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Evening Standard

Lifestyle

Daisy Lester

Best Wimbledon outfit ideas to ace the dress code

Wimbledon Olivia Rodrigo Ralph Lauren Longchamp Mint Velvet Tennis Vivaia Zara Zendaya (Organization)

I wore Realisation Par’s Sadie dress to Wimbledon last year - (Daisy Lester)

The 2026 summer of sport has started – and while the World Cup calls for track jackets and football shirts, Wimbledon commands a chicer dress code. The Championships play over 14 days from Monday, 29 June to Sunday, 12 July, where tennis and British tradition combine.

The world-famous tournament is the oldest tennis championship still played on grass courts and remains the only Grand Slam to enforce a strict all-white dress code on competitors. Renowned for its strawberries and cream, Pimm's, and the iconic queue – where spectators line up for same-day tickets – Wimbledon has long occupied a unique place at the intersection of sport and style.

From the celebrities spotted in the Royal Box and the heritage of player attire to the rise of the contemporary ‘tenniscore’ aesthetic, the championships have evolved into an off-court fashion display as much as a sporting spectacle.

In my experience, people watching at Wimbledon can be just as compelling as the tennis. From the bar to the toilet queue, the grounds are a showcase of summer dressing: floral or floaty white dresses, sharp suiting, and whimsical prints dominate. Men tend toward relaxed tailoring, pairing linen blazers with smart trousers and boat shoes.

Smart-casual attire is standard for the grounds (ripped jeans, dirty trainers and beachwear, for example, are banned), but the Royal Box, hospitality areas, Centre Court and Court One encourage more thought.

Best Wimbledon 2026 outfit ideas at a glance

Best dress – Realisation Par sadie petite spot: £295, Realisationpar.com

Best co-ord – Mint Velvet linen ruffle hem co-ord: £79, Mintvelvet.com

Best bag – Longchamp shoulder bag: £273, Longchamp.com

Best shoes – Vivaia Nelly Mary Jane shoes: £120, Vivaia.com

There’s still no rigid dress code – nothing that compares to Royal Ascot – but the Royal Box don’t allow guests to wear company logos or anything with a political leaning.

Over the years, attendees, including Margot Robbie and Kate Middleton, have made a strong case for monochrome polka dots, while Olivia Rodrigo wore a vintage Ralph Lauren red gingham dress that promptly went viral. A throw-on-and-go white dress might seem less bold, but it’s a classic choice that’s wearable long beyond Wimbledon.

Zendaya plumped for smart suiting while Olivia Rodrigo embraced classic gingham (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The tennis championships offer an opportunity to experiment with tailoring, too. Classic striped shirts have been championed by both Sienna Miller and Meghan Markle. Why not go one step further and add a tie, a la Cynthia Erivo and Zendaya? Emma Corrin’s yellow longline shorts and blazer continue to make best-dressed Wimbledon galleries, while Rochelle Humes fitted white blazer and capris are easily replicated on the high street.

Tailoring is part and parcel of menswear looks: The Royal Box requires male guests to wear a tie, jacket and shoes. David Beckham’s light linen Boss look from last year offers great inspiration, or take a cue from Tom Hiddleston and Paul Mescoe with a navy suit.

Best menswear Wimbledon outfit ideas

Best linen suit – Percival two piece suit: £360, Percivalclo.co

Best boat shoes – Ralph Lauren Merton boat shoes: £110, Ralphlauren.com

Best jacket – M&S regular fit jacket: £80, Marksandspencer.com

Best hat – Next Panama hat: £22, Next.co.uk

As for accessories and shoes, woven bags and straw hats are commonplace, though make sure the hat isn’t too large to block fellow spectators (no fascinators, thank you very much). Kitten heels and classic white trainers span the shoe spectrum, while a statement pair of sunglasses won’t go amiss. It’s also worth popping a handheld fan in your bag for particularly sweltering days on the court.

When I attended last year, I followed the unwritten dress code of polka dots with a halter-neck midi dress from Realisation Par. For the 2026 tournament, I’m wearing a Zara white mini dress with black frog fastenings. As for the shoes, I’ve decided on a supportive wedged mule for rushing between courts (I learnt my lesson when hobbling home in strappy kitten heels).

The beauty of Wimbledon dressing is its timelessness. Courtside dressing doesn’t follow trends, but champions quintessentially British dressing, be it a floral frock or a slip with a knit thrown over the shoulders. Whether you’ve got tickets or are planning on joining the queue, here’s your ultimate guide to aceing the Wimbledon unofficial dress code.