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What to wear to Wimbledon this year - and what to avoid at Centre Court

What to wear to Wimbledon this year - and what to avoid at Centre Court

Metro5 hours ago

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The Wimbledon Championships, otherwise known as simply Wimbledon, is an annual sporting event that runs across June and July.
This year Wimbledon kicks off on the 30th June and is set to come to an end on 13th July, so time is of the essence for those who need to get an outfit.
With a growing search around 'What to wear to Wimbledon' we have taken it upon ourselves to find the most appropriate outfits for you to watch the professionals play Centre Court.
Now there is some confusion over what is appropriate to wear to Wimbledon for women. Unlike those taking to the court to battle it out for the winning title, the dress code for spectators is fairly relaxed. In fact, guests attending Wimbledon can wear almost anything because there is no official spectator policy.
However, there are a few items of clothing that are forbidden, including ripped jeans, running vests, dirty trainers, as well as heavily branded items, which could conflict with Wimbledon's courtside ads. Makes sense.
It's assumed that white, creams and neutral tones are a must when heading to Wimbledon for the sheer fact that's what the tennis legends don, but that's not necessarily true. Spectators can wear dresses, suits and co-ords in any colour and fabric. More Trending
Typically midi and maxi dresses are the go-to for Wimbledon, though suits, a skirt, trousers or smart culottes and a blazer, or a chic co-ord are super flattering to wear too.
However, we must warn you to bring layers. This may sound daft because the event is in the peak of British summertime, but we all know England's weather is slightly unpredictable. Plus, if the match goes on for hours and into the evening the temperature can drop, so you'd be wise to pack a blazer, cardigan or trench coat for a light layer.
We have been sifting through the Wimbledon archives to see who aced Wimbledon dressing. Margot Robbie in her polka dot asymmetric ensemble was a core fashion moment, while Zendaya's suit shone out too. Nicola Coughlan, Lily James and Kate Middleton have also caught our attention with their chic outfits sitting courtside.
So without further ado, here's what we have bookmarked to wear to Wimbledon this year.
From the halterneck to the cowl neckline, this midi dress is chic and ultra feminine. To make it more daytime appropriate, layer over a lightweight black linen blazer and black kitten heels. BUY NOW FOR £47.99
The Australian brand has recently launched in Selfridges so it is available to buy for UK shoppers (at long last). This maxi dress features a shirred upper body, thin straps and floats into an A-line skirt, which is flattering and comfortable to wear for hours on end. Pair with sandals, ballet pumps, heels or wedges, depending on your preference. BUY NOW FOR £205
Brown tones are a soft alternative to harsh black tones and monochrome, which is why we love this brown polka dot design. It features a pleated bandeau bust before it floats out into an A-line skirt. The straps can be removed to achieve a strapless design, or attached for a secure fit. BUY NOW FOR £99
The plunge halterneck dress, combined with the button front and billowy midi skirt makes for an effortlessly chic dress, while the smart collar gives a formal finish perfect for Wimbledon. We also love the cornflower blue hue that is vibrant enough for the summer months without being too bold. BUY NOW FOR £120
It's giving Pretty Woman, and we are obsessed. Polka dot is always in fashion, but the print has really soared in interest in recent months. The halterneck and square neckline is flattering, as it shows off the decolletage, but it ensures a snug fit too. The elasticated shirred back ensures a snug fit on the bust before the skirt billows out. BUY NOW FOR £115
This dress may look like separates but it is in fact a one piece.It boasts a tailored short sleeve longline-esque blazer with a sheer skirting, which is a separate trend in itself right now. It's stylish, playful and looks super premium. Pair with New Look's Chanel inspired slingbacks to look even more expensive. BUY NOW FOR £199
The navy and cream polka dot dress is finally back in stock after selling out due to popular demand. The tea dress features capped sleeves with subtle lace detailing along the hems on the sleeves and V-neckline. It boasts a bias cut, which hugs the body in all the right places without being skin tight. Layer with a cream blazer or light cardigan and sandals for a casual, yet appropriate Wimbledon ensemble. BUY NOW FOR £225
Buttermilk has been a hugely popular trend of late and it shows no sign of going anywhere, at least not for the summer. Another on-trend style is the dropped waist, which this dress features. It also boasts a round neck, ruched detailing and a loose fit skirt. BUY NOW FOR £45
A linen dress in the summer is essential because the fabric is lightweight, breathable and comfortable. This simple dress boasts a relaxed straight fit, which is spacious and airy, though you can cinch it in at the middle for more shape. We particularly love the geometric coloured print to add a pop of colour to the look, which you can then bring out in the form of brightly coloured accessories. BUY NOW FOR £137
It's giving Aje, but for much less. For those conscious of their arms, or don't want to expose their shoulders in the scorching heat then a balloon sleeve is the happy medium that will offer coverage and protection without leaving you feeling restricted in your dress. Cinch up the sleeves to the elbows for a more voluminous puff sleeve. It's lightweight, airy and super elegant. BUY NOW FOR £97
This bandeau dress can be worn strapless or fitted with adjustable spaghetti straps for a secure fit. What we love about this dress is it is not super fitted like other bandeau dresses, but rather flows down the body.The pleat detail is a clever feature to skim the body for a streamlined silhouette, and to conceal any creases from sitting watching the match unfold. BUY NOW FOR £100
We've seen (and owned) numerous lace dresses, but none as chic as M&S' Midi Tea Dress. This creation is a hybrid between a tea dress and shirt dress in one. It offers a straight fit that falls midway down the calves, short sleeves, as well as a collar and button front fastening. We love the buttercup yellow tone for a zesty summer look. BUY NOW FOR £119
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MORE: We've found the ultimate M&S dress to wear all summer for under £40
MORE: Nobody's Child now has a whole page dedicated to dresses with pockets
MORE: Linen trousers are a summer essential and here are the best designs to live in

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Emma Raducanu books spot in Wimbledon second round with routine win over Mimi Xu
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While defending champion Carlos Alcaraz became ensnared in a five-set epic against the maverick Fabio Fognini, over on Wimbledon 's second show court, another former US Open champion was showing him how first-round matches at grand slams are supposed to go. In fact, his future doubles partner: Emma Raducanu. The pair's paths have diverged quite considerably since breakout seasons as teenagers, Raducanu winning a maiden major in Flushing Meadows in 2021, Alcaraz following suit the year after. The Brit has never been able to replicate the highs of that stunning major win, but is back in the world's top 40 after a more consistent first half of the season, and back in the British No 1 spot. The opponent she faced on Monday evening at SW19 may have reminded her somewhat of herself at a younger age. 17-year-old Mimi Xu has recalled watching Raducanu's US Open win, surrounded by friends she trained with at the LTA academy in Loughborough, and cites the 22-year-old as a 'role model' for her. The Swansea teenager was awarded a wildcard into the main draw at Wimbledon this year, after a brilliant rise to the cusp of the world's top 300, including beating two top-100 players on grass this summer. Her reward was a first-round encounter with Raducanu, and primetime billing on Wimbledon's second-biggest court. It was quite the step up for someone mid-A levels, who - excellent season notwithstanding - largely competes on the ITF circuit. And initially Xu looked a little star-struck. Raducanu opted to receive first and immediately piled pressure on the teenager's serve, breaking at the first time of asking. The 22-year-old often cuts a fired-up figure on court, and Xu's quiet racquet-shakes to herself were drowned out by Raducanu's frequent shouts of 'Come on!' as she raced into the lead. But after the first couple of games whizzed by, and the crowd began to fear a whitewash, Xu seemed to let herself relax. A shout of 'Come on Britain!' offered the reminder that, with this being an all-British affair, the crowd – at least – was guaranteed to be supportive. Xu switched up her game, drawing Raducanu into the net, and after saving another break point, got herself on the board for 2-1. It was to be a fairly brief respite, as Raducanu immediately reminded Xu – and everyone watching – why this was such a lopsided match. The teenager swung for the ball on a lethal body serve and missed completely, before slipping over at the baseline chasing the ball down. Raducanu held to love and despite Xu showing glimpses of her quality – a fine forehand, easy power – she more often than not miscontrolled, and could not keep pace with the clean, destructive groundstrokes of her more experienced opponent. Another error from Xu handed over the first set, 6-3 in 37 minutes. Someone in the crowd popped a bottle of champagne behind Raducanu's seat, the cork flying over her head and landing in the service box. But the excitable punter may have been celebrating a win too early, and Raducanu would require digging into the well of that experience in a topsy-turvy second set. Xu left the court to regroup and it was clear Raducanu fancied getting through proceedings quickly, practicing serves while she waited for her to return. A swift hold to love, followed by a break of the Xu serve after a mammoth game, may have signalled the beginning of the end – but as so often with underdogs, Xu had other ideas. She began swinging freely, at the same moment as Raducanu began to falter. Three blistering aces helped the British No 1 to a 40-0 lead, before Xu fought back to deuce. A clean winner brought up break point, and the wallflower of the first set disappeared as Xu broke, gesturing to the crowd to make some noise. Thrilled at seeing the fightback, they duly obliged. Four breaks in succession meant there was little to separate the pair, but Raducanu has been here several times before, and the depth of her experience told. From 40-0 up on serve at 4-2, she was pegged back to 40-30, disrupted by a spectator's alarm repeatedly blaring. But she dug her heels in to back up her break, and did so again as she slipped to 0-30 serving for the match at 5-3. Xu shanked the ball into the net to bring up match point; a blistering serve was thumped into the tape, and that was that. There were no hugs at the net, no warm words between the apprentice and her role model, just a businesslike handshake. But Raducanu was all smiles afterwards – as well as perhaps heaving a sigh of relief at how she avoided getting entangled in a lengthy epic, Alcaraz-style. The back issue that has troubled her in recent weeks also appeared pleasingly absent. 'I'm super pleased to have come through, it's so difficult playing another Brit first up,' she said afterwards. 'I had some really good patches and I had some moments where I lost my focus. I'm really happy with how I toughed it out and won the important points today.' Tougher tests will await, but this was a good one to tick off.

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It is four years since Raducanu launched her rocket to stardom by reaching the last 16 of Wimbledon as an 18-year-old. Xu is only 17, and she will surely have many more chances to write her own success story at SW19, but she was unable to really test the British number one's nerve, with Raducanu easing to a 6-3 6-3 victory. 👏 @EmmaRaducanu wins her @Wimbledon opener against fellow Brit Mimi Xu! #BackTheBrits 🇬🇧 | #Wimbledon — LTA (@the_LTA) June 30, 2025 It was a solid start to the former US Open champion's campaign but things get significantly tougher from here with in-form Marketa Vondrousova up next. Raducanu's win over the Czech in the second round in 2021 was the result that first made the tennis world sit up and take notice, but Vondrousova earned her place in Wimbledon history two years later by becoming the first unseeded women's singles champion. Raducanu was happy to clear the first hurdle, saying: 'I'm super pleased to have come through that match. It's so difficult playing another Brit first round. When the draw came out, I can't say I was loving it.' Raducanu and Xu are friendly. They hit together at the Billie Jean King Cup finals in November while Raducanu practises her Mandarin by speaking to Xu's mother. Shared heritage or not, this was a contest Raducanu wanted to stamp her authority on quickly, and she did just that. It has not been an easy build-up for the 22-year-old, who has been dealing with some bad personal news as well as a niggling back problem. She smiled and waved as she entered Court One to cheers, though, while Xu had her ears covered by large headphones. The Swansea player made a nervous start and Raducanu immediately broke serve but holding a long third game settled Xu down and she began to show why she is considered such a good prospect. Xu sent down serves close to 120mph and troubled Raducanu on occasion with her powerful ground strokes but a missed second serve return at 4-3 30-30 showed her inexperience, and the first set disappeared in a slew of errors. While Xu left the court to change, Raducanu showed she is not above a bit of mid-match litter picking, collecting a champagne cork that had flown from the stands on to the court with a chuckle and putting it in a bin. Xu's best moments came early in the second set when she twice broke the Raducanu serve, earning her reward for staying on the front foot and going for the lines. She could not hold her own delivery, though, and Raducanu clinched her first match point after an hour and 25 minutes to maintain her record of never having lost in the first round. With Hannah Klugman also losing, hopes of a breakout teenage star rested on the shoulders of US Open junior champion Mika Stojsavljevic.

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