What do you do when fashion’s ‘IT’ girl has a new movie out? Read the synopsis, watch the trailer, do some research about the co-stars, and then book a showing to see what she wore for the scenes! Yes, Zendaya’s new release, Challengers, is a seductive tale of power play in love by Luca Guadagnino. The movie is set around hot tennis players and, coupled with promotional looks that yet again pay homage to her character, is set to have a major impact on how we’re about to do skirts and more this summer.
What Are The Elements Of Tennis Fashion?
Let’s look at how the competitive sport has impacted the fashion world. While the look has evolved, some elements have remained constantly recognisable. These include short pleated skirts, sleeveless tops or polo shirts, and kickass sneakers. For men, it’s typically a pair of shorts, a polo shirt, or a T-shirt. Accessorising with sun hats, visors, and wristbands adds a sporty touch yet remains functional.
The fashion world hasn’t just been influenced by the silhouettes and statement pieces of the sport; it has actively integrated them into collections. Who could forget the tennis tutu that Nike and Off-White™ collaborated on, which Serena Williams sported at the 2018 US Open? Or Ralph Lauren partnering with the Wimbledon tournaments to craft collections of preppy and sophisticated tennis whites and stripes; fashion loves tennis!
How Does Zendaya Impact The Tennis Fashion Trend?
People are about to look like Tennis pros without ever stepping foot in the court. Because Zendaya’s recent promotional looks have been all about making tennis her go-to personality for the summer. She attended the Challengers premiere in London wearing a custom Thom Browne white sequin drop-waisted pleated halter dress with athletic mesh inserts, red, white, and blue intarsia hem detailing, and white bullion half-drop tennis racket icon embroidery, giving a crash course at how to make an outfit your own.
But given that we mere mortals don’t have access to master ateliers from the biggest fashion houses in the world and are not close friends stylist Law Roach, here’s what you can settle on:
- Knitted V-neck dresses, versatile pieces that the likes of Tory Burch have mastered. Style with a slender belt to show off your summer body-ody-ody and accessorise with large hoops and chunky bracelets that scream “Playing sports pays my bills”.
- Horsebit bows or scrunchies are super trendy right now. Opt for the timeless styles reminiscent of Gucci in the 1950s, and pair all your emsebled with these adorable hair accessories.
- If you don’t already have one, invest in a nice pair of platform sneakers. We’re drawing inspiration from the Bode x Nike Astrograbbers drop. According to Emily Adams Bode Aujla, the designer behind Bode, the collaboration was inspired by American athletic wear from the 1770s through the 1970s. Building upon the nostalgia factor, these vintage-style kicks can also double up as a collectable piece.
- Stripes, stripes and a whole lot of strips! Bold like the Moncler aesthetic, pair your stripes with solid-coloured sneakers for a proper tennis homage.
- Chunky silver chains don’t just belong to hip-hop; they’re also very much a tennis staple. Bring Y2K in the mix and layer your statement piece with other necklaces of varied lengths and textures.
- Pleated miniskirts—this one’s obvious, but how do you style them? Tuck into a blouse—that’s the classic way. If the weather lets up a little, you can add a soft layer. Pair your pleated miniskirt with a graphic tee to bring our your whimsical side on casual Fridays.
- Lastly, get some collared crop tops, crafted like those Cider pieces you see your favourite influencers wearing. Pair with high-waisted bottoms, such as high-waisted jeans or a high-waisted tennis skirt. You can also do high-waisted tailored capris to look like you’re on your way to watch the next Wimbledon with Hollywood’s biggest stars in attendance!
Featured Image – ©instagram/thombrowne
