The Gist
Unlike the preppy vibes of Wimbledon, the U.S. Open fashion errs on the side of sporty, chic, and relatively uncomplicated.
Celebs like EmRata and Simone Biles have given us plenty of inspiration on the dos and don’ts of U.S. Open dressing.
InStyle rounds up 15 U.S. Open outfit ideas worth recreating this year.
The U.S. Open draws record-breaking crowds—and commands some seriously steep ticket prices—making it one of the hottest sporting events of the year. You’ve heard of Wimbledon whites, but the U.S. Open fashion scene is a whole different ball game, so to speak. For spectators piling into the stands, there aren’t the same strict clothing rules that tennis players have to abide by, but that doesn’t mean courtside style is a fashion free-for-all.
One glance at the star-studded stands of any major international tennis tournament will tell you there’s a carefully curated (if unspoken) spectator aesthetic. Whether celebs are turning a match into date night or enjoying a day out with the family, they tend to show up in their best dressed. The winning formula? Sporty, chic, and relatively uncomplicated.
While there’s no explicit dress code, “even as a spectator, people dress in their best,” says celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, who points out that a great US Open outfit toes the line between casual and elevated. According to Brown, the clothes best suited for this tournament are lightweight, breezy, and country-club-adjacent. “The vibe leans preppy, clean, and elevated,” she says.
Whether you’ve been counting down the days to a major match all year or scored seats at the eleventh hour, you’ll want to add the 15 U.S. Open outfit ideas to your courtside style mood board, stat.
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Yes to Yellow
Butter yellow was the shade to watch over the last few seasons, but at the U.S. Open, the pale hue always feels right at home. Mimic the pastel hues of the tournament’s signature Honey Deuce cocktail for an extra boost of sweetness.
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Add Casual Accessories
Blending quiet luxury and casual athletic wear will score you an A+ US Open outfit. While a tonal beige outfit could read a bit formal, a baseball cap and simple sandals add a layer of casual cool.
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Go Monochrome
No need to complicate your outfit. When in doubt, choose one hue you want to anchor your look around—perhaps a classic all-white or a bold wash of color—to create a sleek monochrome number.
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Try Tenniscore
Tenniscore stays trending for a reason. Equally sporty and chic, the viral aesthetic is practically tailor-made for a U.S. Open outfit. Take a collared polo dress: It feels polished enough for courtside seats while still nodding to the sport itself.
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Consider Casual Shoes
We get that balancing country club vibes with casual cool is a tall order. Luckily, a pair of sneakers worn with a mini dress or skirt strikes a great balance (especially if you plan on staying the whole day). That said, you’ll want to leave any scuffed or beat-up kicks at home.
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Collared Shirts
If there were ever a time to embrace your preppy side, it’s at the U.S. Open. A crisp collared shirt instantly taps into the tournament’s country-club aesthetic while still feeling relaxed enough for a day in this stands. This guest leaned into the look with a textured polo with belted tailored shorts, finishing things off with crew socks and loafers for an extra-preppy touch.
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The Art of Layering
Ready to put your layering skills to the test? Take a cue from Kelsea Ballerini, who gave a classic button-down a fresh spin by layering a tennis-themed tank over top.
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Casual Tailoring
A little power dressing fits right in at the U.S. Open, especially when so many spectators are heading courtside for business just as much as pleasure.
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Lean Into Linen
Not only is linen a great, lightweight choice that will keep you cool in humid weather, but it can also elevate casual pieces. Add a designer bag, hoop earrings, and sleek sunnies, and you’re ready to go.
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Timeless Tweed
For a more elegant approach, you can’t go wrong with classic tweed. The polished fabric instantly elevates even the simplest silhouette, while its country-club associations feel right at home at the U.S. Open. Pro tip: Keep the styling pared back to let the texture do the talking.
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Elevated Streetwear
Sporty doesn’t have to mean overly casual. Simone Biles put an elevated spin on streetwear with a cropped zip-up top and relaxed drawstring pants that cinched at the ankles. Metallic accessories and sleek sunglasses brought a dose of glamour to the otherwise laid-back look.
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Bermuda Shorts
From the summer runway trends to street style, Bermuda shorts aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Their tailored-yet-relaxed feel makes them a natural fit for the U.S. Open, especially when paired with a shorter top and tall heels for an instant boost of sophistication.
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Make the Most of a Matching Set
The game has “set” in its vernacular for a reason (not this one, but stay with us). A sleeveless vest with matching pants feels fresh and put-together, while a baseball cap and sneakers keep the look from veering too formal.
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Draped Sweaters
One of the easiest styling hacks for making an outfit look more intentional? Drape a sweater over your shoulders. The simple move brings dimension and an effortlessly preppy feel to your look—and doubles as a practical extra layer if the temperature drops.
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Play With Contrast
While black might not seem like a summer color, there’s something undeniably chic about a black-and-white look. The timeless pairing gives off major rich-mom vibes, especially when you stick to classic silhouettes and understated accessories.
Read the original article on InStyle