What to wear to Wimbledon - outfit ideas and the latest 2025 style rules to inspire your courtside look

Our guide on what to wear to Wimbledon will help you ace the sporting season in style

Kalyani Saha Chawla, Kate Middleton and Tatiana Korsakova in Wimbledon outfits
(Image credit: Getty Images)

With tennis season now upon us, if you're wondering what to wear to Wimbledon, you've come to the right place. For those heading to SW19 to soak up the atmosphere, the Pimms and, of course, the sport, nailing the perfect outfit is an important part of the day.

Whatever court you're attending, tennis matches can go on for hours, add to that large periods of sitting, and the potential for rain, wind and sun in one day, and you've got quite the sartorial challenge on your hands.

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 and elegant women's trouser suits that will be timely and comfortable for all day wear.

What to wear to Wimbledon - outfit ideas from a fashion editor

Unlike other summer occasions or sporting events, there are, for the most part, relatively relaxed guidelines for what to wear to Wimbledon (we list out specifics at the end of this guide). But 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 white and neutral tones to give a nod to the player's attire, it really is up to you. Pastels are also popular for the two-week tournament, and if you're currently shopping for the best wedding guest dresses, you might want to try and find an outfit that can be worn for both events to maximise your cost per wear.

As with all British events, make sure to consider changeable weather in your attire. 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. Think lightweight knitwear, trench coats or blazers to add both polish and warmth, without too much bulk.

1. Midi dress

Mary Berry, Kate Middleton and Kate Winslet at Wimbledon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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 fit 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 thighs or riding up, so that you can relax on the day itself. Avoid fabrics that crease particularly easily, such as linen, for this reason too.

Colour and print is no issue at Wimbledon, so dive into 'what colour suits me?' and go for the shade that makes you feel confident and happy. Polka dots, bright colours and stripes are all likely to be style trends we see emerge over the two week period.

2. Blazer

Ikram Abdi Omar, Kaya Scodelario, Isla Fisher wearing blazers to Wimbledon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A well-tailored blazer is always a good investment and can solve a multitude of sartorial meltdowns. As dressing smartly is encouraged at Wimbledon, a blazer not only acts as a warming layering piece, but also adds instant polish to pretty much any look. Slide a blazer over a pretty midi dress to sharpen up a more feminine and floaty silhouette, or check out our how to style a blazer guide to explore more outfit combinations. Opting for a blazer in a neutral colour will ensure it can be worn year after year.

3. Jumpsuit

image of three jumpsuits

(Image credit: Getty)

Jumpsuits are ideal for those who still want to execute one-piece dressing but prefer a more tailored finish. As the day can be long, warm, and ultimately a lot of sitting, opt for looser fit designs and wide legs 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. For apple body shapes looking for a smart jumpsuit to wear to Wimbledon and beyond, opt for more tailored designs with higher cut waists to skim over a midriff.

4. Skirt

Alexa Chung, Ashley James and Kalyani Saha Chawla wearing skirts to Wimbledon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

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 many major events, midi and over-the-knee styles are still preferred, as well as mandatory in some areas of Wimbledon, and you don't want to miss out on an opportunity for a too-short hemline. In addition to that, as there is plenty of sitting to be done, you don't want to spend the day tugging at hemlines.

A-line and fit and flare designs add immediate elegance that will also skim your frame. To help create an hourglass body shape, utilise styling techniques such as tucking in tops and blouses, or a half-tuck to bring shape back to your waist. Use a blazer to create a central, elongated panel and add polish to your finished Wimbledon look.

5. Trousers

Denise Lewis, Isa Guha, Tatiana Korsakova at Wimbledon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When it comes to trousers for Wimbledon, you'll want to opt for a fabric that won't crease heavily. High-waisted styles will help to contour your silhouette and for those who usually prefer dresses to hide a tummy, high-waisted trousers will act as some of the best shapewear, offering added support to your midriff.

If you're petite, look for kick flares and ankle-skimming hemlines to help elongate your pins. For taller silhouettes looking to balance wider hips or a bigger bust, then wider leg trousers will aid your proportions. For apple body shapes, a slimmer fitting leg will avoid adding bulk to your frame.

6. Tops

Kim Murray, Alexa Chung, Pippa Middleton at Wimbledon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When considering what to wear to Wimbledon, if you're opting for smart separates, then we suggest keeping your top half relatively simple. The best cotton t-shirts, a crisp shirt, or a simple knit will be timeless and comfortable for the long event. To add a tailored feel, slip on a blazer or trench coat for a little more structure that also delivers warmth. There are no rules about going bare-shouldered at Wimbledon, however, you may want to consider having a little extra coverage, not just to tackle any breeze, but also to keep you a little more protected from midday sun. Smart clothing is encouraged, so leave midriff-baring designs at home and opt for loose and floaty pieces that you can tuck into waistbands, but still sit happily in all day.

If you're opting for short sleeve or sleeveless, consider packing a cardigan or at the very least a pashmina or wrap for the early evening. When it comes to colour, keep it fresh and light, opting for neutral hued blouses and tees or soft pastel tones to reflect the players' attire and mood of the occasion.

7. Shoes

Composite image of 3 shoes

(Image credit: Getty)

Unlike going to the races or polo, where there is a mix of grass and concrete, the terrain at Wimbledon is pretty flat - meaning if you want to wear your favourite heels, there should be no barrier to this.

However, the days at Wimbledon can be very long and depending on if you're queuing for tickets or if you're sitting on Centre Court, your needs for comfort will differ. Thanks to the preference for polished attire, when looking for shoes for Wimbledon, follow a similar look and feel to the most comfortable wedding guest shoes - fancy flats, low heel sandals or wedges are all good ideas. Just ensure you veer towards well maintained, polished or clean shoes that pair well with your outfit.

8. Bags

Molly King, Prince Beatrice and Michelle Dockery at Wimbledon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When it comes to bags, you can mix things up a bit. Whether you stick to the high street or invest in one of the very best designer bags, your accessories should complement your outfit without overwhelming it.

According to the Wimbledon website, all ticket holders and guests should pack their personal items in a bag which is no more than 40cm x 30cm x 30cm (16" x 12" x 12"), so we've taken that into consideration with these suggestions.

Remember, you will be there for a long time, so think about what the essentials are to have on you. Keys, credit card, phone, and SPF are all non-negotiables, but after that, make sure you're travelling as light as possible.

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.

Rivkie Baum
Fashion channel editor

Rivkie is a fashion editor, writer and stylist with twenty years' experience in the industry. Rivkie studied design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and fell in love with styling and journalism, and has covered fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York, as well as shooting editorial all over the world.

Specialising in plus size fashion, Rivkie has long championed that style is for everyBODY and has appeared on a host of radio stations and television shows, pushing for greater representation for plus size women and fashion throughout her career.