Wondering what to wear to Wimbledon? Here are four elegant outfit formulas worth relying on this year

An expert guide on what to wear to Wimbledon to help you look and feel your best courtside

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Wondering what to wear to Wimbledon? Our practical guide offers expert styling advice with four go-to outfit formulas for the occasion. From 29th June until 12th July, the Championships are just around the corner and while most of the action happens on the court, spectators also use it as an opportunity to get dressed up.

Depending on which court you're attending, tennis matches can go on for hours, and add to that large periods of sitting. And with the forecast predicting highs of 26°C, figuring out what to wear and how to keep cool is essential. This is an occasion many opt to dress up for, so treat yourself and lean into more polished attire. Think the most flattering jumpsuits, pretty midi dresses or sharp tailoring, and of course, we can't forget comfortable footwear too, all things that will already be a summer capsule wardrobe. You'll likely be sitting in the sun, so the best sunglasses and wide-brim hats are essential accessories.

Wimbledon has relatively relaxed guidelines for what to wear and when it comes to colour, the world really is your oyster. Whether you want to go for bold hues to reflect the summer season or lean into Wimbledon white to nod to the player's attire, it really is up to you. As with all British events, make sure to consider the changeable weather. You will want to have layers to your outfit, as the days at Wimbledon can be long, and you may even find yourself still watching a game into the early evening.

What to wear to Wimbledon

We've compiled four outfit formulas that you can use as a blueprint for what to wear to Wimbledon this summer. Look for items that are comfortable to sit in, you may even want to test sitting in your chosen outfit to see if it creases badly. And add or consider layers that are easy to take on or off.

What to wear to Wimbledon: Jumpsuit & Block Heels

The best jumpsuits are ideal for those who still want to execute one-piece dressing but prefer two legs over a skirt. As the day can be long, warm, and ultimately include a lot of sitting, opt for looser wide-leg designs to keep cool and comfortable. A great silhouette for pear-shaped bodies, a wide-leg design will skim hips, while for larger busts, the design will balance proportions.

What to wear to Wimbledon: Midi dress & espadrilles

A midi dress is a great option when deciding what to wear to Wimbledon. A one-and-done look, there is minimal styling needed, and you're guaranteed to feel put together. Consider the silhouettes that suit your body type, although a fit-and-flare or A-line cut is considered to be universally flattering. Remember that you'll be sitting for long periods, so make sure to test your chosen dress and ensure you are comfortable in it, and that it isn't too tight across the thighs or riding up, so that you can relax on the day. Add wedge espadrilles for a polished yet relaxed feel, and finish your look with a practical mini bag with just enough room for your essentials.

What to wear to Wimbledon: Colourful tailoring

The best trouser suits are always a good investment and can work for a multitude of dress codes, but in the predicted hot weather, swap out trousers for shorts. As dressing smartly is encouraged at Wimbledon, a blazer not only acts as a practical layering piece but also instantly feels polished. Slip your blazer over a white vest or blouse, so if the sun appears, you can take it off.

What to wear to Wimbledon: Floaty midi-skirt & shirt

When it comes to skirt lengths for Wimbledon outfits, opt for knee-length and midi designs. While the dress code or style expectations for Wimbledon are more relaxed than, say, what to wear to Royal Ascot, midi and over-the-knee styles are still preferred, as well as being mandatory in some areas of Wimbledon, so check before attending. In addition to this, think about sitting on the courtside seats, a longer skirt, when sat down, will always be more comfortable than a mini hem length.

To help create an hourglass body shape, utilise styling techniques such as tucking in a blouse, doing a half-tuck to bring shape back to your waist through a belt. Comfortable flats such as Mary-Janes or ballet flats are suitable for the day and are a practical choice too.

What is Wimbledon's bag policy?

If you're wondering about Wimbledon's bag policy, we're here to help. The official guidelines confirm that your bag will be searched upon arrival at the entry gates, and that spectators may bring one bag per person; however, your bag should be no larger than an aircraft cabin size. The official dimensions are 40cm x 30cm x 30cm, which means that you should travel light!

It's also worth taking a look at the official Wimbledon guidelines on prohibited items.

Can you wear hats at Wimbledon?

In short, yes, you absolutely can wear hats at Wimbledon, and they are often considered part of the tournament's smart dress code, plus they are great for shading your face from the sun – especially with the week's predicted high temperatures.

Whilst there are no official guidelines on what hat size to wear, you should avoid oversized styles that could obstruct people's views of the courts. In Wimbledon's list of prohibited items, they say "oversized hats or other garments which could...restrict or interrupt the view or enjoyment of other Attendees".

Straw hats, woven bucket hats, fedoras or even a relaxed baseball cap are all styles we would recommend.

Is there a dress code for attending Wimbledon?

Regarding dress codes for Wimbledon, the outfit rules are less rigid than, say, what to wear to the races for Royal Ascot; however, there are still expected guidelines for guests to follow depending on which court you are attending.

Smart dress code is encouraged throughout, although enforced codes are only strictly adhered to on Court One, Centre Court, the Royal Box and Hospitality, and if you're lucky enough to be attending one of those areas, you'll probably want to be dressing up a little bit more anyway.

Although players have to wear white, when it comes to guest attire, you can wear any colour you like, with bright rainbow hues and pastel tones much encouraged. Many guests do, however, opt to go for more neutral tones, reflecting the summer feel and the traditional tennis whites, seen on court.

Even though spectators are out in the heat of the sun for hours, oversized hats are not allowed, so if you want a head covering, opt for something discreet and unobtrusive. In the Royal Box, hats are not allowed at all.

Royal Box guests must also adhere to enforced dress codes. This includes dresses below the knee, trousers or jumpsuits to the ankle, while men must wear a blazer and tie; no jeans are allowed, period.

While jeans are allowed on some of the courts, jeans with rips, athleisure items such as running shorts and vest tops, battered or dirty trainers, or offensive or political slogan items are also not allowed.

Can I wear jeans to Wimbledon?

If you want to wear jeans to Wimbledon, make sure to check which part of the tennis tournament you are headed to. If attending Hospitality, Court One, Centre Court or the Royal Box, we would advise against wearing jeans, even your most polished pair, and instead opt for some tailored trousers for the occasion.

If attending one of the other courts, smart jeans are permitted, but don't wear distressed or ripped jeans. Opt for dark indigo or dark black jeans to err on the side of caution.

Molly Smith
Fashion Writer

Molly is a fashion writer for woman&home, whose journalistic career began with her enthusiasm for fashion. Having always been an avid writer, she has contributed to publications covering a variety of topics.

After graduating from her master's in Fashion History and Cultures, she transitioned to teaching at London College of Fashion, where she taught in fashion studies. Now, passionate about writing on the significance of fashion, she is dedicated to inspiring others through the power of dress.

Molly loves staying in the know with the latest fashion trends, and following celebrities for inspiration. Outside of work, she enjoys browsing vintage markets, reading a good novel, or trying new restaurants around London.

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