Ever wondered why tennis skirts have a magical ability to make you feel both sporty and stylish? Whether they’re actually made of fairy dust or just have a really good design, a tennis skirt is a secret recipe for confidence no matter where you wear it. Learn how to dress up a tennis skirt and make it your go-to piece for both casual and elevated looks.
How To Dress Up a Tennis Skirt for Various Occasions
You know that adorable tennis skirt you splurged on that just sits in your closet every day you don’t play? You actually have plenty of opportunities to wear it off the court because a tennis skirt is versatile enough for a variety of occasions and dress codes.
How Formal Can a Tennis Skirt Be?
Although the inherently casual nature of tennis skirts may not suit highly formal events, you can style them with sophisticated pairings and accessories for special occasions such as:
- Garden parties with a semi-formal dress code
- Country club dinners with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere
- Casual weddings, especially daytime and beach ceremonies
- Social brunches with a smart-casual theme
Certain features, such as a knee-length design and high-quality fabrics, can refine a tennis skirt’s appearance. Elevate your look with a tailored blouse and blazer. Add elegant flats or low-heeled sandals to keep your look polished. Accessories like understated jewelry and a structured handbag also work to refine your appearance.
How Do You Make Tennis Skirts Street-Worthy?
The pleated design and playful length of tennis skirts offer a unique blend of sporty and chic. Being strategic about design is how you can dress up a tennis skirt from racquet club class to street-worthy style. For instance, a tucked-in graphic tee or a cropped sweater can create a casual look for a relaxed daytime setting, while white sneakers or ballet flats keep your outfit grounded and practical.
Pairing a tennis skirt with a silk camisole, strappy sandals, and delicate jewelry can easily take you on a romantic date night. You can even dress up your skirt for the club with a glamorous sequined top, high-heeled boots, and a bold lip color.
Can You Wear a Tennis Skirt to Work?
Your workplace may welcome tennis skirts as well as their more conservative counterparts: golf skirts. However, both require careful styling to maintain a professional, polished appearance.
First, make sure your skirt length is appropriate. Choose one that falls to the knee or just above it. Add formality with a crisp button-down shirt and a tailored blazer, and complete your ensemble with closed-toe flats or low-heeled pumps to keep a refined aesthetic.
You also need to understand that a tennis skirt is not appropriate in certain workplace settings with strict dress codes, such as law firms and financial institutions. Even in creative industries with more lenient rules, consider whether your skirt aligns with company culture and client expectations.
Tips for Dressing Up a Tennis Skirt
Understanding how to dress up a tennis skirt starts with these fundamental techniques:
- Layering: The key to stylish layering is creating a cohesive, balanced outfit. Complement your skirt’s silhouette with layers like a cropped jacket, trench coat, or oversized sweater.
- Color Palettes: Colors set the tone for your entire ensemble. For example, a monochromatic palette exudes sophistication, neutral shades foster a minimalist and elegant look, and bold hues can make a statement.
- Textured Fabrics: Incorporating contrasting materials creates depth and interest. Pair your skirt with luxe leather, velvet, or tweed fabrics to add dimension and elevate your look.
The minimalism trend is still going strong, but eclectic combinations like tennis skirts with vibrant floral blouses and wide-brimmed hats are experiencing a resurgence.
What Tops Look Best With Tennis Skirts?
Tennis skirts are typically high-waisted and pleated with a flared silhouette. How to dress up a tennis skirt is to create a balance, either with contrasting fitted tops or slightly oversized tops with a more relaxed vibe.
The top’s material should coordinate well with the skirt’s fabric to give you a unified appearance. For instance, a breezy cotton tennis skirt would look harmonious with lightweight knits or fitted button-down shirts.
The best tops to wear with a tennis skirt include classic polos, which fully embrace the traditional tennis style. You might also revisit that cropped sweater during transitional seasons. Button-down blouses dress up a tennis skirt even more, while vintage tees add personality and a modern twist yet keep it casual.
How Do You Dress Up a Tennis Skirt With Accessories?
The strategic selection of accessories can significantly alter the overall aesthetic of your tennis skirt all the way from casual to sophisticated. Accessories help to both transcend its athletic origins and reflect your personal style.
Jewelry plays a leading role in defining your outfit’s tone. Choosing between understated stud earrings and bold statement items like chunky bracelets will define its level of formality.
You can define your look further with your shoe selection; keep your outfit sporty with classic sneakers or introduce heeled sandals or ankle boots for an elongated silhouette. Don’t forget about the power of a handbag, either. A crossbody bag relaxes the ensemble, while a chic clutch offers a more polished style.
Can You Wear Tennis Skirts in Cool Weather?
Even super-short skirts are still in style during colder months, and the trend isn’t fading anytime soon. To remain fashionable and warm, you can easily add complementary layers to a tennis skirt.
Dressing up a tennis skirt in cooler weather starts with sleek thermal leggings or tights that provide insulation and refine your look. Balance the flared silhouette with a cozy, fitted sweater or turtleneck, and add a tailored coat or a chic jacket for a more elegant appearance.
Knee-high or over-the-knee boots protect your legs from the elements and complement a tennis skirt’s aesthetic. Additionally, incorporating scarves, hats, and gloves in coordinating colors keeps you warm and adds to your overall sense of style.
Dress Up Your Tennis Skirt From inPhorm
Of course, figuring out how to dress up a tennis skirt starts with a fantastic tennis skirt from inPhorm. Browse our selection today to find the perfect off-the-court-worthy tennis skirt to match or reinvent your fashion style.
