Forget Tennis: Fashion Rule-Breakers Won Wimbledon

As the sun sets on Wimbledon, it’s safe to say that there were just as many serves in the stands as there were on the court. Spectators brought their finest looks to the British tennis tournament, from Keira Knightley in a summery white one-shouldered Chanel dress to Alexa Chung in an ultra-preppy cable-knit sweater and khaki midi skirt. But at the most formal of the Grand Slam tournaments, the fashion rule-breakers caught our eyes.

While there’s technically no dress code for Wimbledon, the sartorial M.O. is smart casual. Sharp blazers and sundresses are par for the course. But this time around, we’d like to salute those who opted to play by their own rules.

Neil Mockford

Karwai Tang

Deep in the throes of a Brat Summer, Charli xcx chose to forgo the brightly hued shirtdresses for a sheer black crocheted skirt set from Beaufille, worn over a black bra and underwear, and accessorized with knee-high lace socks and Gianvito Rossi slingbacks.

Meanwhile, in contrast to Charli’s monochrome display, Jodie Turner-Smith went full throttle on color, wearing a boho-meets-preppy mishmash of prints from Ralph Lauren Collection. It’s an equally surprising choice for the brand—which hosted a lunch at the tournament alongside British Vogue. But among the stripes and suiting, Turner-Smith flaunted her individuality in her purple patterned pants and silk bomber.

Darren Gerrish

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 02: Grace Jones attends day two of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)Photo: Getty Images

Some attendees subverted Wimbledon standards by opting for traditional menswear. Nathalie Emmanuel was perhaps the most formidable dresser in a white double-breasted suit, which she wore with a blue and white dress shirt and a navy patterned tie. But with her brown pointy-toe heels and septum piercing, she gave the look a welcome twist.

And what would a list of rule-breakers be without Grace Jones? The singular singer ditched tenniscore altogether in favor of a navy flight suit, aviator hat, and aviator sunglasses. While Wimbledon’s grand tradition inspires plenty of exciting outfits, nothing gets our hearts racing like toeing the line.