Headed to Wimbledon? These 8 Graceful Outfits Are Serves in Their Own Right

When it comes to the highly anticipated events on London's social calendar, there are a few that call to mind. Yet, none is more widely-discussed or globally-revered than Wimbledon. Bringing together style savants, sport aficionados, aristocrats and royals alike, the annual tennis championship is a performance in every definition of the world.

You see, while the world's top players contend for prizes like the silver Venus Water Dish—the trophy awarded to the winner of the Ladies' Singles Championship—off Centre Court, the stylish attendees vie for top fashion accolades with sartorial displays of their own. This year is no different, with the best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2025 bringing the best of tailoring, like Mia Regan in Thom Browne, sophisticated summer dresses and endlessly chic all-white outfits to the grandstands. Indeed, even if you're not a huge tennis fan, you'll undoubtedly be familiar with this iconic summer event, if only for the understatedly glamorous looks and the famed strawberries and cream treats.

If you're one of the lucky ones who'll be heading to see the event in person, you're probably in the middle of trying to figure out what to wear. While Wimbledon has no official dress code for spectators—aside from a ban on torn jeans, marked sneakers, or sport shorts—the famous attendees, from Kate Middleton to Alexa Chung to Nicola Coughlan, have established that this is the place to put your best fashion foot forward.

So, let's get into the particulars. There is no official dress code for Wimbledon; however, you must always wear an outfit that is sophisticated, polished and classy. More specifically, you should adhere to a "smart casual" casual way of dressing, which means you should try to avoid jeans and denim shorts—unless your sitting outside of the grounds and spectating from Murray Mound— and gravitate towards easy one-pieces and separates. You also don't want to go full black tie, either—this isn't the place to wear your ballgown or your bejewelled mini. The good news is, the kind of styles you'd be best suited to wear to Wimbledon are likely pieces you'll happily wear time and time again.

Another important factor is comfort. You're going to be there all day, and likely be getting up on your feet a few times, so shoes that you'll be happy to spend several hours in are key, whether that's the on-trend ballet flat or a chic designer sandal. Then consider your outfit fabrics—cotton and linen are perfect for spending a long day outside, but layering a fine knit or blazer over your shoulders will ensure you're prepared for whatever London weather decides to throw your way.

To help get you inspired, I've pulled seven looks that I think would be perfect to emulate for a day at the Wimbledon club house.

What to Wear to Wimbledon? 8 Chic Looks That Define Tennis-Core

1. Monochromatic Set + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Just because wearing white is a requirement of the players, don't feel obliged to do the same. However, there is something elegant in wearing a singular hue, especially a soft pastel or understated neutral. If there's one shade that's second to white, it's cornflower blue. Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore a blue polka-dot dress from beloved London-based fashion label, Alessandra Rich, in 2022, while Lila Moss opted for a more liquid version of the shade in a Ralph Lauren slip dress for the 2023 iteration of the tournament. While it might not be an official Wimbledon shade, it's clear the is understatedly elegant, but is breezy and comfortable enough for you to happily wear for an afternoon in the stands.

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2. White Dress + Colourful Mules

Style Notes: Nod to the tennis whites of the pros with a beautifully structured white midi dress. Cotton poplin is the best material to go for—it's breathable and light but still holds its shape all day long. Adding a pop of colour with your footwear helps separate you from the players. (No Kristen Dunst Wimbledon cos-play, here!)

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3. Pleated Skirt + Long Vest

Style Notes: Wimbledon can oftentimes be a display of refined and restrained minimalism. This look featuring a modestly longline linen vest and gently pleated skirt is perfect for watching a match. I love the contrast of the structured waistcoat with the romantic, sweeping midi skirt, and the strappy low heels give it the final polished touch.

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4. Shirt Dress + Slingback Heels

Style Notes: A shirt dress with a cinched waist is a Wimbledon classic, striking the perfect note between polished and daytime-appropriate. Follow this example and give yours a modern refresh by opting for a style that surprises with texture and detail, and pairing it with a subtly sparkling pair of slingback heels.

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5. White Trousers + Colourful Cardigan

Style Notes: White wide-leg trousers are a Wimbledon staple, but I love how Monikh Dale's has styled hers with a bold cardigan—brilliant for dealing with London's unpredictable climate.

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6. Colourful Dress + Chunky Loafers

Style Notes: When it comes to dressing for this full day event, comfort is key. You can absolutely swap heeled sandals or pumps for flats, and I personally love the look of chunky heeled loafers with a maxi dress. Take cues from the official Wimbledon colour palette and opt for a royal purple dress à la Kate Middleton and Lucy Williams.

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7. Patterned Mini + Jumper

Style Notes: This perfectly preppy look is ideal for a day at Wimbledon, yet the pattern detail and mini hemline keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. A small top handle big really rounds out the outfit.

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8. Polka Dot Dress + Oversized Blazer

Style Notes: When Julia Roberts wore a brown polka dot dress to a polo game in 1990's Pretty Woman, she cemented the darling print as a match for elegant spectator style. This fact was co-signed a mere 35 years later by a then-pregnant Margot Robbie when she wore an Alaïa gown to watch a face off between Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz. Wimbledon mainstay Alexa Chung also owns the print, proving this style is a winner within first-timers and alums alike.

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What is the Dress Code to Attend Wimbledon?

As per the official Wimbledon Championship guidelines, there is no official dress code stipulated to attend the tournament. However, there are rules that outline what is considered to be as "unsuitable dress" for the members' enclosures, meaning if you arrive at the SW1 grounds wearing one of these, you may not be permitted to enter. For women, this includes t-shirts, bare midriffs, jeans or denim of any type of colour (including white!), mini skirts, hoodies, flip flops, sandals and trainers. "Dresses and skirts should be of modest length, defined as falling just above the knee or longer," the official governing body says.

What is the Smart Attire Dress Code for Wimbledon?

So, what can you wear to Wimbledon? The most well-known dress code that covers all of Wimbledon's rules is "smart attire". But what does this even constitute? It's relaxed but formal and, most importantly, more on the conservative side, meaning that most forms of tailoring (like blazers, pleated trousers and shirting), along with modest summer dresses, will be appropriate. Most of the best Wimbledon outfits of all time fall into either of these categories, like Zendaya's Ralph Lauren suit and tie or Sienna Miller's balmy off-the-shoulder dress.

Can You Wear Non-White to Wimbledon?

Of course! This confusion arises from the ruling that players have to wear white. This should not be conflated with the spectator dress code. If you're unsure where to start, you should know that most attendees will avoid vibrant hues in favour of mild shades. Butter yellows, soft lattes and sands, cornflower blues and creamy hues are preferred, but you'll also spot the odd purple and green, given these are Wimbledon's official colour.

Do you Have to Wear Heels to Wimbledon?

No, you don't have to wear heels to Wimbledon. While many guests do, since there are so many limitations around the footwear you can wear, watching a match is a marathon, not a sprint, so comfort does have to be taken into consideration. Instead of heels, loafers, ballet flats and Mary Janes can be worn as a chic and stylish alternative.