Wimbledon Style
What it's like to attend Wimbledon and what you should wear to the greatest fortnight in tennis.
I checked a major bucket item off my list last summer when I was invited to attend Wimbledon with Ralph Lauren Home. As exciting as it was to receive this invitation, my mind immediately turned to what to wear.
My research skills went into overdrive as I scanned the internet for past attendee outfit inspiration. Since I was attending with Ralph Lauren but not being dressed by them, I started with what people were wearing in their suite, as well as the Royal Box. Themes started to emerge which were white dresses, patterned midi dresses, and suits. My best advice for anyone attending Wimbledon is to have two outfit options available, one for cooler and rainy weather, and another for a warmer and sunny day.
Many time, you might get both days in one which was the weather I had on July 5, 2023. I arrived to Wimbledon just as it started to sprinkle but bright skies arrived later in the day. I ended up wearing an ivory Sézane double breasted blazer, a thin black sweater, black trousers, dressy cap toe black and ivory Chanel t-strap flats, and my black Kelly bag. I threw an ivory and black striped cotton sweater over my shoulders which connected all the pieces. If I ever have the chance to attend again, I’d probably wear a thin wool navy trouser suit or long-sleeve patterned midi dress.
There are better resources for Wimbledon fashion inspiration this year since Morgan Riddle, the girlfriend of professional US tennis player Taylor Fritz, has partnered with Wimbledon to highlight the fashionable attire of the fans in Wimbledon Threads. Some of her own outfits were featured on Tatler today too.
From what I’ve observed, Roland Garros fashion in Paris tends toward more casual but chic layers when the weather is cooler and more unpredictable in late May and early June. Wimbledon is more dressed up and people make a bigger effort with their outfits despite the possible rain. The US Open in New York in late August and early September is usually oppressively hot and humid which lends itself to the lightest and the most casual attire.
Only those with a special car pass can be dropped off close to the entrance of Wimbledon. Most everyone arrives via the Tube but a black cab or Uber can get you reasonably close. As soon as I arrived, I spotted Roger Federer on the balcony which was a very exciting way to start the day.
Ralph Lauren really puts the hospitality in hospitality suite. First up was a sit down lunch where I met some lovely other attendees at my table. You can’t attend Wimbledon without indulging in the iconic strawberries and cream. Then we headed out to our seats at Centre Court to watch the first match of Daria Kasatkina versus the hometown favorite Jodie Burrage who had all the fans cheering.
It was back to the suite for drinks before the second match between the number one seed Iga Swiatek against Spanish player Sara Sorribes Tormo. Tea was served before the evening match between Novak Djokovic who was seeded number two last year and Australian player Jordan Thompson.
The RL team never lets your glass or stomach get empty and even bring treats and drinks to your seat so you don’t miss any of the action. It was truly a magical once in a lifetime experience.
According to the Wimbledon website, the Royal Box has been used for the entertainment of friends and guests of Wimbledon since 1922. British and overseas Royal Families are invited as well as heads of government, people from the world of tennis, commercial partners, British armed forces, prominent media organizations, supporters of British tennis, and other walks of life. Invitations come from the Chairman of the All England Club, taking into account suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and other relevant sources. Guests are invited to the Clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day.
The Royal Box has 74 seats dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs and per The New York Times and Wimbledon websites, “there’s a pretty strict dress code”.
Dress is smart and gentlemen are asked to wear a lounge suit/blazer and tie and it’s “afternoon dress” (nothing above the knee) or elegant trouser suit for ladies. Women are also asked not to wear hats, lest they obscure the view of those behind them.
“Lewis Hamilton fell afoul of the clothing rules in 2015 when he was denied entry to the Royal Box after showing up without a jacket and tie, thus missing the men’s final between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.”
David Beckham was in the Royal Box last year when I attended wearing a tan suit along with his mother who was wearing a pale green ensemble.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a royal role she received from Queen Elizabeth in 2016, which is why she usually presents the prizes to the champions. I know everyone hopes she will be well enough to attend the ladies and men’s finals this weekend to present the trophies.
I had originally intended to wear a white embroidered midi dress but I thought I would be too cold plus it didn’t seem appropriate for the rainy start to the day. It’s definitely a great look for a sunny day. I’m sad we haven’t seen Pippa Middleton yet this year since she’s always one of the best dressed at Wimbledon.
Another suggestion I have is to wear low heels or comfortable shoes since there is a lot of walking around inside the Wimbledon complex.
Outfit No.1 - Brandon Maxwell white dress with a cognac Khaite bag and Prada ankle strap sandals
Outfit No.2 - Gabriela Hearst ribbed midi dress with Bottega Veneta shoulder bag and Prada satin t-strap pumps
Outfit No.3 - Self Portrait bouclé-tweed mini dress for those who are petite with Valextra raffia bag and Aeyde sandals
Outfit No.4 - Zimmerman lace dress with Ferragamo bag and Aquazzura slingbacks
Outfit No. 5 - Altuzzara dress with Saint Laurent bag and Gucci slingbacks
Pale florals and light prints are also popular for midi dresses at Wimbledon. I would advise bring a jacket or sweater if you plan to go sleeveless for the unpredictable weather.
Outfit No.1 - Emilia Wickstead floral maxi dress hemmed to midi length with a white Chloé clutch and pink Jimmy Choo kitten heels
Outfit No.2 - Erdem poplin maxi dress hemmed to midi length with small green Bottega Veneta bag and blue Jimmy Choo kitten heels
Outfit No.3 - Emilia Wickstead pink midi dress with Savette crescent shoulder bag and Valentino patent-leather slingbacks
Outfit No. 4 - Saloni printed cotton midi dress with yellow Bottega Veneta bag and Manolo Blahnik bow slides
Outfit No. 5 - Alessandra Rich polka dot dress with Ferragamo bag and Roger Vivier color block slingbacks
Suits aren’t just for the male spectators at Wimbledon. The ladies have looked lovely in suits with shorts and trousers for the last few years.
Outfit No.1 - Max Mara double breasted blazer, matching vest and shorts with Loewe puzzle clutch and Jimmy Choo raffia Mary Janes
Outfit No.2 - Stretch linen blazer and matching linen pants, also comes with matching vest and shorts in multiple colors, with Savette shoulder bag and Roger Vivier color block slingbacks
Outfit No.3 - Gabriela Hearst double breasted blazer and matching vest and trousers with Valentino raffia bag and Manolo Blahnik suede singbacks
Outfit No.4 - Max Mara double breasted blazer with matching wide leg pants with Gucci Jackie bag and Toteme wedge pumps
Outfit No.5 - Ralph Lauren linen blazer and matching shorts, there are also matching trousers, with a bag from The Row and Aquazzura mules
It was also fun to look back on many of the looks that Princess Diana wore to Wimbledon and how similar Catherine, Princess of Wales, dresses today.
If you’d rather play tennis than get dressed up to watch, I also put together a fun Tennis Anyone post on the OG Habitually Chic blog yesterday.
Play well!
XOXO,
HC
Love everything! Wish I was attending!