We’ve got summer sports on the brain — namely, tennis and golf. Wimbledon wrapped earlier this month. The PGA Tour is underway. And, both sports will be in competition at the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo. But even if you’re not spectating, we bet the golf and tennis looks have still been on your mind this summer.
That’s because we’re seeing the ultra-sporty style trend in a big way this summer. Both golf and tennis have traditionally been synonymous with prep culture. While that vibe is still prevalent, the styles are far more effortless, casual, and wearable than before. It’s the latest iteration of the athleisurewear trend, and it has just the right mix of elevated polish and laid-back ease. Plus, with looks this fun and flirty, you can wear them anywhere — no court or links required.
Ahead, check out the elements of what makes for a stylish golf or tennis player — that is, minus the racquets and clubs.
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Workout Dresses
Not long ago, tennis dresses didn’t come with built-in shorts or bras — a true abomination. We’re awfully lucky to live in the era of the quick-dry, pull-on workout dress, many of which now comes fully equipped with inner bike shorts, pockets for tennis balls, and extra bust support.
Reformation Bella Ecomove Active Dress, $, available at Reformation
Athleta Match Point Dress, $, available at Athleta
Halara In My Feels Plus Size Dress, $, available at Halara
Workout Skirts & Skorts
Skorts used to mean “skirt in the front, shorts in the back.” But someone had the genius idea to simply build in compression bike shorts under the skirt and make the whole thing look far more seamless while offering coverage. Be sure to grab a workout skirt (or skort, however you call ’em) for your next match. They’re stretchy, high-waisted, and ultra attractive — even when you’re working up a sweat storm.
Girlfriend Collective Moss Skort, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Nike Dri-FIT UV Victory 17” Golf Skirt, $, available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Outdoor Voices Court Skort 4.5″, $, available at Outdoor Voices
Crew Socks
Make no mistake — there’s a certain style of sock needed to complete the tennis or golf look, and that is the high crew. The reason for this is so that sweat that’s dripping down your legs can be absorbed by a higher-cut sock. (Ankle socks could never.) You’ve got a few extra inches of upper sock area to show off, so go ahead and select a snazzy pair.
Kule The Women’s Tennis Sock, $, available at Kule
MCool Mary Ruffle Turn-Cuff Ankle Socks, 6 Pack, $, available at Amazon
H&M 5-pack Socks, $, available at H&M
Collared Polo Shirts
Ah, the polo shirt. It’s classic, it’s summery, it’s athletic — and it deserves a spot in your wardrobe, even if you’re not playing. The look of tennis and golf used to be dressier and far more refined, but we’re especially loving the cropped, boxy collared polo shirt these days. (Though, we certainly don’t mind the more fitted, buttoned-up look, either.)
Adidas Originals Monte Court logo cropped polo shirt, $, available at ASOS
Maeve Springtime Polo Top, $, available at Anthropologie
Everlane The Retro Jersey Polo, $, available at Everlane
Tennis Sneakers
Wearing proper tennis footwear is key. Whereas running shoes are built to get you moving (primarily) straight forward, tennis shoes are made to help you hustle from front to back, side to side, up and down, and skidding across. Off the court, then can be worn with your new tennis ensemble or paired with jeans for a comfy weekend look.
Nike NikeCourt Lite 2, $, available at Nike
Wilson Wilson Rush Pro 2.5, $, available at Zappos
Adidas ADIZERO UBERSONIC 4 TOKYO TENNIS SHOES, $, available at Adidas
Visors
Another place that golf and tennis looks often overlap? The visor. Players appreciate the visor because it not only keeps the sun out of their eyes but unlike the regular baseball cap or dad hat, the crownless style of the visor allows for better top-of-head ventilation. This preppy staple also is a sun-safe summer accessory: win/win.
COS MESH VISOR, $, available at COS
Lululemon Fast Paced Visor, $, available at Lululemon
Madewell Packable Straw Visor, $, available at Madewell
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