Headed to Wimbledon? These 8 Graceful Outfits Are Serves in Their Own Right
Is there a dress code? Do I have to wear white? Are heels required? Don't fret over these common Wimbledon styling queries. Here, we answer every burning question to ensure you nail spectator style ahead of your match.

- What to Wear to Wimbledon? 8 Chic Looks That Define Tennis-Core
- 1. Monochromatic Set + Ballet Flats
- 2. White Dress + Colourful Mules
- 3. Pleated Skirt + Long Vest
- 4. Shirt Dress + Slingback Heels
- 7. Patterned Mini + Jumper
- 8. Polka Dot Dress + Oversized Blazer
- What is the Dress Code to Attend Wimbledon?
- What is the Smart Attire Dress Code for Wimbledon?
- Can You Wear Non-White to Wimbledon?
- Do you Have to Wear Heels to Wimbledon?
Ava Gilchrist
When it comes to the highly anticipated events on London's social calendar, there are a few that call to mind. Yet, none is more widely-discussed or globally-revered than Wimbledon. Bringing together style savants, sport aficionados, aristocrats and royals alike, the annual tennis championship is a performance in every definition of the world.
You see, while the world's top players contend for prizes like the silver Venus Water Dish—the trophy awarded to the winner of the Ladies' Singles Championship—off Centre Court, the stylish attendees vie for top fashion accolades with sartorial displays of their own. This year is no different, with the best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2025 bringing the best of tailoring, like Mia Regan in Thom Browne, sophisticated summer dresses and endlessly chic all-white outfits to the grandstands. Indeed, even if you're not a huge tennis fan, you'll undoubtedly be familiar with this iconic summer event, if only for the understatedly glamorous looks and the famed strawberries and cream treats.
If you're one of the lucky ones who'll be heading to see the event in person, you're probably in the middle of trying to figure out what to wear. While Wimbledon has no official dress code for spectators—aside from a ban on torn jeans, marked sneakers, or sport shorts—the famous attendees, from Kate Middleton to Alexa Chung to Nicola Coughlan, have established that this is the place to put your best fashion foot forward.
So, let's get into the particulars. There is no official dress code for Wimbledon; however, you must always wear an outfit that is sophisticated, polished and classy. More specifically, you should adhere to a "smart casual" casual way of dressing, which means you should try to avoid jeans and denim shorts—unless your sitting outside of the grounds and spectating from Murray Mound— and gravitate towards easy one-pieces and separates. You also don't want to go full black tie, either—this isn't the place to wear your ballgown or your bejewelled mini. The good news is, the kind of styles you'd be best suited to wear to Wimbledon are likely pieces you'll happily wear time and time again.
Another important factor is comfort. You're going to be there all day, and likely be getting up on your feet a few times, so shoes that you'll be happy to spend several hours in are key, whether that's the on-trend ballet flat or a chic designer sandal. Then consider your outfit fabrics—cotton and linen are perfect for spending a long day outside, but layering a fine knit or blazer over your shoulders will ensure you're prepared for whatever London weather decides to throw your way.
To help get you inspired, I've pulled seven looks that I think would be perfect to emulate for a day at the Wimbledon club house.
What to Wear to Wimbledon? 8 Chic Looks That Define Tennis-Core
1. Monochromatic Set + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Just because wearing white is a requirement of the players, don't feel obliged to do the same. However, there is something elegant in wearing a singular hue, especially a soft pastel or understated neutral. If there's one shade that's second to white, it's cornflower blue. Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore a blue polka-dot dress from beloved London-based fashion label, Alessandra Rich, in 2022, while Lila Moss opted for a more liquid version of the shade in a Ralph Lauren slip dress for the 2023 iteration of the tournament. While it might not be an official Wimbledon shade, it's clear the is understatedly elegant, but is breezy and comfortable enough for you to happily wear for an afternoon in the stands.
Shop the Look:
A beautiful silk dress is the one '90s fashion trend that we're grateful survived the decade.
I'm obsessed with the Reformation Suzanne suede ballet pumps.
A chunky beaded necklace gives this whole look a cool, contemporary edge.
2. White Dress + Colourful Mules
Style Notes: Nod to the tennis whites of the pros with a beautifully structured white midi dress. Cotton poplin is the best material to go for—it's breathable and light but still holds its shape all day long. Adding a pop of colour with your footwear helps separate you from the players. (No Kristen Dunst Wimbledon cos-play, here!)
Shop the Look:
Such a timeless dress you can style in so many ways—plus it comes Laura Harrier-approved.
Woven flats are this summer's answer to mesh ballerinas. I adore this red style from the Parisianne-chic label Le Monde Beryl. This pop of red will add some contrast to your crisp white dress and won't make you look like you should actually be on the court.
If you loved Margot Robbie's Alaïa Le Teckel shoulder bag from last year, you'll adore this east-west DeMellier style.
Who can resist a pair of designer-looking sunglasses?
3. Pleated Skirt + Long Vest
Style Notes: Wimbledon can oftentimes be a display of refined and restrained minimalism. This look featuring a modestly longline linen vest and gently pleated skirt is perfect for watching a match. I love the contrast of the structured waistcoat with the romantic, sweeping midi skirt, and the strappy low heels give it the final polished touch.
Shop the Look:
This latte-coloured waistcoat would also look so chic with wide-leg trousers or mini skirts.
4. Shirt Dress + Slingback Heels
Style Notes: A shirt dress with a cinched waist is a Wimbledon classic, striking the perfect note between polished and daytime-appropriate. Follow this example and give yours a modern refresh by opting for a style that surprises with texture and detail, and pairing it with a subtly sparkling pair of slingback heels.
Shop the Look:
The Gucci crystal slingbacks comeBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing editor-approved. I love the unexpected pairing of these party heels with the more modest shirt dress.
With so much else going on, it's best to keep the bag a bit more understated and classic, like this baguette style.
5. White Trousers + Colourful Cardigan
Style Notes: White wide-leg trousers are a Wimbledon staple, but I love how Monikh Dale's has styled hers with a bold cardigan—brilliant for dealing with London's unpredictable climate.
Shop the Look:
You'll get so much wear out of this Sezanne cardigan.
I'm a big fan of Reformation's Olina Linen pants, as is most of the Wimbledon set.
Heeled flip-flops are a big sandal trend this season.
6. Colourful Dress + Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: When it comes to dressing for this full day event, comfort is key. You can absolutely swap heeled sandals or pumps for flats, and I personally love the look of chunky heeled loafers with a maxi dress. Take cues from the official Wimbledon colour palette and opt for a royal purple dress à la Kate Middleton and Lucy Williams.
Shop the Look:
This is so similar to the lilac Chloé dress that Alexa Chung has been wearing non-stop.
Don't want to splurge on luxury loafers? This Reformation pair is a great alternative to the viral Saint Laurent styles you've seen everywhere.
If you're going to invest in a designer bag, this is a great choice.
Lean into the warm burgundy tones that complement purple hues with this chic beaded necklace.
7. Patterned Mini + Jumper
Style Notes: This perfectly preppy look is ideal for a day at Wimbledon, yet the pattern detail and mini hemline keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. A small top handle big really rounds out the outfit.
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This could also be dressed down with trainers and a rattan tote for an easy holiday look.
A seriously grown up bag with just enough room for all your Wimbledon essentials. (See: a hand fan and a setting powder.)
8. Polka Dot Dress + Oversized Blazer
Style Notes: When Julia Roberts wore a brown polka dot dress to a polo game in 1990's Pretty Woman, she cemented the darling print as a match for elegant spectator style. This fact was co-signed a mere 35 years later by a then-pregnant Margot Robbie when she wore an Alaïa gown to watch a face off between Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz. Wimbledon mainstay Alexa Chung also owns the print, proving this style is a winner within first-timers and alums alike.
Shop the Look:
What would a Wimbledon outfit be without a tennis bracelet?
What is the Dress Code to Attend Wimbledon?
As per the official Wimbledon Championship guidelines, there is no official dress code stipulated to attend the tournament. However, there are rules that outline what is considered to be as "unsuitable dress" for the members' enclosures, meaning if you arrive at the SW1 grounds wearing one of these, you may not be permitted to enter. For women, this includes t-shirts, bare midriffs, jeans or denim of any type of colour (including white!), mini skirts, hoodies, flip flops, sandals and trainers. "Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer," the official governing body says.
What is the Smart Attire Dress Code for Wimbledon?
So, what can you wear to Wimbledon? The most well-known dress code that covers all of Wimbledon's rules is "smart attire". But what does this even constitute? It's relaxed but formal and, most importantly, more on the conservative side, meaning that most forms of tailoring (like blazers, pleated trousers and shirting), along with modest summer dresses, will be appropriate. Most of the best Wimbledon outfits of all time fall into either of these categories, like Zendaya's Ralph Lauren suit and tie or Sienna Miller's balmy off-the-shoulder dress.
Can You Wear Non-White to Wimbledon?
Of course! This confusion arises from the ruling that players have to wear white. This should not be conflated with the spectator dress code. If you're unsure where to start, you should know that most attendees will avoid vibrant hues in favour of mild shades. Butter yellows, soft lattes and sands, cornflower blues and creamy hues are preferred, but you'll also spot the odd purple and green, given these are Wimbledon's official colour.
Do you Have to Wear Heels to Wimbledon?
No, you don't have to wear heels to Wimbledon. While many guests do, since there are so many limitations around the footwear you can wear, watching a match is a marathon, not a sprint, so comfort does have to be taken into consideration. Instead of heels, loafers, ballet flats and Mary Janes can be worn as a chic and stylish alternative.
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
- Ava GilchristSEO Writer
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