Kaia Gerber skipped the expected tennis whites at the US Open, choosing a sleek black dress and understated accessories for a polished courtside look.
A Different Take on US Open Style
August 27, 2026 – Kaia Gerber arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium for a Roger Federer exhibition looking decidedly different from the usual tennis spectator. Instead of leaning into polos, pleated skirts, or crisp whites, the model and actress chose a fitted black midi dress for an evening event in Queens.
Her outfit offered a useful alternative for anyone attending the US Open who wants to look polished without leaning too heavily into tenniscore. The formula was simple: one body-skimming black dress, neutral accessories, statement sunglasses, and a standout handbag.
Credit: XNY/Star Max
The Black Midi Dress
Gerber wore the Donna dress by Ukrainian designer Yana Matkivski. The fitted midi takes inspiration from vintage swimwear, with a shallow V-neckline, low scoop back, and close-fitting pencil skirt.
The silhouette does most of the work, making the dress feel dressed up without requiring additional layers or complicated styling. Its simple black finish also gives you plenty of room to play with accessories.
The dress is currently priced at $525, making it possible to recreate the look without necessarily investing in every designer piece Gerber wore.
She Kept the Shoes Sleek
Gerber finished the outfit with open-toe Le Silla mules. The shoes continued the monochrome palette while adding a little more polish through their streamlined shape.
A minimalist black sandal or mule can create a similar effect without making the outfit feel overly formal. The key is choosing a shoe that keeps the long, narrow line of the midi dress intact.
For a daytime match, a lower heel can make the look more practical, while a heeled version works especially well for evening events.
Oversized Sunglasses Add Contrast
The sunglasses brought another element to the otherwise understated outfit. Gerber wore an oversized wraparound style from the Khaite x Oliver Peoples collaboration, creating a stronger contrast against the fitted dress.
The shape gives the look a slightly retro, fashion-forward edge without introducing another color. Oversized black sunglasses are also one of the easiest pieces to recreate because they can work with everything from a simple tank dress to jeans and a blazer.
Gerber’s pair is priced at $589, but the overall idea is much easier to adapt than the exact accessory.
Credit: XNY/Star Max
The Fendi Baguette Steals Some Attention
The most playful part of the outfit was her tiger-print Fendi Baguette from the house’s fall/winter 2026 collection. Against the otherwise black-and-white look, the animal print introduced just enough personality.
That is a useful styling trick for a simple outfit. Rather than adding multiple colorful accessories, choose one bag with an interesting print, texture, or shape and let it become the focal point.
A vintage-inspired bag, animal print, or bold shoulder bag can achieve the same effect without requiring a full wardrobe change.
Her Watch Keeps It Classic
Gerber also wore a Panthère de Cartier watch, adding a traditional jewelry element to the contemporary outfit.
The watch is a reminder that accessories do not have to be dramatic to make an outfit feel finished. A classic metal watch can work alongside bold sunglasses or a statement bag without creating visual competition.
For a lower-cost version of the same idea, choose a small gold or silver watch with a clean face and minimal detailing.
Why the Look Feels So Modern
The appeal of Gerber’s outfit comes from what it leaves out. There are no overt tennis references, no sporty polo, and no traditional court-inspired skirt. Instead, the outfit feels closer to evening dressing, which makes it stand out in a stadium setting.
That contrast is what makes the look easy to recreate. You do not need tennis-specific clothing to dress for a tennis event. A sleek black dress can establish the foundation, while a few carefully chosen accessories can make it feel appropriate for the occasion.
The Look Fits Gerber’s Current Style
The US Open outfit also fits into a broader shift in Gerber’s recent wardrobe. While promoting her series The Shards, she has frequently appeared in black, body-skimming silhouettes, creating a noticeably polished off-duty aesthetic.
That contrasts with her character Susan Reynolds’ wardrobe in the series, which draws on early-1980s fashion. The show’s costume design uses vintage and period-specific pieces from the late 1970s and early 1980s, while Gerber’s personal style remains much more pared back.
The difference highlights how effectively she separates her on-screen and off-screen wardrobes.
Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer
How to Recreate the Formula
The easiest starting point is a black midi dress with a fitted or gently structured silhouette. From there, add simple heeled sandals or mules, oversized dark sunglasses, and one distinctive bag.
A classic watch can provide the final polished touch. Keep the color palette limited to black, white, and one accent shade so the outfit retains the same clean effect.
You also do not need to spend heavily on every piece. A more affordable black dress and sunglasses can create the foundation, leaving room to invest in a handbag or jewelry piece that makes the outfit feel more personal.
It Works Beyond the US Open
The best thing about this outfit formula is that it is not tied to one event. The same black midi dress can work for dinner, a gallery opening, a summer party, or an evening in the city.
Switch the heeled mules for flats for daytime, replace the statement bag with a simple shoulder bag, or add a lightweight jacket when temperatures drop.
That versatility makes the look more useful than a literal tennis-inspired outfit. You get the polished feeling of dressing for an event without buying something you may only wear once.
Final Thoughts
Kaia Gerber’s US Open look proves that courtside style does not have to revolve around traditional tennis clothing. Her fitted black midi dress, sleek shoes, oversized sunglasses, classic watch, and printed handbag created an outfit that felt sophisticated without looking overly planned.
The formula is easy to borrow: start with one polished foundation piece, keep the accessories controlled, and let one standout element provide the personality.
FAQs
What did Kaia Gerber wear to the US Open?
Gerber wore a fitted black Donna midi dress by Yana Matkivski, Le Silla mules, oversized Khaite x Oliver Peoples sunglasses, a Panthère de Cartier watch, and a tiger-print Fendi Baguette.
What is the Donna dress worn by Kaia Gerber?
The Donna is a fitted black midi dress inspired by vintage swimwear, featuring a shallow V-neckline, low scoop back, and pencil skirt.
Can you wear a black dress to the US Open?
Yes. A simple black dress can be a polished alternative to traditional tennis-inspired outfits, especially for evening events.
How can I recreate Kaia Gerber’s US Open outfit?
Start with a fitted black midi dress and add simple mules, oversized sunglasses, a classic watch, and one statement handbag.
Is Kaia Gerber’s outfit only suitable for tennis events?
No. The individual pieces can easily be worn for dinners, parties, city outings, and other events, making the look versatile beyond the US Open.
Published by HOLR Magazine