better to get into the tennis mood than with a pleat? Though the teeny, tiny pleated skirt is not going to be for everyone; not all of us have Serena’s muscular legs to really do the thing justice.
What you might want to do, is work a pleated detail here or there though, to subtly show you know your sporting stuff. And this pink top and pleat-hem pants from William Okpo ($120 here and $250 here respectively) or Bridget Awosika’s minidress ($1,300 here) will do the trick.
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2. Skirts Though
But while mini skirts might be out, mid or thigh-length ones shouldn’t be disqualified too hastily, as they can help you bring an air of girly-chic to the spectator’s area…
Rock any of these to up your game in the style stakes – and look, not all are even pleated! We like Chichia’s wrap skirt (£26.50, sale, here), Bridget Awosika’s split skirt ($970 here) or Mango’s pleated number (N16,500 here).
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3. The Sporty Jacket
Want to feel like a true tennis pro as you sit court side? Well the trophy jacket this season is the silky bomber, which are stocked just about everywhere right now.
Go for a patched up version for added points, though a metallic one like Mango’s (N24,900 here) will work wherever you intent to sit and watch.
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4. Net-Wear
Netted looks and mesh might be more difficult to wear if you’re hoping to rub shoulders in the Royal Box (where A-listers, actual royalty and specially invited guests watch the games), but there are still ways to do it.
Try River Island’s lacey skirt (£38 here) or crepe bardot top (£25 here), Kareema Mak’s mesh dress (enquire here), LemLem’s “Tiya” top ($210 here) or William Okpo’s eyelet pants ($280 here).
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5. Tennis Shoes
You’ll be surprised at the sheer variety of what people wear to Wimbledon, and trainers (if that’s your thing) are acceptable. Just make sure they’re in good condition and looking super fresh.
But you can always go sports shoe-‘inspired’… We like these cutout kicks (£35 here) and Mango’s platform sandals (N31,900 here), though these sporty-looking espadrilles by LemLem ($99, here) will really match well with the mood.
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6. Gym-Kit Stripes
Stripes are a sheer screamer of all things sports, and where better to wear yours than at Wimbeldon?
You could go for a staple breton but why not adopt a gym-kit vibe and rock a pair of trousers with a stripe down the leg? We like River Island’s (£35 here), Asos’ (£19.50 in the sale here) or Mango’s striped bomber jacket (N49,000 here).
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7. Baller Bags
When it comes to your carry-all, think about sporty elements like ring pulls, zips and mesh, or go gym style with a drawstring bag.
These are chic enough to show you’re balling in the style department: Mango’s studded bucket bag (N19,000 here) and perforated clutch (N12,400 here), or Mimco’s “Montage” bag (R1,699 here).
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8. Swish Sunglasses
When sitting court side, you’ll need to keep an air of cool (despite the British weather probably serving plenty of that), and how better than with some sunnies?
Try any of these by Dapmod, this tortoise shell pair from Mango (N9,900 here) or Mimco’s “Daybreak” shades (R999 here).
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9. Play with Prints
Of course, bright colours are also so sports-ready, and since it’s Summer, why not go for it via a print?
You can smarten up any patterned garment with a light blazer and heels, and that way, you’ll be ready for what else the day serves. Try Adey Soile’s printed romper (N10,000 here) or Chichia’s minidress (£31.50, sale, here), with TNL’s strapped heels (N12,000 here) and River Island’s white blazer (£55 here).
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10. Wimbeldon White
But of course, the main thing to tout tennis-y feels with will surely be Wimbledon’s signature colour: white.
Think ‘clean and crisp’ and you’ll have nailed the tradition, as well as match the players on the court. How cute!
We like this breezy ensemble by Sophie Zinga (enquire here), LemLem’s “Rita” dress ($250 here) and Mango’s cropped trousers (N22,400 here).
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Heading to the games? Show us what you’ll be wearing to watch the tennis at Wimbeldon, by tagging us in your pics online @SPICETVAFRICA.
Image source: Tennishospitalityuk.com, Lemlem.com, Mango.ng, Asos.com, Riverisland.com, Lagosfashiondesignweek.ng, Zazaii.com, Woolworths.co.za
