Fashion expert reveals how to master tennis-inspired trends this summer

As summer 2024 approaches, the spotlight is on the chic centre court trend as sports and athleisure exert their influence on the fashion scene. Google Trends reports a staggering 345% increase in global searches for “tenniscore” over the past month, demonstrating an undeniable fascination with the fusion of sport and style.

According to Pinterest Trends, online searches for “tennis outfits” have increased by 228% in Britain and Ireland over the past year, alongside an 80% increase in interest in “sportswear”.

This rise in sports-inspired fashion coincides with the release of The Challengers (2024), a cinematic triumph that grossed a remarkable $15 million in its opening weekend. Its appeal was further bolstered by the unforgettable press tour with none other than fashion luminary Zendaya. Drawing attention with her exquisite choice of outfits, Zendaya hit the red carpet in tennis-themed dresses, shoes, and other accessories, cementing her status as a true tastemaker.

Here, plus-size fashion experts Zizzi Fashion look at how people can channel this tennis-inspired fashion trend, whether they want to look like their favourite athlete on the court or an actress on the big screen.

Wearing a pleated skirt

Pleated skirts are the epitome of tennis-themed fashion. These iconic skirts are worn every year by professional tennis players, whether they’re shining at Roland Garros or Wimbledon. This year, however, pleated skirts have made their way off the tennis courts and onto the runways.

Lacoste’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection presented at Paris Fashion Week is the perfect example of “tenniscore” entering the fashion world. The collection featured several tennis-inspired outfits, including mini skirts and midi-length pleated skirts in shades of green, brown and black.

It’s safe to say that pleated skirts are going to be all the rage this summer. There are countless ways to wear them, including pairing them with cowboy boots, graphic tees, or denim jackets. This is a versatile tennis-inspired trend that can be tailored to each person’s individual style.

Chic tennis dresses

Tennis dresses are made for the court. But if this year has made one thing clear, it’s that cute, short outfits also have a place on the red carpet, dominating this summer’s “tenniscore” fashion trend.

Zendaya wore several dresses during the press tour for The Challengers (2024). In Rome, the actress turned heads in a silver tennis dress with a plunging neckline. The pleated hem and striped details were iconic nods to this season’s trend.

Tennis dresses can also be worn casually. Pair them with boots, denim jackets, sneakers, and sweaters to create a casual and effortless look for summer.

The iconic polo shirt

Polo shirts are an iconic and versatile piece of clothing. Collared shirts have made waves in many fashion trends throughout history, from the mod-style polos of the ’90s to this year’s preppy revival – and they’re back for “tenniscore” 2024.

Miu Miu’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection featured a number of polo shirts. Models sported classic navy shirts and an oversized brown striped shirt. Both styles are unisex and can be worn by anyone with a taste for tennis-inspired clothing.

Plus, there’s no “right” way to wear a polo shirt. To embrace classic courtroom chic, people can layer fitted polos with a retro sweater tied around the shoulders, paying homage to Princess Diana’s timeless style in the ’90s.

There are, however, other, more casual ways to wear polos. Hayley Bieber, for example, looked effortlessly chic in a striped polo paired with baggy jeans and an oversized leather jacket, as seen in the 2023 photo. This laid-back take is an easy way to embrace tennis-inspired fashion this summer.

The colors of the center court

Last but certainly not least, the colours of the centre court. White is undoubtedly the number one colour for tennis-inspired fashion this year. Whether you’re wearing a tennis dress or a polo shirt, all-white outfits embody the elegance and class of the sport.

This year, the “tenniscore” fashion trend is also leaning toward brighter, bolder colors. Zendaya wore several green outfits during the press tour for The Challengers (2024), including a tennis ball green dress that dazzled at the film’s after-party. If that doesn’t scream “tenniscore,” nothing will.

But don’t stop at green. In addition to embracing the center court colors, people can wear tennis-inspired outfits in a range of hues. Think pink tennis skirts, brown polo shirts and more—the list goes on.

A spokesperson for Zizzi Fashion said: “There is no doubt that tenniscore is the most sought-after fashion trend this summer. To embrace tennis-inspired fashion this summer, remember to wear each piece in a way that feels comfortable and natural to you. For example, people can wear pleated skirts with other sportswear, but they will also pair well with everyday pieces, such as knitwear and this season’s trendy sneakers. In short, tenniscore is individual to each person and can be shaped to fit their style, just like any fashion trend.”