Darren Gerrish
In our tenniscore-fueled, post-Challengers world, Wimbledon continues to remind us that dressing as a spectator is nearly as critical as the games themelves. Though (most) eyes are trained on the players, we can’t help but look at what the guests are wearing. While Grace Jones’s coveralls and Lucy Boynton’s lacy Celine dress won our hearts, one women’s fashion trend is standing out above the rest: suiting.
Wimbledon demands a certain formality that the rest of the Grand Slam tournaments don’t. While that’s not to suggest fans don’t go all out for the Opens, the heavier royal presence and a stronger emphasis on old-school traditions does require a bit more sartorial seriousness. With stricter dress codes in place, it’s exciting to see how attendees play with the rules.
Subverting traditional menswear has become a classic Wimbledon move. Last year, Emma Corrin debuted a blond buzz cut at the event, wearing a Ralph Lauren Bermuda short-suit that matched their new ’do. This year, celebrities are returning to the more masculine styling choice. Model Edie Campbell showed off a casual interpretation, opting for a slim brown houndstooth suit over a white tee. Meanwhile, actor Nathalie Emmanuel looked positively dapper in a white double-breasted Ralph Lauren suit over a blue dress shirt and paisley tie.
Kaya Scodelario and Poppy Delevingne used the opportunity to make suiting summer appropriate. While she opted for a three-piece suit, Scodelario made her outfit look airy thanks to the white linen fabrication; Delevingne paired her white blazer with a pair of ultra-wide-legged cream trousers.
While whites and creams have been de rigueur throughout the competition, some color has crept through. Kim Cattrall showed off a dusty rose colored suit, while Jordy Blum (who is married to musician Dave Grohl), wore an impeccably tailored blue skirt suit.
As we near the end of Wimbledon, the guests are underscoring that suiting is a perfectly viable option, whether it’s casual, breezy, or colorful. While it’s unlikely that the US Open will serve up the same looks, each tournament’s unofficial dress code is proof that spectator style is becoming a sport in itself.
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
