5 Stylish Outfits to Wear to the US Open

From relaxed athletic sets to polished shift dresses, these five tennis-match outfits bring a fashion-forward edge to US Open style.

Tennis Style Does Not Have to Mean Tennis Whites

August 24, 2026 – Heading to the US Open does not mean you need to arrive dressed like you are about to play a match. While pleated skirts, polo shirts and crisp whites will always have a place around the tennis courts, spectator style can be much more creative.

A good match-day outfit needs to handle summer heat, plenty of walking and hours spent sitting in the stands. The easiest approach is to borrow from tennis without wearing a literal tennis uniform.

These five outfit formulas mix sporty pieces with fashion-forward accessories, creating looks that feel appropriate for the tournament while remaining useful beyond the stadium.

1. Go Relaxed With a Graphic Tee and Long Shorts

For a casual look with a little more personality, try an oversized graphic or tie-dye T-shirt with long, loose shorts. The combination feels deliberately relaxed, but statement accessories can keep it from looking like basic weekend clothing.

A pair of leather mules adds polish and gives the outfit a more fashion-focused finish. Oversized sunglasses and a small shoulder bag can complete the look without adding unnecessary layers.

This is also an easy formula to adapt to changing weather. A lightweight shirt can be added later in the day, while the relaxed shorts and tee remain comfortable when temperatures rise.

Credit: @simoneashley

2. Try a Matching Athletic Set

A coordinated windbreaker and matching shorts offer a more polished take on sporty dressing. The set has an obvious connection to athleticwear, but styling it with wedge sandals, simple jewelry and a raffia bag makes the outfit feel more like street style than gym wear.

A lightweight track-inspired set is particularly useful for the US Open because it allows movement without requiring a completely casual outfit.

The matching pieces also make getting dressed easier. Rather than building an outfit from scratch, you already have the main elements coordinated, leaving accessories to determine the mood.

3. Give Tennis Prep a Fashion Twist

A polo shirt is the most obvious tennis-inspired piece, but it does not have to be paired with a pleated skirt. A classic polo with a khaki cargo skirt creates a more modern interpretation of traditional court style.

Low-profile sneakers keep the outfit practical for walking around the tournament grounds, while a baseball cap adds another sporty element. A compact duffel-style bag can replace a conventional handbag and reinforce the athletic influence.

The result is polished without looking overly preppy, especially when the proportions are slightly relaxed rather than traditionally tailored.

4. Swap the Tennis Dress for a Shift Dress

A simple shift dress can be a smarter choice than an obvious tennis dress if you want something that works beyond the tournament. Look for a lightweight silhouette that gives you room to move and does not feel too formal.

Accessories can provide the tennis-inspired element. A printed bandana adds a casual touch, while leather loafers and visible socks give the outfit a slightly borrowed-from-the-boys feel.

The advantage is versatility. Unlike a traditional tennis dress, a shift dress can easily move into your regular wardrobe for lunches, city days or early fall styling.

5. Keep It Easy With Off-Duty Athleisure

A loose button-down shirt with athletic shorts is another strong option, especially when the day involves plenty of walking. The contrast between a polished shirt and sporty shorts keeps the outfit from feeling like conventional workout wear.

Birkenstock-style sandals provide comfort for navigating the grounds, while a structured tote can carry sunscreen, sunglasses and other essentials. A bright bag can also introduce color without requiring a more complicated outfit.

This combination is particularly useful when comfort is your priority but you still want your outfit to look intentional.

Keep Your Accessories Practical

Whatever outfit you choose, accessories should work for the setting. Sunglasses are an obvious essential for outdoor matches, while a bag needs to be large enough for the basics without becoming cumbersome.

Comfortable footwear is equally important. The US Open involves more walking than a typical afternoon event, so shoes that look good but leave you uncomfortable after an hour are unlikely to be worth it.

A few thoughtful details can do more than piling on accessories. A great bag, sunglasses or an interesting pair of earrings can give a simple outfit enough personality on its own.

The Best US Open Look Is One You Will Wear Again

The smartest approach is to borrow from tennis rather than dress head-to-toe in tennis-inspired clothing. A polo, athletic short, track jacket or sporty accessory can reference the setting without making your outfit look like a costume.

That also makes the pieces easier to reuse after the tournament. A windbreaker can work with jeans, a shift dress can be layered for fall and a polo can become part of an everyday wardrobe.

The goal is simple: stay comfortable in the stands, dress for the summer weather and add enough personality to make the outfit feel like your own.

Final Thoughts

US Open spectator style has plenty of room beyond traditional tennis whites. Relaxed shorts, coordinated athleticwear, updated prep, versatile dresses and easy athleisure can all work for match day while still feeling fashionable.

Choose one sporty element, balance it with a polished piece and keep your footwear comfortable. That is enough to create a look that works for the tournament and long after the final match.

FAQs

What should I wear to the US Open?

Choose lightweight, comfortable pieces that can handle warm weather and plenty of walking. Relaxed shorts, polo shirts, dresses, athletic sets and practical footwear all work well.

Do you have to wear tennis-inspired clothes to the US Open?

No. A regular summer outfit can work perfectly well, although adding one sporty element can make the look feel more suited to the event.

What shoes are best for a tennis match?

Comfortable sneakers, loafers, flat sandals or low wedges are practical choices, depending on the outfit and how much walking you expect to do.

Can I wear a dress to the US Open?

Absolutely. A relaxed shift dress is an easy alternative to a traditional tennis dress and can also be worn outside the tournament.

What accessories should I bring?

Sunglasses and a practical bag are useful essentials. A baseball cap, bandana or simple jewelry can add personality without making the outfit overly complicated.