19 U.S. Open Outfit Ideas to Keep You Cool Court Side

Game, set, match.

While coordinating team jerseys and matching kicks might get you onto the best-dressed lists at the Super Bowl, sitting courtside at the U.S. Open is a whole different ball game, so to speak. While spectators might not be expected to adhere to the same strict clothing rules that tennis players abide by, that doesn't mean court-side seats are a fashion free for all.

One glance at the star-studded seats at a major international tennis tournament shows there's definitely an aesthetic that's been finely crafted over the years. Luckily, there's plenty of expert advice and U.S. Open outfit idea inspiration to keep you looking your sportiest and chicest while you watch this year's big matches.

Related: Ariana Grande Put Her Personal Spin on Preppy Style at Wimbledon

Meet Our Expert

Samantha Brown is a celebrity stylist.

Is There a U.S. Open Dress Code for Spectators?

While there's no explicit dress code, "even as a spectator, people dress in their best," says celebrity stylist Samantha Brown, who points out that a great U.S. Open outfit toes the line between casual and elevated. According to Brown, the clothes best suited for this tournament are lightweight, breezy, and country-club-adjacent. "The vibe leans preppy, clean, and elevated," she says.

Keeping the Queens, New York location in mind, Brown advises that "lighter colors and fabrics are key. It’s humid at the end of the summer, so keeping comfort in mind is important." Breathable materials like linen and cotton are great choices and you should also come prepared for cooler evening temperatures. "A light summer sweater or jacket is good to have on hand for evening matches," Brown says.

Keeping things seasonally appropriate isn't the only consideration to keep top of mind. The U.S. Open's unwritten fashion handbook might not be as lengthy or stringent as, say, Wimbledon's, but Brown still recommends steering clear of "anything glitzy, graphic, or overly fussy."

Even so, you've still got options — from sundresses to matching sets and luxe athleisure separates. Whether you've been counting down the days to a major match all year or scored seats at the 11th hour, you'll want to add the 19 U.S. Open outfit ideas to your tennis spectator mood board stat.

Add Casual Accessories

Kendall Jenner blended quiet luxury and casual athletic wear in this A+ U.S. Open outfit. While her pale yellow dress could read a bit formal, her baseball cap, waist-tied cardigan, and simple sandals added a layer of casual cool.

Try Tenniscore

Tenniscore stays trending for a reason. Equally sporty and chic, using this viral aesthetic as a blueprint for your U.S. Open outfit is an easy way to nail the event's vibe. We especially love the way a collared polo shirt with contrasting piping spices up a pristine pleated tennis skirt.

Related: The 14 Best Tennis Skirts of 2023 to Wear On Or Off the Court

Modernize a Classic Look

Fun fact: 'fits that pay homage to classic tennis looks work just as well as the real thing when worn in lightweight, luxurious fabrics. If tennis skirts just aren't your thing, try pieces in cotton or linen that pay homage to the uniform, either via an all-white color palette or a skirt that toys with a loosely pleated hem.

Make the Most of a Matching Set

The game has "set" in its vernacular for a reason (not this one, but stay with us). A sleeveless sweater or sweater vest with a preppy v-neck and a matching skirt feels fresh while still looking appropriate.

Blend High and Low

You don't have to blow your budget on high-end pieces for the U.S. Open. Lois Opoku's halter top and high-waisted trouser look is a perfect example of how to elevate basic pieces like a tank top. Including luxurious accessories pulls the look together.

Consider Casual Shoes

We get that balancing country club vibes with casual cool is a tall order. Luckily, a pair of sneakers worn with a midi dress or skirt strikes a great balance. That said, you'll want to leave any scuffed or beat up kicks at home.

Wear a Sunny Midi Skirt

If you love color, take a page out of Anne Hathaway's style guide when planning your U.S. Open outfit. Hathaway brought a bit of sunshine to the 2022 tournament courtesy of a silky tea-length midi skirt. Despite the rich tone of the skirt, the look still felt light and airy thanks to the actor's pale shoes and crisp, white button-down.

Go for Gingham

If you want a more youthful, casual outfit, opt for preppy patterns and elevated silhouettes. A gingham pencil skirt adds a classy edge to a matching tee. Dress up this look even more with subtle, layered jewelry.

Spice Up Business Basics

Keep lightweight, pleated trousers and long-sleeve button-down shirts from looking like summer workwear by adding equestrian-inspired accessories. Look for belts with mid-size buckles and add a shoulder bag with snaffle bit hardware to create a polished vibe.

Seek Out Classic Silhouettes

If you want a break from dresses, try a jumpsuit. The red style Gigi Hadid wore in 2022 is definitely a bold color choice, but was still beautifully on brand thanks to its timeless silhouette.

Try a Summer Suit

A shorts suit is always fun, especially in stripes. To add a touch of romance, try wearing a pair of rosette-embellished flats.

Add a Lightweight Layer

You never know if a breeze will hit, especially during evening matches. To get Poppy Delevingne's 2023 Wimbledon look, try pairing a chiffon pleated maxi with a lightweight jacket that has varsity vibes.

Bring in Black and White

While black might not seem like a summer color, there's something undeniably chic about a black and white look, especially when balanced with overtly warm-weather accessories like a luxury raffia tote bag. To ensure your look feels cohesive, aim to include accessories with black or white contrasting details.

Dress Up Jersey

Have you ever seen a simple jersey T-shirt dress look so chic? Danai Gurira's U.S. Open outfit nails the balance between casual and elevated, thanks to thoughtful and luxe accessories. To replicate this vibe, opt for a conservative hemline and add high-shine sandals and jewelry in mixed metal shades.

Go for Gold

If you prefer track pants to pencil skirts, this is the outfit for you. While the 'fit itself is definitely casual, the addition of gold sandals and jewelry makes it event-worthy.

Coordinate Cool-Toned Colors

Yes, white is an overwhelming popular 'fit color for the U.S. Open, but you shouldn't feel limited to or by this singular shade. Go beyond a single pop of color by pairing cool-toned shades like pistachio and sky blue. Preppy separates work well with this look, as does incorporating a subtle pattern or detail like stripes throughout your outfit.

Keep Cool in Cotton

Cotton sundresses are a tennis spectator staple. As Emily Ratajkowski proves here, the simple style doesn't have to be boring. We recommend reaching for one that has romantic, cottagecore-adjacent details like cap or puff sleeves.

Slip on a Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses have the magical ability to look like businesswear while feeling like pajamas. This fast and easy U.S. Open outfit centerpiece looks extra on theme in shades of white or blue or nautical stripes.

Lean into Linen

Not only is linen a great, lightweight choice that will keep you cool in humid weather, but it can also elevate casual pieces. Add a blazer to linen shorts and a crop top or sports bra, and you're good to go.

For more InStyle news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on InStyle.