How to Style a Tennis Skirt When You’re Not Actually Going to Play Tennis
Tennis skirts have been popping up around social media with one caveat—they’re not being worn on tennis courts. So, how does one wear this trend when it’s not being worn for the sport, but rather the style? Luckily, influencers aplenty have been testing the waters and trying out different styling techniques, so we can choose what we like and dive right in. Or better yet, serve some looks (pun intended).
The second season of “The Politician” just came out on Netflix and we’re re-obsessed with Lucy Boynton’s sophisticated yet edgy character, Astrid Sloan, and her preppy outfits. One of her specialties is the tennis ensemble and we can’t get enough. Whether it’s worn with a sleeveless top, accessorized with colored sunglasses, or paired with a sweater, the moral of the story is that you can’t go wrong with a tennis skirt. Influencers caught on and have been making the trend more mainstream, helping us navigate the ins-and-outs of what to pair with the skirt.
Who could have predicted that a stylish, new trend would appear from quarantine, and be one that didn’t include some sort of sweatpant? Shocking, yes, but also a relief to know that the fashion world has not given up and has instead delivered us with a cute yet very comfortable new clothing item. Dare we say, a new staple piece for the rest of summer and early fall? Plus, you never know when you might get called to play an impromptu tennis match, in which case you will always be duly prepared. Game, set, match!
1. Destiny Joseph (@isthisfate)
A true master of the tennis skirt trend, Destiny Joseph has tried just about every color and way to style the look. From an edgy, black tennis skirt worn with chunky Chelsea boots and a patchwork sweater, to a pale pink skirt paired with pastel purple and green accessories, Joseph has proved the tennis skirt trend to be very versatile. Even when she wore the typically frumpy tennis favorite—a knit vest—she still managed to make the outfit look fresh and cool, and left us hurrying to cop her look.
2. Sarah Holder (@sarahjoholder)
British influencer Sarah Holder should be at Wimbledon by now, given the amount of times she has served absolutely fire tennis skirt looks. Periwinkle, pink, classic white, it doesn’t matter—Holder has worn it all and proves that the tennis skirt can be quite versatile. Whether you’re in the mood to go on a dreamy picnic, go out on the town, or take a sunset walk with friends, a tennis skirt should be your new go-to.
3. Alicia Roddy (@lissyroddyy)
Popular British influencer Alicia Roddy is a frequent participant in the tennis skirt trend and has seemed to find her favorite way of styling the piece. According to Roddy, all you need to make a chic and sophisticated outfit is to wear a neutral colored crewneck sweatshirt—try gray or black—with a polo shirt’s collar popped out underneath, finished with gold accessories galore. Simple and comfortable? Sounds too good to be true.
4. Emmanuelle (@emmanuellek_)
Since these skirts aren’t actually being worn on a tennis court, then there’s no reason not to have a little fun with color. Parisian blogger Emmanuelle played around with dreamy cool-toned pastels, creating a fun and trendy look that can easily be replicated. All you need is a cropped shirt, a blazer, and a tennis skirt—and then you can call it a day. A very stylish day, that is.
5. Lauren Crowe (@laurencrowe88)
A minimalist queen, influencer Lauren Crowe experimented with a classic black and white palette to style the tennis skirt. A key takeaway from Crowe’s look is the importance of a sweater, tied over the shoulders, and a solid pair of platform sneakers, to emulate the country-club-meets-NYC-streets vibe.
6. Cierra Nia (@simply.cie)
Initially, the words “tennis skirt” and “edgy, boho” may not seem to go well together. Influencer Cierra Nia, however, begs to differ and has done so very successfully. Nia paired an oversized tee, a neck bandana, and chunky sandals with the skirt, creating a festival-ready outfit that, in this time of social distancing, will also look great at a 6-feet-apart affair.
7. Nara Aziza (@naraaziza)
Model Nara Aziza tapped into the tennis skirt’s preppy roots by wearing a matching cropped, collared shirt worthy of an outfit in “Clueless.” The white set, which is a traditionally reserved look, is made young by the zippered front, low V-neck, and sleeveless cut.
8. Cinzia Zullo (@cinziabayliszullo)
YouTuber Cinzia Zullo created the perfect outfit for a lockdown walk—bulky dad sneakers, ankle-high socks, and a comfy cute crewneck sweatshirt with the key piece of the outfit: the tennis skirt. As the weather gets warmer and spending time outside is the only acceptable summer activity, an easy outfit to throw on has become a necessity.
9. Izzy Lou (@izzydilg)
Vancouver- and Australia-based YouTuber Izzy Lou often channels the green court, but proves the tennis skirt is a perfect ‘fit for other places. Worn with high-top sneakers, layered necklaces, and a sleeveless white cropped shirt, tennis skirts work for a lowkey day at home. Throw on a sweatshirt and grab a shoulder purse, and the look is equally great for a walk on the beach.
10. Danielle Bernstein (@weworewhat)
Famed-blogger turned-influencer-turned-author-turned-business-mogul Danielle Bernstein is a trendsetter in all senses of the word. It was only a matter of time before Bernstein would hop on this trend, showing us a new way to accessorize the skirt. Pair a dark-colored bodysuit, a white sweater over the shoulders, a big chain necklace, and sunglasses to create a look so boujee, even the Kardashians would quake.
11. Stef (@beingstefs)
London-based influencer Stef effortlessly styled two tennis skirt looks that are easy to imitate depending on the weather. If it’s a little chilly out, wear a tight turtleneck tucked into the tennis skirt for a chic and sharp ensemble. If it’s nice and sunny, then trade the turtleneck for a matching sports bra to achieve a great athleisure look.
5 tennis skirts for you to hit the ball off the court:
How do you style tennis skirts? Tag us in your OOTD @theedgemag on Instagram!