Fashion
Thanks to Challengers, the tenniscore fashion trend is winning both on and off court
With Zendaya’s latest tennis drama Challengers hitting cinemas and Wimbledon just around the corner, it’s high time you invest in those tennis whites and get your wardrobe Centre Court ready with some hella cute preppy ‘fits.
Yep, just last week Google reported that searches for ‘tenniscore’ were at an all-time high. And it’s hardly surprising, given that Zendaya herself has been serving (excuse the pun) some seriously impressive tennis-inspired lewks both on and off the red carpet while promoting her latest film, where she plays the tennis-pro-turn-coach Tashi.
At Cosmo, we’ve heavily covered all of Z’s amaze ‘fits (peek a look at our thoughts here), but special mentions have to go to the preppy Jacquemus polo-shirt cut-out dress and those Loewe tennis ball court shoes, of course. Too cute.
And while we might not be playing actual tennis in sequins and pleated maxi skirts, as a fashion team we’re kinda just here for aaaall the style inspo the tenniscore trend brings (sorry, hardcore sporty peeps). But if you did want to read about the gear that you can seriously sweaty in, you can check out our round-up of the best tennis outfits here.
But back to the trend… It’s no secret that things got a whole lot more preppy in the fashion-sphere recently, thanks to the likes of Miu Miu and Prada releasing school-girl inspired mini skirts, polos and V-neck, cricket-esque jumpers. And with the sun finally making appearance here in the UK, we’re getting excited for all things summer fashion – the days where we can leave the house without a jacket and just throw on a lil’ cropped cardi are nearly here, ppl.
But don’t get us wrong, you don’t have to only be on a luxury budget to tap into the tenniscore trend. No way. In 2024, all our favourite high street brands have jumped on the retro athleisure vibe too – introducing pleated games skirts, logo-printed sweatshirts and ‘80s plimsols into their latest spring/summer collections.
The key to making the tenniscore look appropriate off-court? Style pleated A-line mini skirts or form-fitting cycling shorts with louche, oversized sweatshirts for a chic off-duty look (just google Hailey Bieber, or better yet, Princess Diana for some serious inspo). And don’t forget to invest in some high-rise tennis socks (the trainer sock days are over my dear friends) to pair your sporty sneaks with.
And if you’re not ready to seriously commit to the sporty fashion scene and see yourself more as a guest at Wimbledon than a tennis pro, simply invest in more white pieces for your wardrobe for summer. Whether that be a pretty summer dress, tank top or playsuit. Better yet, add a lil’ baseball cap into the mix for good measure.
However hard you want to go with the tenniscore trend (we’ll be playing hard ball – sorry we’ll stop), keep scrolling to see a break down of the best tennis dresses, skirts, jumper and accessories to shop now…
Long gone are the days when we used to dread putting on a games skirt for P.E lessons. In fact, now we’re wearing them to weekend brunches and picnics in the park – oh, how are P.E teachers would be proud! To tap into the tenniscore trend, simply opt for anything white and mini, or really lean into the sporty vibe with a cute pleated number from Sporty & Rich or Lululemon.
If you thought tennis dresses were simply reserved for court action, think again. We love styling ours with oversized denim jackets and XXL sunglasses when we’re not breaking a sweat. Want something you can still workout in? Opt or Tala’s sporty number – this baby even comes with built-in shorts so you can finesse your serve without a care in the world.
A cute tennis jumper is probs the easiest way to dip your toe into the tenniscore aesthetic without feeling too sporty. You can simply add a retro sweatshirt to a basic white tank and denim shorts this summer and instantly look the part. Extra style points go to pieces with a preppy polo collar and anything pastel.
We couldn’t do a tenniscore round up without including this season’s must-have jewellery item: the tennis bracelet. Obvs, you don’t have to be getting sweaty on the court to rock this sparkly piece, but we have thrown in some *proper* tennis equipment (read: a racket and set of balls) if you’re feeling suitably inspired by Zendaya’s performance.
See you on court!