Let me preface by saying: I'm no tennis aficionado. I know the rules enough to know what's happening on the court, but expert level? Absolutely not. What I am pretty good at, however, is fashion (even if I do say so myself). And if I put as much effort into learning the sport as I do with my outfits to attend, I could probably end up on centre court at Wimbledon myself.
What I love about the sartorial display in the stands of SW19 over, let's say, the US Open, is that although there are no super strict rules, guests tend to honour the heritage and elegance of the world's longest-running and arguably most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Think polished tailoring, pretty summer dresses and timeless accessories that feel suitably British without looking overly formal.
Is there a dress code for Wimbledon?
Yes and no. For the fancy guests in members' areas, there are strict rules (although not as strict as Royal Ascot), which explain men should wear a lounge suit or tailored jacket, shirt, tie and trousers, and women should dress to "a similar standard and are encouraged to dress in smart daywear."
For everybody else, it's a wear-what-you-like situation, although for social etiquette, most wear something similar anyway: day dresses, tailoring, linen separates, elegant co-ords and of course, striped shirts. Shoes might be sandals or heels, depending on the weather forecast and how much walking you're planning to do.
What trends might we see this year?
If the spring/summer 2026 runways and street style are anything to go by, Wimbledon spectators will be embracing a mix of romantic dressing and classic event attire. Here's what I expect to see courtside:
Bright red accents: While Wimbledon will always be synonymous with crisp whites and fresh neutrals, vibrant red has emerged as one of the season's standout shades. Expect flashes of red in the form of handbags, ballet flats, cardigans and statement dresses.
Floaty chiffon: Lightweight, sheer fabrics are having a major moment, making chiffon dresses and skirts an obvious choice for a day spent in the summer sunshine. Cool, feminine, and perfect for the occasion.
Modern boho: Thanks to the continued influence of bohemian dressing, expect to see relaxed silhouettes, embroidered details and flowing fabrics throughout the grounds. The Wimbledon interpretation of boho is likely to be a little more refined than festival style - romantic maxi dresses, suede accessories and subtle lace trims.
Polka dots: Polka dots have firmly cemented themselves as one of the season's most wearable prints. The timeless pattern feels particularly appropriate for Wimbledon thanks to its classic yet contemporary feel.
Butter yellow and soft pastels: Alongside bold red, softer shades are set to dominate the spectator style stakes. Butter yellow, powder blue, pistachio green and blush pink feel fresh, sophisticated and perfectly suited to a British summer event.














