How to master the unofficial dress code for Wimbledon

Telegraph

a day ago

If you were about to step onto one of Wimbledon 's Championship courts – whether for a practice or a match – a strict dress code would apply. According to the official rules, competitors' tennis attire must be 'almost entirely white', which, to clarify, does not include 'off white or cream'.
But for those heading to SW19 for the considerably less arduous task of spectating this year's tournament, no such restrictions apply. 'In general, there is no official dress code, but smart dress is encouraged – particularly for Centre Court and Court One,' Wimbledon tells The Telegraph. 'In the Royal Box and Clubhouse, men are asked to wear a suit and tie, and it's broadly equivalent for the Members's areas.'
There are also a few 'forbidden items', including clothing that bears political or 'objectionable or offensive' statements, as well as oversized hats that could obstruct the view of fellow attendees. But while your best headpiece will have to remain in its box for next year's Royal Ascot, Wimbledon's otherwise relaxed rules leave plenty of room for summertime self-expression, whether you're heading to Centre Court, watching from Henman Hill, or embracing the mood in your everyday dress.
Of course, an absence of guidelines can lead to sartorial crises – freedom can be perplexing, even intimidating. Luckily, something of an unofficial Wimbledon dress code has taken shape over the years, and the best course of action is to follow the example of chic guests who have aced the look in the past. Take Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer, Princess Diana's immaculately turned-out twin nieces, who are regulars at the tennis, as well as the other key events in the British social calendar.
'For Wimbledon, we like to adopt a classic style, and love smart tailoring in a lighter colour palette,' says Amelia. 'This feels weather-appropriate and comfortable, and also leaves a lot of room for your accessories.' As the Spencer sisters have just announced a six-month partnership with Aspinal, it's a safe bet that they'll pair their suits with a handbag from the British leather-goods brand this year (the contents, they say, will include sunglasses, a small fan, sun cream and lipstick).
The twins were among many high-profile guests who opted for sharp tailoring in pale hues at Wimbledon last year. Glenn Close showed how keeping things simple can be the smartest option in a double-breasted ivory trouser suit by Ralph Lauren, while Kate Beckinsale looked court-ready in a bright white single-breasted blazer and subtly flared trousers. It's a strong option for men too, as last year's crop of suited and booted gents showed – see Richard E. Grant in a sunshine-yellow waistcoat under a crisp white suit, or David Beckham in a sandy linen suit and a knitted tie by Hugo Boss.
When it comes to finding the perfect suit – for Wimbledon and beyond – few are better placed to advise than Daisy Knatchbull, the tailor behind the first women's-only shopfront on Savile Row. 'Pale colours, worn the right way, can be an incredibly chic choice for a suit, so long as you're aware of not being washed out by the shade,' she says. 'Balancing with neutrals or adding a texture to give depth to your look – tweed, rib, lace or silk – can be helpful. A high contrast is fun too – bold accessories such as a metallic shoe or bag can complement pale colours beautifully.'
Perhaps Beckham had the texture trick in mind when he added his knitted scarf, an accessory that Zendaya also opted for last year, with a Ralph Lauren herringbone blazer, chambray shirt and jeans. This look embodies another – slightly more casual – school of Wimbledon-style thought, which takes stylish neutral separates and introduces an element of preppy informality. Other key reference points from last year include Alexa Chung in a structured midi skirt and casually buttoned cable-knit cardigan (also by Ralph Lauren), and Paul Mescal, who layered his custom Gucci suit over a striped T-shirt.
Those looking to achieve a similar look without the luxury of being dressed by a top fashion house might look to Cos's elevated basics, Massimo Dutti's breezy linen separates and M&S's Wimbledon-ready flats. To add a touch of on-trend athleticism (it's been a year of Miu Miu-esque rugby shirts and high-fashion baseball caps, after all), there are plenty of tennis-inspired pieces to browse. Reformation's 'Courtside Collection', designed for 'off-court activities like drinking Pimm's', features varsity-style knits and an elegant white belted linen dress, perfect for nodding to Keira Knightley's elegant Chanel look at Wimbledon 2024.
Of course, there's no need to stick either to sporty neutrals or immaculate whites. You could honour the official colours of Wimbledon – green and purple – à la the Princess of Wales, who's worn a regal Safiyaa London dress, a zesty lime Self Portrait number and a mint-green Balmain blazer in previous years. Helen Mirren, meanwhile, went for a forest-green midi and silver brogues last year. If you want to add a colourful spin but don't want to commit to full-on blocking, a bright and bold accessory can do the trick nicely; for an infinitely uplifting investment option, turn to the queen of playful bags, Lulu Guinness.
The final category to consider when dressing for Wimbledon is prints. Pippa Middleton made the case for pretty florals last year in a Beulah London dress, proving that this will always be a fail-safe option. But this year, there's likely to be an influx of another pattern currently enjoying a moment in the spotlight: polka-dots. These have an enduring legacy at Wimbledon; the Princess of Wales wore them consecutively in 2017 and 2018, while two stars got the look spot on last year – Margot Robbie in head-to-toe Alaïa and Sienna Miller in a cropped shirt and pleated skirt set by Prada.
For those looking to put their spin on the trend, there are a host of dotty options out there on the high street at the moment. Just add sunglasses, strawberries and – knowing the great British weather – a lightweight waterproof.
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