As a tennis novelist but a fashion enthusiast, these were the things that I was most excited to see while attending my first US Open! Tennis skirts and tennis bracelets.
Tennis Bracelets: The tennis bracelet first got its name at NY’s US Open in 1987 when Florida's own Chris Evert served a ball to her opponent so hard that her signature diamond bracelet flew off her wrist. Evert famously said “Oh no, my tennis bracelet” and marketers made sure to make the name stick! Evert is tied with Serena Williams for the most Majors titles in women’s tennis and perhaps made an even bigger mark on the diamond industry.
Tennis Skirts: And while shiny Swarovski tennis bracelets were in short supply, it was very obvious pleated tennis skirts will be the next biker shorts. The origin story of the tennis skirt is more predictable. Before tennis skirts women wore long dresses that completely covered their legs. Shoutout Suzanne Lenglen for rocking the first tennis skirt in the 1920s at Wimbledon.
Tennis and dance are two of the only sports where the majority of women still wear skirts! With Balletcore and Barbiecore at their prime, we see a runway with a bigger appetite for feminine touches. A pleated yet moisture-wicking tennis skirt can be worn classically preppy or made grunge with the right add ons. Don’t know where to start? Check out Hailey Beiber’s Fila collab.
Before I settled into my seat and started munching on my pistachios, (Get it? It’s like peanuts at baseball but *fancier.*) I toured the concourse scouting the best tennis couture.
Chanel Jumpsuit: The US Open is very much a place to see and be seen. And sadly this chica didn’t get the memo because she wouldn’t turn around for the camera! This tweed Chanel jumpsuit (Are you kidding me!? At a 100 degree sporting event!?) deserves a place on this blog even if it is a weak photo of the backside. Fully equipped with gold interlocking C buttons and a velvet belt, this tennis-appreciator carries a mini black Prada duffle purse proving she doesn’t show favorites. One thing I noticed almost immediately, is everyone who attends the US Open is actually pushing 6 feet. So no, she’s really not that tiny, her man is just a giant.
Tweed Shift Dress: I always respect someone who wears something adjacent to everyone else at an event but really finds their own interpretation to make the look them. This. Is. Personal. Style. She made the tweed Jackie-O dress her own in a bright coral with blue and white piping. Almost all American colors, but not quite. In this picture, you can see the girl on the go adds a pop of color to the white out situation most of the stadium was doing. She stood out against the sea of white tennis shoes, white denim, and white dresses that surrounded her. The knotted cardi says Nantucket, but the metal cuff and the nude mani tell us she actually lives in New York now.
Gucci Paperboy Cap: If you are one of the few, the proud, the ones who can pull off a paperboy hat you deserve props and documentation! When I saw this US Open fan absolutely slaying this Gucci Newsie’s style cap I was tempted to hand her that trophy in the Polo Ralph Lauren gift shop. I very rarely go hair up with a hat but she inspired me to do so! The olive monochromatic moment consists of a sporty halter top and trousers. Showing support for both sports and fashion. The gold jewels add legendary shine.
Comments