Aside from the heart-stopping matches between tennis superstars, celebrity style was also a hot item at the recently concluded 2013 US Open. We’ve seen tailored dresses, flowy maxis, and a lot of sun protection gear in the bleachers this year, and here are some tips on how you can emulate the tourney style — even if you aren’t actually in the arena!
1. Get ready for heat and humidity.
The sweat you see on Serena Williams isn’t all from playing her best; the arena does get awfully sticky and hot, especially during daytime matches. We recommend breathable clothes such as Juliana Margulies’ black maxi dress or short dresses like Michelle and Winona’s.
Juliana Margulies (September 8, 2013) and Winona Ryder (August 31, 2013) at the 2013 US Open in New York
Michelle Dockery and John Lithgow at the women’s semi-finals match between Serena Williams and Na Li at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York on September 6, 2013
2. Go for pleats.
The article of clothing we love the most in tennis? Pleats. There is something collegiate and fun-loving about it, but nobody wants to look like they are competing for the cup. Our favorites? A crisp white pleated dress by Alice and Olivia and a shirtdress by Haute Hippie.
3. Mind your hemline.
If you’ve been keeping track of the matches, you’ll notice that the bleachers are arranged in such a way that every spectator can have a good view of the matches. That being said, if you don’t want to flash anyone, make sure you can manage the hemline you wear or opt for tailored shorts instead!
4. Use sun protection.
SPF is a big issue when it comes to tourneys like this because there is just no way you can watch the match with an umbrella. Wear your highest SPF for your face and body — sweat-proof works best — or get your favorite floppy hat and sunnies!
Dolan Layering Maxi Slip Dress, $37.10; Carolina Herrera Radish-Print Sheath Dress, $1,290
Alice + Olivia Shaun Pleated Dress, $118.80; Haute Hippie Pleated Shirtdress with Lace, $222.50
Melissa Odabash Jemima Sun Hat, $125; Oliver Peoples Eyewear Elins Mirrored Sunglasses, $360; Wildfox Le Femme Sunglasses, $169
Credit: HRC/Joel Ginsburg/WENN