The sporty-chic look is set to be everywhere this spring.
Zendaya’s recent tennis-inspired red carpet looks have taken the world by storm.
The Euphoria star, 27, has been promoting her new film Challengers, where she plays a tennis prodigy whose career is cut short due to injury (in cinemas April 26).
Zendaya has helped bring tennis core fashion back into the mainstream, and she’s not alone – Chanel’s recent runway showcased sporty co-ords, and luxury tennis apparel brand Lacoste returned to Paris Fashion Week in March.
The look has been endorsed by Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach, who has urged people to start wearing tennis-inspired outfits, meaning it’s only a matter of time before it takes over as one of the season’s biggest trends.
With Wimbledon just a few months away, there is no better time to start experimenting and introducing it into your seasonal wardrobe. Equal parts chic and practical, the tenniscore trend is also surprisingly easy to style.
1. Polo shirt
A polo shirt is versatile and a wardrobe hero. It’s an easy way to start a tenniscore wardrobe. Light colors like pink, blue, or white give an authentic court-ready look. Navy or black nods to style without being too overt.
Laura Ward, CEO of EXEAT, recommends swapping your white tee for a polo shirt. Pop the collar and tuck it in to create a sleek look. EXEAT is a luxury British tennis brand for women.
Additionally, you can style it with a white skirt during the warmer months, or if you prefer a more casual look, you can tone it down with some loose-cut jeans.
2. Pleated skirts
Although tennis skirts are designed with exercise in mind, they can work brilliantly as a comfortable everyday style.
“As the temperatures soar, ditch your shorts in favour of a sharply pleated skirt that falls a few inches above the knee and marvel at the sleek fluidity it bestows on your lower half – not to mention how flattering and comfortable it is,” says Ward.
With extra coverage compared to standard mini skirts, they’re a foolproof option for warm weather. But suppose you want something a little longer or more appropriate for multiple occasions. Zendaya rocked a white pleated maxi skirt at the London premiere of Challengers.
3. Sweater vest
Sweater vests have steadily grown in popularity over the last few years, and V-neck cuts will help you ace the tenniscore look.
A cream cable knit is the top style. Any pastel hue will look chic with accessories. Moreover, it adds an extra layer of warmth, which is ideal during transitional weather.
4. Sporty trainers
Furthermore, amidst the numerous trainer trends we have explored this year, retro, athletic-style designs have emerged as the clear winners over the last few months.
Minimalist trainers like Adidas Spezials and Veja Campos are versatile for the tenniscore trend. If you like to add pops of color to your outfits, footwear is the best place to start.
5. Athletic accessories
No good ensemble is complete without the right accessories. If you want to play with the tennis core style without looking like you’ve walked right off the court, a cap, a pair of sporty sunglasses, or even a practical headband can give the right feel without too much fuss.
Furthermore, the tenniscore look is popular because it’s easy to integrate. It’s an aesthetic shorthand for quiet luxury. And that’s why simple accessories work well.
She adds: “When adopting the trend, the key is to remember that tenniscore is all about looking effortlessly polished.”
