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How to Style a Tennis Skirt Like a Fashion Pro in 2022 (Plus the 11 Best Styles to Shop)

Last summer, I spent a solid amount of time (i.e., way too much) scrolling through social media figuring out how to style a tennis skirt like a stylish adult. Lucky for me, and anyone else who invested in the sporty style in 2021, the tennis skirt is back for a second turn in the spotlight this year. And even better, now I know exactly how to wear one for maximum chicness. Here are eight ways to rock a tennis skirt, plus 11 of the best styles to shop now and wear all spring and summer long.

Mark Our Words, *This* Will Be the Top Fashion Trend of 2022


how to style a tennis skirt coco bassey
@cocobassey/instagram

1. start With A Graphic Tee And Fun Kicks

This weekend-ready combo, courtesy of Coterie member Coco Bassey, is a great casual look that isn’t too sporty or too juvenile. And you don’t need to wear a T-shirt or sneakers that match the color of your skirt. Mix it up with a black T-shirt emblazoned with your favorite band or a vintage-looking gray athletic tee. Accessorize with a simple chain-strap crossbody and delicate gold or silver jewelry to keep things light and easy.

Shop similar styles: Lucky Brand Dream T-shirt ($40; $28); Tnuck Sport Tennis Skirt ($98); Tory Burch McGraw Bag ($); Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers ($90; $63)

how to style a tennis skirt black t shirt
Christian Vierig/Getty Image

2. mix And Match Dark Colors For A Posher Look

A bright white mini can feel super fun and flirty, but if you want something a little more low-key, try a black or navy blue version and pair it with an equally dark top. The result is a look that feels just as chic as a little black dress. Finish with a small, sleek handbag and either loafers or simple sneakers (no platforms or chunky soles) to keep that posh vibe going.

Shop similar styles: Everlane Cotton Box-Cut T-shirt ($24); Alo Aces Tennis skirt ($72); Koio Capri Sneakers ($268)

how to style a tennis skirt lacoste
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

3. don’t Knock An All-out Country Club ‘fit

In the same way that pairing bike shorts with gym staples made them (slightly) easier to wear in public, steering right into the country club vibes of tennis apparel can help make it feel less like a sartorial outlier. Tuck in a polo collar shirt and knot a sweater over your shoulders—or across your torso for bonus style points—and cap things off with gym-ready sneakers and maybe even a baseball cap or visor. In the eyes of those around you maybe you’re coming straight from a tennis lesson, maybe you’re just trying out a trend, but either way you look mighty cute.

Shop similar styles: Tombolo Terrycloth Shirt ($118); L.L.Bean Cotton-Cashmere Sweater ($45); Year of Ours Tennis skort ($128); Cariuma Canvas Sneakers ($79)

how to style a tennis skirt jasmine crockett
@jasminecrockett/Instagram

4. embrace The Wimbledon Fashion Rules

Players competing at Wimbeldon have been required to wear head-to-toe white since the Victorian era (the powers that be thought it would show less sweat than other hues), and while it may feel like an outdated and unnecessary rule, it does make for some supremely chic athletic outfit inspiration. Even if you aren’t actually planning to play a few sets, try layering a sporty cable knit sweater over your mini, like Coterie member Jasmine Crockett, and embracing your inner Emma Raducanu.

Shop similar styles: N.Peal Cashmere Sweater ($585); Nike Club Tennis skirt ($70); Reebok x Cardi Sneakers ($80)

how to style a tennis skirt leather jqacket
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

5. dress Up A Non-white Skirt With Leather Separates

Remember that dressy black-and-navy combo from earlier? Well here is another way to make a casual tennis skirt feel more polished. Once again, it’s best to start with a skirt in a dark color, then tuck in a white button-up or turtleneck tee. Add on a leather blazer or moto jacket and finish with some pointy-toe leather ankle boots, and voilà! You now have a comfy, cool go-to look for cooler spring and fall days.

Shop similar styles: Villa Faux-Leather Jacket ($66); J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck Top ($37; $20); Tory Sport Tech Twill Ruffle skort ($158); Tony Bianco Leather Boots ($166)

6. try Adding Western Touches

If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing two hot trends together into one look—in this case, cowboy boots and a tennis skirt. Opt for a simple pleated silhouette for the skirt, and neutral-hued boots that don’t have too much detail (a white or brown pair with a bit of matching embroidery is perfect). Finish with a cozy intarsia knit in another neutral hue, and some casual accessories by way of a slouchy bag or bandana.

Shop similar styles: Madewell Quilted Bandana ($35; $20); Lauren Ralph Lauren Intarsia Sweater ($125; $75); OFFLINE by Aerie Real Me Tennis skirt ($55); Marc Jacobs Snapshot Bag ($325); Dolce Vita Solei Boots ($260)

how to style a tennis skirt geen sweater
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

7. opt For A Longer Sweater, Not Cropped

There are tons of cute videos all over TikTok espousing wearing a cropped tee or sweatshirt over a flirty tennis skirt. But for something a bit more grown-up and posh, we highly suggest swapping in a longer top instead. A sweater that hits mid-hip creates the look of a drop-hem dress, which elongates your torso and has a ‘20s vibe we love.

Shop similar styles: H&M Oversize Sweater ($35); Lands’ End Polo Shirt ($20); Halara Everyday 2-in-1 Tennis Skirt ($33); Soludos Ibiza Leather Sneakers ($129)

how to style a tennis skirt monochrome
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

8. when In Doubt, Go Monochrome

Head-to-toe white is probably the easiest way to go (white is the most popular color tennis skirt and who doesn’t own a pair of plain white kicks?), but you could also pick head-to-toe black, navy, green or even pink or yellow. Sticking to just one color can help elevate this basic sporty staple and takes so much of the guesswork out of putting a look together.

Shop similar styles: Outdoor Voices Everyday Sweatshirt ($48); Sunday Best Rowan skort ($68); Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Sneakers ($100)

SHOP OUR FAVORITE TENNIS SKIRTS:

outdoor voices how to style a tennis skirt
Outdoor Voices

9. outdoor Voices Court Skort

We love how chic this faux wrap silhouette looks, making it supremely easy to wear off the court for brunch, errand running or a walk in the park. The built-in shorts also come with a handy hidden pocket that can fit your phone and keys while you lunch, or a tennis ball if you actually plan to play a few sets.

Size range XS to XL

10. tory Sport Tech Twill Pleated Tennis Skirt

It doesn’t get more classic than this, folks. This Tory Burch design is one of the brand’s best-selling styles and comes in three Wimbeldon-approved colors (all three are white with either a green, navy or black stripe across the hem). One thing to note, however, is that it does not have built-in shorts, so keep that in mind when considering the mini length.

Size range XS to XL

lululemon how to style a tennis skirt
lululemon

11. lululemon Pace Rival Mid-rise Skirt

The tiered seaming on this court-ready skort gives the illusion of fun ruffles without any added fabric. But what really made us fall in love with the Pace Rival skirt is the fact that is has three pockets—one at the back of the waist and one on the outside of each leg on the shorts liner—so you don’t even really need to bring a bag with you. You can just slip all the essentials into your skirt and head out the door.

Size range 0 to 14

girlfriend collective how to style a tennis skirt
Girlfriend Collective

12. girlfriend Collective Sport Skirt

For a neater look, try this no-fuss sporty skort by Girlfriend Collective, which features built-in shorts (with pockets on each leg) hidden beneath a simple top skirt. The sleek finish makes it incredibly easy to dress up with a cardigan set and ballet flats, or go totally casual with a T-shirt or workout top and sneakers.

Size range XXS to 6XL

eleven by venus williams how to style a tennis skirt
Eleven by Venus Williams

13. eleven By Venus Williams

We couldn’t compile a list of the best tennis apparel and not include Venus William’s namesake line. There are obviously a ton of cute designs to choose from, but this navy-and-white number is our top pick for two main reasons: It’s a chic twist on the classic pleated silhouette, and it can be made to work with everything from a white button-up to an athletic tee to a cozy knit sweater. Oh, and did we mention it’s sustainably made, too?

Size range XS to XXL

fp movement how to style a tennis skirt
Free People

14. fp Movement Find Your Mantra Skort

Yes, this mini also comes in white, but we’re partial to the bright green hue above for a more unexpected look. The top skirt layer is semi-sheer, giving a peek at the shorts underneath, but not so much so that you’ll wind up feeling naked or overly exposed.

Size range XS to L

aerie how to style a tennis skirt
Aerie

15. offline By Aerie Goals Scallop Tennis Skirt

For the minimalist at heart, this simple skort is neat and clean, with only a scalloped trim for detail. There are also pockets on either side of the built-in shorts to stow your necessities. And if you do find yourself wanting a bit more detail, there is a navy-and-blue floral print option, in addition to white, black and lilac.

Size range XXS to XXL

athleta how to style a tennis skirt
Athleta

16. athleta Fairway Golf Skort

OK, so this is technically a golf skort, but it has the same sporty vibe as a tennis skirt and will work just as well in any of the looks above. We also appreciate the zippered pockets (better for securing your needments on the go), and the dolphin hem, which makes it feel more like a regular skort than an athletic piece.

Size range XXS to 3XL

alala how to style a tennis skirt
Shopbop

17. alala Rally Skort

It was the triangular mesh panels on the sides of this skort that really made us fall head-over-heels. They offer just a tiny peek at the shorts underneath and add dimension to an otherwise monochrome item. And on a practical note, they’ll help keep you cool and comfy on the hottest summer days or while working out.

Size range XS to XL

sweaty betty how to style a tennis skirt
Sweaty Betty

18. sweaty Betty Swift Running Skort

We love the fact that the shorts underneath are just a hair longer than the skirt for a more obvious layered look. The curved seaming at the back also helps give your booty a little lift, while the mesh fabric adds some texture.

Size range XXS to XXL

fpmovement how to style a tennis skirt
Free People

19. fp Movement The Way Home Skort

If you’re a runner looking to get in on the tennis skirt trend, this sporty skort is the way to go. It honestly more closely resembles loose running shorts (especially with that wide ruched waistband), but it will still work with all the tennis skirt outfits above. The waistband is also great for creating a smooth silhouette at your middle, for what it’s worth.

Size range XS to XL



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Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...