The hallowed grounds of Wimbledon are not just a battleground for tennis titans but also a stage for some of the most spectacular sartorial displays. This year, as players engage in epic rallies on the grass courts, celebrities, and style savants in the stands are serving looks that rival the action on Centre Court. From elegantly tailored suits to whimsical, rule-breaking ensembles, Wimbledon 2024 has proven to be a veritable catwalk. Among the best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2024, we’ve seen a beeline of breathtaking outfits that have captured the public’s imagination.
As expected, the usual suspects graced the courtsides with their impeccable style. But this year’s fashion moments were particularly noteworthy for their daring choices. While the traditional dress code suggests smart casual, many attendees opted to push the boundaries. Among the standout fashionistas were Keira Knightley, who stunned in a Chanel one-shoulder dress, and Alexa Chung, who embodied preppy chic in a cable-knit sweater and khaki midi skirt. Yet, it was the fashion rebels who truly captured the spotlight, turning the sidelines into a showcase of couture-coated individualism.
The evolution of fashion at Wimbledon
As the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon is steeped in tradition. The all-white dress code, strawberries and cream, and the iconic grass courts are all a part of the organised chaos. However, the fashion at Wimbledon has undergone a fascinating evolution. In this year’s Wimbledon’s Lawn Tennis Museum exhibition, which opened at the end of 2023 and will go on until the end of this year, the central theme is “Express Yourself: Sport, Street, Style”. Not only does it capture the evolution of fashion at the tournament, it also serves as a record of self-expression for the players.
In the early days, players, particularly women, donned attire more suited for a garden party than a sporting event. Long dresses with ornamented sleeves, high necks, and tightly fitted waists were the norm, often weighing up to 11 pounds. These outfits restricted movement but maintained a composed appearance.
The all-white dress code began around 1890 to hide perspiration. This rule has seen various iterations but remains a hallmark of Wimbledon. Over time, players started to push the boundaries of this tradition. In 1919, French player Suzanne Lenglen revolutionised tennis fashion by wearing a loose cotton dress without a corset, allowing greater freedom of movement and setting a trend for more practical attire.
The branding revolution in tennis fashion began in the 1930s with René Lacoste and Fred Perry. Lacoste introduced the iconic polo shirt with the crocodile logo, while Perry’s laurel wreath became synonymous with tennis elegance. These brands gained immense popularity, with players wearing their clothing on Centre Court, providing priceless publicity.
Despite the strict all-white rule, there have been notable exceptions. In 1963, Maria Bueno’s dress designed by Ted Tinling with Italian pink lining pushed the boundaries of the dress code. This led to the formalisation of the all-white rule, which has been amended over the years to adapt to changing times. The most recent amendment in 2022 allowed women to wear mid-to-dark coloured underwear to alleviate anxieties around playing during their menstrual cycle.
Modern tennis fashion continues to evolve, balancing tradition with innovation. Players like sisters Serena and Venus Williams have found ways to express their personalities through their attire while also adhering to Wimbledon’s dress code. Serena’s Nike dress lined with Swarovski crystals and Venus’ hand-embellished Reebok sneakers perfectly exemplify this blend of tradition and personal style.
The story of fashion at Wimbledon is not just about clothing; it is also about players expressing their personalities and leaving lasting legacies. The tournament’s history of balancing tradition with modernity ensures that it remains a special place, where players respect its heritage while also pushing the boundaries of what tennis fashion can be. As the best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2024 showcase their styles, they continue this legacy of elegance and innovation.
The best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2024
Charli XCX
The 31-year-old singer served major looks at Wimbledon, bringing her “Brat” summer energy to the tennis courts. Ditching the usual preppy, neutral vibes of the greens, Charli went full-throttle edgy with a black crocheted mini dress that showed off her matching underwear. She completed the ‘fit with black leather slingback pumps by Gianvito Rossi and lace knee-high socks that looked like they were painted on. Accessorising with a Saint Laurent shoulder bag and mini Gucci sunglasses, Charli was the definition of match point. Instead of blending in, the songwriter stood out, making the typically posh event feel a lot cooler. She hung out with fellow Brit singer Mabel, taking selfies as she caught the matches on Centre Court.
Queen Camilla
Opting for a more timeless aesthetic, Queen Camilla re-wore her giraffe-embroidered Anna Valentine shirt dress. This sophisticated piece, previously seen during her trip to Kenya, highlighted her commitment to sustainable fashion. While the muted colour tones might’ve been in-line with the dress code on Centre Court, the Queen Consort’s jungle-themed choice undoubtedly blended tradition with a touch of fun.
Keira Knightley
The Love Actually actress served major French-girl chic at Wimbledon 2024. Dressed head-to-toe in Chanel, she smiled for the cameras in a white one-shoulder midi dress. Completing the look with the brand’s iconic colour block pumps, a mini quilted bag, and a boater hat, Keira’s outfit nailed the classic yet contemporary aesthetic, securing her spot among the best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2024.
Alexa Chung
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The English model turned heads at the grass courts in a look that was all about tonal perfection. Wearing a beige Ralph Lauren cable-knit cardigan paired with a light beige A-line skirt, she embraced a preppy, modern style. Alexa’s minimalist approach, combined with her natural poise, made her one of the best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2024. Neutral never looked so good.
Joe Alwyn
The actor chose a blue suede Ralph Lauren shirt, white slacks, and matching blue espadrilles. While he kept his sunglasses on for minimal recognisability, his understated look packed in that traditional British style, perfectly suited for the prestigious event.
Sienna Miller
Arriving for Day Nine of Wimbledon 2024 with her partner Oli Green, Sienna stuck to the neutral tones with her Prada ensemble. Dressed in an effortlessly chic polka-dotted shirt and pleated skirt, she paired the look with nude heels featuring the iconic Prada logo. A white Cleo shoulder bag hung from her arm as she watched Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Russia’s Daniil Medvedev battle it out at Centre Court.
Princess Beatrice of York
The princess quietly slipped into the Royal Box with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi by her side, dressed in a floral printed shirt dress by Monique Lhuillier paired with a raffia bag. Colours and prints were a welcome change against the sea of neutral shades and stripes.
Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham went for an ultra-edgy look at Wimbledon 2024. She opted for a black and white tweed shirt and face-framing Bottega Veneta sunglasses. Lena’s ensemble was practical, dark, yet high-fashion, perfect for a day of tennis from the stands. Her look definitely turned some heads at the tournament!
Isla Fisher
Keeping it old-school, the 48-year-old actress impressed with a stunning blue and white floral Ralph Lauren dress, paired with a white blazer, strappy white heels, and a Dolce & Gabbana off-white Sicily bag. With minimal accessories and natural, no-makeup makeup, Isla’s look was all about that understated glamour, making her one of the most stylish attendees.
Nicole Scherzinger
Pussycat Dolls lead Nicole Scherzinger will never not be hot, and her appearance at Wimbledon 2024 proved just that. Arriving to watch the action, the singer turned heads in a fitted white dress, paired with a sleek black Fendi Peekaboo bag. Her outfit was simple but oh-so sophisticated, proving her impeccable fashion sense. With minimal gold jewellery stacking her wrist and neck, including a Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet, her look could be classified as one of the best in the tournament.
Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra
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Proving their Bollywood power couple status, Sid and Kiara arrived at the quarter-finals dressed in pastel-hued power suits. While the Kabir Singh actress chose a powder blue number with black velvet lining her lapel collar, Sid selected an edgier look with his checked undershirt and tie. The addition of the white blazer for him and the pop of the Goyard bag for her were the midas touches for this movie duo.
Kim Cattrall
In a candy pink suit paired with a floral blouse, metallic leather Balmain mules, and the brand’s Jolie Madam bag, Kim Cattrall could give Carrie Bradshaw a run for her hard-earned money. Chic and stylish, the metallic heels completed her look, adding a modern twist to the otherwise classic outfit. While the actress kept her shades on for the paps, she was more than deserving of her spot on the list of best-dressed celebrities at Wimbledon 2024.
Maria Sharapova
The tennis legend made a stylish comeback to Wimbledon 2024 in a belted khaki safari set by Burberry. The former champion’s outfit was industrial yet chic, reflecting her edgy fashion sense. Her mini duffle bag allowed the jumpsuit to shine, making her one of the standout celebrities on Centre Court.
The best watches spotted at Wimbledon 2024
Roger Federer
The 20-time grand slam winner showcased his impeccable style off the courts with a Rolex Datejust 36 featuring the iconic “Wimbledon” dial. This watch, with its grey rhodium dial and green Chromalight edges, pays homage to Wimbledon’s green pitches. The Datejust, a classic in Rolex’s lineup, perfectly complemented Federer’s sharp grey suit, making him one of the most stylish spectators at the event and his watch the best in Wimbledon 2024.
Romeo Beckham
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Romeo Beckham turned heads and hands wearing the sleek Rolex GMT Master II ‘Sprite’. Crafted in stainless steel, this timepiece features a striking cerachrom bezel insert that merges green and black, a nod to its playful moniker. The watch’s screw-down crown and unique design, with the date window shifted from the usual 3 o’clock to the 9 o’clock position, allow it to stand out. Paired with a jubilee bracelet, it is one among many of the best watches spotted at Wimbledon 2024. Priced at USD 11,050, the watch not only complements his style but also underscores his penchant for high-end, iconic accessories.
Prince Albert II
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Prince Albert II of Monaco attended the tournament showcasing the new Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph ‘Dark Blue’ Skeleton. This striking watch, made from DLC titanium, was unveiled during the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix. Its bold blue dial with vibrant yellow accents is further augmented with a sporty blue calfskin and leather strap, making it a standout piece that cleverly matched his spectacles. The third configuration of the Monaco Skeleton line, this model integrates advanced watchmaking technology with a distinct aesthetic appeal. Priced at USD 13,000, the intricate skeleton design offers a glimpse into the watch’s inner workings, making it one of the best watches to be spotted at Wimbledon 2024.
(Main Image: Shi Tang and Stuart Wilson/Getty Images; Featured Image: Shi Tang/Getty Images)
This article first appeared here
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The finals of Wimbledon 2024 are to be held on Sunday, July 14.
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As a pop-culture enthusiast with a penchant for fashion, Srijoni found herself graduating with a degree in History from Miranda House, DU and a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi. Apart from binging on the latest web series, trying DIY recipes from TikTok, and spending hours window shopping on the latest Instagram stores, she loves spending time with her family and curating vacation mood boards. Writing opinion pieces, and critiquing international fashion trends are a part of her forte. Srijoni was previously employed at iDiva as their ‘Chief Fashion Writer’ for 5 years.
