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Tenniscore is Here to Stay — Here’s How to Wear the Trend

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Though pickleball reigned supreme last summer, it’s tenniscore that’s taking home the trophy for 2024’s sportiest fashion trend. If the social media frenzy around Zendaya and Law Roach’s looks on the Challengers press tour wasn’t convincing enough, the intel I gathered from E! News correspondent and Milk Makeup co-founder Zanna Roberts Rassi proves that the tenniscore trend is on the ascent.

“The rise of tennis celebrities like Coco Gauf and influencers like Morgan Riddle are contributing to the growing popularity of tennis culture, where we see tennis skirts, polos, and pleats move from the court to the streets,” says Roberts Rassi. Popular TV shows like Apples Never Fall and Break Point have certainly helped, too.

According to Afterpay (the buy-now-pay-later program that your budget <3’s), athleticwear sales increased year-over-year across every category: tennis skirts, workout dresses, athletic sunglasses, tennis sneakers—you name it. Even off-court styles like quarter-zip sweatshirts, preppy tennis sweaters, and polo shirts are growing in popularity, thanks to a perfect storm of pop culture moments.

Roberts Rassi says the preppy tennis outfits you’ll see throughout the spring and summer of 2024 “fuse athleticwear and classic styles, drawing inspiration from the old-money aesthetic that captures style-conscious consumers and sports enthusiasts.” All to say, you don’t actually need to play tennis to take part in the trend. Performance fabrics and functional design details ensure these key tenniscore fashion items are a practical addition to anyone’s casual wardrobe.


SANTINY Pleated Tennis Skirt
Credit: Amazon

Grand Slam Tennis Skirt

Alo Yoga Grand Slam Tennis Skirt

Now 31% Off

Everyday Softlyzer Airy Crossover 2-in-1 Side Pocket Cool Touch Pickleball Skirt-Lucid-UPF50+

Halara Everyday Softlyzer Airy Crossover 2-in-1 Side Pocket Cool Touch Pickleball Skirt-Lucid-UPF50+

Now 38% Off

Credit: Halara

Side-Pleat High-Rise Tennis Skirt

Lululemon Side-Pleat High-Rise Tennis Skirt

Ace High Rise 15 1/2 Tennis Skort

Ace High Rise 15 1/2 Tennis Skort
Credit: Athleta

Yes, Pleats! Skort, 14"

SPANX Yes, Pleats! Skort, 14″

Now 50% Off

Credit: Spanx

If you’re going to buy just one new skirt this spring, it should be a cute tennis skirt—or should I say, tennis skort—that you can wear just about anywhere. While the sweat-wicking fabric and built-in shorts make them ideal attire for tennis, golf, and pickleball, these cute pleated mini skirts are just as great for running errands and walking the dog.

zendaya tennis skirt challengers press tour outfit

Gotham//Getty Images


Club C 85 Sneakers

Reebok Club C 85 Sneakers

Now 23% Off

Killshot 2 Tennis Sneakers

Nike Killshot 2 Tennis Sneakers

Stan Smith Sneakers

Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers

Now 21% Off

Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes

adidas Gamecourt 2.0 Tennis Shoes
Credit: Adidas

Badminton Sneaker

Gola Badminton Sneaker
Credit: REVOLVE

Grabbing new white sneakers ahead of summer? Try a retro tennis sneaker like the Adidas Stan Smith, Nike Killshot or Reebok Club C (as opposed to soccer sneakers like Adidas Sambas and basketball sneakers like the New Balance 550). Designed decades ago to be worn on the tennis court, they bring a vintage country club vibe while keeping you comfortable af.

zendaya challengers press tour outfits 2024 tennis fashion trend

Raymond Hall//Getty Images


Skylon Ace 22 Rectangular Sunglasses

Nike Skylon Ace 22 Rectangular Sunglasses

Gameday G Shield Sunglasses

Under Armour Gameday G Shield Sunglasses

Now 44% Off

Strike Ready Sport Sunglasses

Rawlings Strike Ready Sport Sunglasses

Now 37% Off

Brink Gray

Oublie Brink Gray
Credit: Glasses USA

Polarized Sports Sunglasses

JULI Eyewear Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Credit: Amazon

Infamous Sunglasses

Alo Yoga Infamous Sunglasses

Now 30% Off

Credit: Alo Yoga

Last year’s futuristic wrap-around sunglasses have evolved into something sportier this spring. According to Afterpay, sales of athletic sunglasses are up 193% YoY, making them one of the season’s fastest-growing accessory trends. These styles aren’t just the cherry on top of your tennis-core outfits, but they’re also incredibly practical for outdoor runs and workouts.


Contrasting V-neck Sweater

MANGO Contrasting V-neck Sweater
Credit: MANGO

100% Organic Cropped Cotton Polo Sweater

Quince 100% Organic Cropped Cotton Polo Sweater

Now 72% Off

Credit: Quince

Tennis Club Sweater Knit V-Neck Pullover

Alo Yoga Tennis Club Sweater Knit V-Neck Pullover

Now 30% Off

Sailor-collar pullover sweater

J.Crew Sailor-collar pullover sweater
Credit: J.Crew

Navy Stripe Textured Pullover Sweater

GAP Navy Stripe Textured Pullover Sweater

Now 37% Off

Cable-Knit Cotton V-Neck Sweater Vest

Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton V-Neck Sweater Vest
Credit: Ralph Lauren

When it comes to knitwear, lean into tennis whites, preppy stripes and quiet luxury cotton fabrics. Keep an eye out for classic pullovers and oversized cardigans with striped trim that brings a subtle tennis vibe, whether paired with workout leggings, wide-leg trousers, or maxi skirt à la Zendaya.

tennis sweater zendaya outfit 2024

Jean Catuffe//Getty Images


Womens Tennis Dress

sports depot Womens Tennis Dress
Credit: Amazon

Court Dress

Outdoor Voices Court Dress

Now 26% Off

Swing of Things Skortsie

FP Movement Swing of Things Skortsie

Everyday Softlyzero Plush Activity Dress

Halara Everyday Softlyzero Plush Activity Dress
Credit: Halara

GapFit Power Exercise Dress

Gap GapFit Power Exercise Dress
Credit: Gap

Vuori Set Dress

Vuori Vuori Set Dress
Credit: Vuori

Similar to tennis skirts, workout dresses have taken on an even more old-money aesthetic. Afterpay data shows sales of workout dresses are up 114% YoY, with tennis dresses in particular up 69% YoY. Ahead of summer 2024, look for classic colors with preppy details like pleated skirts, zip fronts, and polo collars that make them even easier to dress up and down. Custom Loewe tennis ball heels not required.

tennis dress outfit zendaya challengers

Mondadori Portfolio//Getty Images


Ribbed Crew Socks (3-Pack)

Lacoste Ribbed Crew Socks (3-Pack)

Now 40% Off

Rizzoli Tennis Cap

Sporty & Rich Rizzoli Tennis Cap

Satin Hair Bow Clips

Aileam Satin Hair Bow Clips

Fabric Headbands (6-Pack)

Terse Fabric Headbands (6-Pack)

Our Father Visor Headband

Champion Our Father Visor Headband

Tennis Ball Keychain Coin Purse

Mini Momo Tennis Ball Keychain Coin Purse

Court-ready accessories like visors, workout headbands, and white crew socks tie your whole look together. As does a cute tennis ball coin purse or an oversized hair bow like the one Zendaya wore during the Challengers movie press tour.

zendaya challengers tour white dress hair bow thom browne

Neil Mockford//Getty Images


100% Organic Cropped Cotton Polo Sweater

Quince 100% Organic Cropped Cotton Polo Sweater

Butter Limit Zip T-Shirt

Golden by TNA Butter Limit Zip T-Shirt

Harriette Halter Midi Dress

Meshki Harriette Halter Midi Dress

Oversized Oxford Shirt

H&M Oversized Oxford Shirt
Credit: H&M

Women's Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater

Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Crewneck Cardigan Sweater
Credit: Amazon

Mayve Knit Dress

Reformation Mayve Knit Dress
Credit: Reformation

Though tennis whites may not be required at your neighborhood court (or your casual hangout), they’re certainly encouraged. A crisp white colorway instantly elevates casual workout styles and transports timeless basics straight to the country club. Wear white from head to toe for even more of a just left Wimbledon look.


Knitted Polo Neck Sweater

MANGO Knitted Polo Neck Sweater
Credit: Mango

Short Sleeve Rib Polo Sweater

Treasure & Bond Short Sleeve Rib Polo Sweater

Now 50% Off

Vintage Rib Polo T-shirt

J.Crew Vintage Rib Polo T-shirt
Credit: J.Crew

Cropped Prestige Polo

Alo Yoga Cropped Prestige Polo

Now 50% Off

Apero Liquid Jersey Polo Top

Universal Standard Apero Liquid Jersey Polo Top
Credit: Universal Standard

The Rib Soft Knit Open Collar Polo

Everlane The Rib Soft Knit Open Collar Polo

Polo shirts are another key tennis-core style that evolved from the old-money aesthetic and pickleball trends seen last summer. Grab vintage-inspired cable knit fabrics, fashion-forward cropped polos, or oversized fits that say I stole this from my tennis-playing bf. While trendy pastel pink is certainly appealing, a classic tennis color like white and navy will never lead you astray.

zendaya challengers pink polo shirt dress

Eric Charbonneau//Getty Images


Linen Shirt

H&M Linen Shirt
Credit: H&M

Olive Green Studs Earrings

JEWELRIESHOP Olive Green Studs Earrings
Credit: Amazon

Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top

Intimissimi Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top
Credit: Intimissimi

Women Casual Basic Sleeveless High Neck Tank Top

Artfish Women Casual Basic Sleeveless High Neck Tank Top
Credit: Amazon

Even your going-out looks can channel the tenniscore fashion trend if you opt for something in tennis ball green. Whether bright or full-blown neon, it’s the perfect light green shade for handbags, dresses, and statement pieces.

zendaya challengers tennis ball green dress

Eric Charbonneau//Getty Images


Emily Tennis Bracelet

Swarovski Emily Tennis Bracelet

Now 36% Off

3mm Round Cubic Zirconia Tennis Necklace

NYC Sterling 3mm Round Cubic Zirconia Tennis Necklace

London Melrah Icon Adjustable Tennis Bracelet

Ted Baker London Melrah Icon Adjustable Tennis Bracelet

Now 30% Off

Sparkling Tennis Bracelet

Pandora Sparkling Tennis Bracelet
Credit: Pandora

Reese Tennis Necklace in Metallic Gold.

Lili Claspe Reese Tennis Necklace in Metallic Gold.
Credit: REVOLVE

Lab Grown Sapphire Tennis Necklace Silver

Mejuri Lab Grown Sapphire Tennis Necklace Silver
Credit: Mejuri

What tennis outfit would be complete without a tennis bracelet or necklace to top it off? Versatile enough to wear solo or layer with chains and charms, these sparkly jewelry styles are key to creating a bougie, country club-member vibe.


Headshot of Sarah Maberry

Sarah Maberry is a commerce writer for Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level. When she’s not writing for Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, House Beautiful, Town & Country, Delish and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
 

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