Tenniscore Is Back, Baby—Here’s How to Ace the Sporty-Chic Trend This Time Around
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Keeping up with all the new niche trends may be a sport in and of itself, but when it comes to the tenniscore aesthetic, embracing the style comes as easy as game, set, match. Yes, you heard it from me first: The fashion trend that took over TikTok two years ago is back and better than ever this spring (and it's all thanks to Zendaya)! So, if you've been looking for an excuse to serve up country club looks both on and off the court, this is it, people. New to tennis-inspired fashion? Don't sweat it—no pun intended. I've got all the deets to help you ace the sporty look with the help of tennis skirts, polos and V-neck sweaters galore.
But First, Remind Me, What Is Tenniscore?
Tenniscore is an athletic aesthetic that embraces a sense of posh, preppy style. In fact, you might consider it the weekend offshoot of the old money trend. Think: pleated tennis skirts, cable-knit sweaters and all-white court sneakers, along with shorts, tank tops and more classic styles in understated colors. That said, you would think this versatile aesthetic would never go out of style, but it's currently back in full swing because of Zendaya's buzzy new tennis movie, Challengers, which is slated to hit theaters on April 26. Over the past few weeks of the film's press tour, the star has been serving some major tennis-inspired looks on the red carpet—and fans (and fashionistas) have taken note. I, for one, tip my hat to her longtime stylist Law Roach for curating this custom metallic masterpiece by Loewe, featuring the famous tennis ball heels that helped put this trend back on the map.
While Zendaya certainly puts a high-fashion twist on the trend, tenniscore can be as functional as you want it to be. While you probably won't be playing a match in stilettos, you can opt for stylish, tennish-inspired activewear pieces you can actually get a good sweat in. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, Would Serena Williams wear this? If the answer is yes, you know you're on track. But there's no need to revisit the playbook when you've got this roundup of ten tenniscore styles to shop, starting at just $45. Whether you plan on sipping mimosas on the sidelines or getting in a few good strokes on the court, prepare to serve up country club chic looks all season long.
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1. Tory Burch Performance Tennis Dress
On the fence about tenniscore? Leave it to this '70s-inspired V-neck dress to get you on board. It's made of a silky-soft performance jersey material with optimal breathability and moisture-wicking powers. You know, in case you actually do decide to make an appearance on the court this spring. But I have a feeling you'll be wearing this style everywhere, from brunch to the park with your kiddos. With chic details like a contrast flat-knit rib trim, drop waist and pleated bottom, this totally timeless piece is the best way to pull off the trend.
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Classic Polo Shirt
If you plan to incorporate tenniscore into your everyday wardrobe, you should snag this crisp, 'tennis white' polo right away. After all, no one nails the preppy look quite like Ralph Lauren—so it's no wonder Zendaya recently rocked a polo-style frock from the designer. As for this iconic collared shirt? It was first introduced by the brand in 1972 and is now available in various colors and styles, including this mesh version with a relaxed silhouette that's as comfortable as it is effortlessly cool. As one buyer shares, "I like it better than a typical tee shirt and can wear it all year round and layered under sweaters. The colors are very nice, and the fabric washes well. The only issue is I love so many of the colors, it’s impossible to have just a few." BTW, it's made of cotton, so you really can make it work for every season.
3. lululemon Varsity Tennis Skirt
I don't know about you, but this flouncy tennis skirt is making me want to set up a doubles match just so it can get the attention it deserves. And don't be fooled by its petite pleated style—it's made to be ultra-functional in sport mode, with built-in shorts and a high waist that stays up as you hustle on the court (or on the dance floor, if you try this trend out after-hours). And as if it couldn't get any better than that, the skirt has hidden pockets on the liner *and* silicone grippers on the hem that keep it from riding up. You should also know that its smooth nylon and Lycra elastane blend fabric is designed to stay cool and dry. In other words, lululemon thought of everything when designing this piece that isn't just on trend, but is *incredibly* flattering, according to reviewers. So, my advice? Get it in as many colors as you can!
4. New Balance 574 Sneakers
While you can't go wrong with sleek white sneakers when it comes to tennis-inspired footwear, you can also totally pull off the look with these tennis ball green New Balance kicks. From their mesh and suede upper, to their EVA foam cushioning, these N-emblazoned icons take sporty fashion to new heights if you feel like really leaning into the theme. But are they as comfy as they are stylish? A ton of loyal fans of the shoe sure think so. "New Balance shoes are my favorite shoes for walking around the city. These shoes fit great and provide enough support to my high arches," writes one frequent buyer.
5. Eyebuydirect Good Vibrations Aviator Sunglasses
If you're caught up on the latest sunglasses trends, you know that "not-your-average aviators" are a hot silhouette this season. That said, these sunnies are *anything* but basic; in fact, they have the most undeniable retro-sporty vibe I've ever seen. The best part is that they're fully customizable with your choice of frame, lenses and even prescription (so you won't be seeing double on the court). If I were you, I would focus my attention on the gold pair with a curved nose bridge and tortoiseshell temple tips to up their ante. And, yes, they've got adjustable nose pads, so you can get them to fit just right. "They are exactly what I wanted! Light, comfortable and just the right amount of shade. The arm frames feel delicate, but I like that too. [They] look and feel more expensive than they are," one reviewer raves.
6. lululemon Sleeveless Polo Shirt
Another Zendaya-approved tenniscore must-have, this sleeveless polo tank is supposed to manage your sweat so you can focus on your game. Here's why one shopper wants it in *every* color: "It fits great, it’s a perfect length with tennis skirts and I love that it has a straight hemline." They also mentioned that the recycled polyester and nylon fabric is lightweight and cool enough to wear in the hot Florida sun, so prepare to wear this style through the summer. And did I mention that it's also body-skimming, abrasion-resistant, quick-drying and easily tuckable (thanks to side slits)? So, really, the least exciting thing about this top is the No-Stink Zinc technology, which helps prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the fabric, and that says a lot.
7. Kate Spade Tee Time Sandals
Unfortunately, you can't buy Zendaya's custom Loewe tennis ball heels that stole the show at a Challengers event, but these Kate Spade rounded-toe sandals are the next best thing. They're made from luxuriously smooth Nappa leather, and while the heel technically isn't a tennis ball like Zendaya's, the golf ball has the same effect, nodding to the country club vibe the trend embraces. Not to mention, the heel is only two inches high, so you should have no problem getting around in them. And that's all you could really ask for, right? You better scoop them up before everyone finds out they exist.
8. RLX Embroidered Pony Visor
You've seen Serena Williams in tons of visors, so it should come as no shock that this sun-shielding head-topper is a tenniscore essential. It features an interior sweatband and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure that makes it as comfortable as can be for all day wear. The small details, like the signature embroidered Pony on the front, take this polyester style to the next level, so you really look like you belong on the court (even if you have no intention of ever going). I'd say it's the perfect way to block the sun and stay on trend this season and beyond.
9. SNDYS Colbie Varsity Sweater
You can't ace this preppy trend until you've snagged at least one varsity sweater. And I suggest you make it this oversized one while it's on sale for just $61. It's made of a cotton and nylon knit with a mid weight, so it's the perfect top to wear without a jacket this spring. Or, if you're like me, you may want to size up to wear it like a sweater dress. Either way, the classic V-neck piece will make you look and feel like a tennis pro all year round (because, trust, that's how much you'll want to wear it).
10. Tory Burch Convertible Tennis Tote
This tennis tote is the only bag you need to start nailing this trend. Not only does the removable outer pocket fit two standard size tennis rackets, but there are four additional outer pockets—two for water bottles on each side and a zippered slot on both the front and back. But that’s not all, because there’s also a mesh zippered pocket on the inside that’s perfect for stowing towels or dirty tennis clothes on your way back from the court. Plus, one buyer says it "wipes clean easily, and [is] by far the most stylish tennis bag out there." Need I saw more? See ya on the court (or at checkout, at least)!
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