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

It's one of the biggest sporting events of the summer, and the question of what to wear to Wimbledon is upon us once again. But with this foolproof guide, deciding on an outfit for a visit to SW19 couldn't be easier.

There are a number of demands for a courtside ensemble. Easy enough to compile from your capsule wardrobe, your Wimbledon outfit should be chic and discreet. The day itself can be long and tiring, regardless of whether you've already bagged tickets or are planning to queue, so comfort is key. However, that doesn't mean you have to compromise on style.

While there are no hard and fast style rules and no colour demands, there are certain codes of conduct it is wise to follow. Ripped jeans or outfits that are too casual are off the table, but the best jumpsuits and women's trouser suits will serve you well.

In terms of colour, the world is your oyster, however many choose to stick to light and bright summer shades, particularly Wimbledon whites - reflecting the players' attire on the court.

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

When it comes to what to wear to Wimbledon you want easy tailored pieces, pretty summer dresses, and stylish footwear that will make the day a breeze. This is also one sporting event where Quiet Luxury style is very much encouraged, as it's all about dressing in a subtle and elegant way. You might also want to consider some elements of layering, as although it is held during British summertime, the weather can roll its way through all seasons in one day, sometimes even halting play with a deluge of rain.

1. Midi dress

Much like the best wedding guest dresses, midi dresses are a great option for winning Wimbledon style. Comfortable, effortlessly elegant and getting you dressed in an instant, this is a one-stop-shop to courtside style. When it comes to silhouette, you will want to start with considering your own body type and what dress style works for you both sitting and standing. Remember you might be sat for long periods of time, so you'll want to make sure your outfit doesn't crease too much (avoid linen) and that it doesn't become too tight across stomach and hips when sitting. We recommend pleated or bias cuts to give a subtle touch of glamour to this versatile look. Printed options are great if you're after stylish dresses to hide a tummy.

2. Blazer

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

The best jumpsuits are ideal for those who still want to execute one-piece dressing but prefer a more tailored finish. If you've always opted for the jumpsuits over a dresses due to thigh rub however, then you should investigate the best anti-chafing shorts, as this will help to end this wardrobe dilemma.

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

Err on the side of caution and opt for knee length and midi designs. While there is no dress code per se, there is a leaning towards smarter attire and as you'll be sitting for the majority of the day, you don't want to be fiddling with hemlines. Opt for A-line, fit and flare designs for 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. The best part is that floaty skirts can be worn again and again this season, and they're ideal for throwing over the right swimwear for your body shape on holiday too.

5. Trousers

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

When considering what to wear to Wimbledon, if you're opting for smart separates, then we suggest keeping your top half relatively simple like the best cotton t-shirts. While the event itself is certainly one worth dressing up for, it's a good idea to consider the comfort levels needed during the day. Although there are no rules against exposing shoulders, as smart clothing is encouraged, we suggest leaving midriff-baring items for more casual weekends. Consider the amount of time you'll spend in the sunshine, as you might want to opt for light and floaty tops that have shoulder and arm coverage to avoid burning.

Equally, if the weather suddenly gets chilly, an easily accessible additional layer, such as a cosy jumper, cardigan or even a trench coat will come in very handy. 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

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. It's similar to finding 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

When it comes to bags, you can really 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.

Is there a dress code for attending Wimbledon?

Outside of the Royal Box, there is no formal dress code for spectators, but smart attire is encouraged, especially on Centre Court and No. 1 Court. The biggest consideration is dressing for the weather and for comfort.