Picture the scene: it’s my first ever trip to Wimbledon. I’m sitting in the famed Centre Court for the women’s semi-final wearing two kinds of seat that didn’t require ballot tickets I’ve been unsuccessfully trying to win for years (actual proper seats, not the view-from-underneath-the-stands tickets) that collectively cost more money than I care to admit. And of course, because this is Britain in the summer: IT’S POURING WITH RAIN.
You couldn’t make it up stuff this rainy. So there I was, decked out in my finest Wimbledon finest…while literally being drenched. My outfit was objectively bad.
I opted for full tennis-core dream. Cream linen dress (ha.
Cream.
I can hear you laughing from Southern Brooklyn. ), THESE NUDIST-village-esqe sandals (they’re_blugirl, and they give me blisters. ), and a big straw hat. About twenty minutes in, I looked like I’d gone for a dip in the ocean, my hat had started to wilt, and I wanted to cry. Obsessed readers of mine will remember that this happened to me last year.
Luckily, the woman sitting next to me looked like she stepped out of an apartment magazine shoot. She was wearing white jeans (dangerous, but I’m learning works), an oversized navy blazer that wasn’t even wrinkled, and–THIS. THEE best part.
She’d brought along this clear plastic mac that was somehow on-trend and not at all horror-tier–bonus points because it wasn’t the hand-woven type you have to dry over your shower curtain for months. She offered me a towel from her mad-professor-esque Mary Poppins bag and I nearly wet myself with relief. “How’s your first time at Wimbledon?” she asked. Was it that obvious?
Had I really arrived looking like reject traffic cone while she glowed like my potential BBC ‘At Wimbledon, meeting the locals’ dream? ? Needless to say, that soggy Sunday taught me a lot about dressing for British sporting occasions: dress for the worst-case weather scenario and hope for the best. It also ignited a fire in me to master the elusive art of proper Wimbledon fashion.
Because believe me, there is a “proper” way to dress for Wimbledon. It’s just never officially codified. It’s different than places like Ascot, which DO have official spectator dress codes.
Wimbledon is more like that weird unspoken agreement amongst British people about what Christmas songs are acceptable to listen to before December 1st. You know the ones I mean. But there’s definitely a Wimbledon uniform-ish vibe going on–one that requires as much white and pastels and pearls as your normal wardrobe consists of.
I’ve since been back twice (post-rain) and spent ample time analysing the stands to better understand what works and what’s just been tried too hard at Wimbledon. The basic, timeless Wimbledon attendee outfit tends towards American preppy mixed with country club equals British Summer. Channel your inner Ralph Lauren spring collection, minus the carrots and ranch dressing.
So, what does THAT look like IRL? Here’s my guide to achieving Wimbledon-style whether you’re A) actually going to SW19 (gives me existential anxiety that y’all actually know where that means) or B) hiding at home and cheering on your favorite player in your pants. TLDR?
Keep scrolling for the perfectly Put Together At Wimbledon Pack. For those of you ACTUALLY going to Wimbledon: Comfort is key. You’ll be sitting on hard plastic chairs for hours on end (multiple matches sometimes) and you want to be able to navigate the grounds easily.
And…I just want to look like I know what I’m doing. That’s haute couture enough for me. I typically start with a really great pair of white or cream trousers.
Wide-leg and not translucent (I swear that’s the hardest thing to find!!) these COS white trousers are my new jam. Throw on a silk blue t-shirt I picked up from Equipment or this super soft cashmere knit from Cos that I’ve been living in all summer for the cooler days, and you’ve got a winning Wimbledon outfit. The whole ensemble gives off major Wimbledon vibes without feeling like I’m wearing a costume.
Bonus: it’s easy to dress up or down based on the weather. If it’s not raining, I go for wedge espadrilles (these Penelope Chilvers are the most comfortable I’ve found) and if rain is in the forecast, I throw on a pair of leather loafers. Tennis shoes feel too athletic.
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Flip flops will get lost under the picnic chairs. Trust me on this. As far as the actual “uniform” goes, a tailored blazer is essential.
I picked up this linen-blend number from Jigsaw a few years back and it was steeply priced but 100% worth the investment. It looks sharp enough to be in Wimbledon proper, but isn’t so fancy I fret when it gets a little wet. Sub in a cotton cardigan from Boden for a pop of color if you’re so inclined.
I’ll throw on a cute straw bag because…WHY NOT. I actually hate hats 99% of the time, but there’s something about Wimbledon that makes me want to cover my head in weeds. This basic Panama-style hat from &Other Stories is my go-to.
I will also never go to Wimbledon without a rain jacket again. EVER. Those people with the packs-away macs from Rains?
They’re not gimmicky at all. Invest, foolish ones. …But you can totally channel the Wimbledon vibe from home, too! Sometimes plans fall through at the last minute (hello, pandemic) and sometimes you just don’t want to deal with crowds.
Not gonna lie, some of my favourite Wimbledon outfits have been years I stayed home. The great thing about WFHing it is that you can really let loose. It still looks thought-out but you don’t have to worry about certain pieces…holding up?
Per-aka if you’re planning to spend the whole match sat on your couch, you don’t NEED to be covered in white jeans from sweatin’. If it’s just you, the tube and Federer this season, you can get away with more. Let’s start with some white jeans and a striped Breton top.
Airy, effortless and you still feel like you’ve made an effort. This cute tennis-inspired dress from ME+EM would be equally adorable worn with trainers rather than “actual” shoes. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat and you’re match, set, victory!
Or add a nod to Wimbledon white to an outfit you’d typically throw on for a weekend away. Like this sweet maxi dress I’m wearing here. Pair it with a white jacket to really lean into the theme.
The trick is to not OVER think it. Trust me, those sweet old ladies who are D-O-N-E dressed for Wimbledon are not trying overly hard. They just dress like that.
So this updated, WFH-friendly version should feel like a natural extension of your current wardrobe with some thoughtful winks to tradition thrown in. Don’t wear a dress if you never wear dresses. Don’t wear minimal Scandinavian chic if that’s not your jam.
Stay true to your personal style, but incorporate some of those quintessential touches that scream ‘WIMBLEDON’ to anyone who knows.
Here are some of my favorite WFH Wimbledon Outfit Combos that I’ve worn myself or spied on other stylish patrons: Cream wide-leg trousers, silk camisole in navy, gold hoop earrings, leather sandals, cream cardigan to layer as needed, small straw bag. GREEN midi shirt dress from Equipment, white minimal trainers, large straw market tote.
White jeans, striped boatneck t-shirt, barefeet. There you have it folks. Wimbledon, decoded.
Whether you’re in the stands or on the couch, you can’t really go wrong as long as you remember to pay homage to the traditions of British summer sport. Embrace the occasional downpour. You’re British, it’s what you do.
P.S. Speaking of that downpour. If it rains, just own it.
Nothing screams Wimbledon like rushing between chairs whilst under the protection of a rain umbrella that looks ridiculous on you, all while insisting that British sporting traditions SHALL NOT BE DAMPENED BY A BIT OF RAIN.
