Tenniscore is here to stay, and it’s not taking “I’m over it” for an answer. What’s the play? Style it up without looking like a retired pro
Hearing about tenniscore everywhere? Welcome to the club. Even if you want to ditch this Spring-Summer 2024 trend because it’s already too mainstream, it’s not letting you go. The classic elegance of tennis with a runway-ready twist is here to stay— “ANCORA,” as Gucci’s Sabato De Sarno would say.
Why Tenniscore Won’t Quit Soon
So, why is tenniscore sticking around? Simple—it’s driven by clay-court stars turned fashion icons, brands with dedicated tennis collections, blockbuster films, hyped collabs, and more. Just look at Italian tennis pro and Gucci’s Global Brand Ambassador, Jannik Sinner. Winning major tournaments and currently ranked World No. 1 in singles by the ATP, Sinner is making a huge impact. Then there’s Zendaya whose performance in “Challengers” has brought tennis-inspired fashion to the streets.
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No doubt Zendaya in Challengers started the trend, but we fell head over heels for the fashion sense of the Williams sisters. Remember when Venus and Serena served up sporty chic in Marine Serre and Off-White at Vogue World 2024 in Paris? Then we got hooked on the sleek style of rising star Anna Kalinskaya, and those eye-catching collabs between sportswear and luxury brands definitely caught our attention.
The Origins of Tenniscore and the “Challengers” Effect
Tenniscore draws from traditional tennis attire—think clean lines, fine fabrics, and a white colour palette. Designers have modernised this look to fit urban life while keeping its sporty essence.
Luca Guadagnino’s film “Challengers,” starring style icon Zendaya, played a crucial role in popularising the trend, bringing tenniscore into the limelight and making it a must-have for Spring-Summer 2024.
Serving Tenniscore Without Looking Like a Retired Tennis Pro
So, how do you embrace tenniscore without looking like you’re headed straight for Wimbledon? Here’s the play-by-play: start with the basics—piqué polos, pleated skirts, and shorts in technical fabrics. Think cable sweaters for those cooler days. Accessorise with headbands, wristbands, high socks, and white trainers to keep it authentically sporty.
@kristinarodulfo Tenniscore is taking over beauty and I’m HERE FOR IT! 🎾 Bows, braids, and more trends I think we’ll see more of as the sport gains more popularity than ever (thanks in no small part to the tennis-centered @Challengers Movie starring #Zendaya and all the looks she’s been *serving*). I especially loved the white bow + braided ponytail #UrsulaStephen did at the London premiere 💯!! Tenniscore beauty at its finest 😍 . . #tennis #tenniscore #challengers #challengersmovie #tennistok #zendayaedit #zendayastyle #tennisoutfits #tennisfashion #tennisgirl ♬ original sound - Kristina Rodulfo
Now, let’s talk colours: white is your baseline, but don’t be shy to throw in pastels and a few bright accents for that modern twist.
Breathable, lightweight fabrics like cotton and nylon are key – you want to look effortlessly chic, not like you’re melting in the summer heat.
Mix and match sportswear with your casual or even smart pieces to keep things interesting. Accessories are your best friends here—think 80s-style bands and cuffs with a fresh, contemporary twist. And remember, layering is your secret weapon. It adds depth to your outfit and makes your tenniscore look more everyday chic than Centre Court.
Get inspired by the G.O.A.T.S!
Jannik Sinner
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Gucci’s Global Brand Ambassador, Jannik Sinner is the star of the new “Gucci Is a Feeling” campaign. On the grass and clay courts, he’s often spotted with bags from the latest Gucci x HEAD collaboration, an iconic tennis brand. Talk about serving looks!
Serena Williams
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The Williams sisters have been iconic spokespersons for tenniscore forever. Serena Williams has long been a fan of Nike and Off-White. Remember 2019? The late Virgil Abloh and Nike drew inspiration from dance and ballet, which Serena adores, for the tutu-like design of her French Open skirt. Pure magic!
Venus Williams
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Last June, Venus Williams owned the Vogue World 2024 runway in Paris. Her custom Marine Serre outfit, made from repurposed tennis bags, was a real showstopper. Talk about recycling in style!
Zendaya
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The poster of “Challengers,” the latest Luca Guadagnino movie, features a close-up of Zendaya wearing Persol 3287 eyeglasses, digitally altered to look purple. You can only get them in tortoise or black frames—instant classics. Zendaya strikes again!
Emily Ratajkowski
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Let’s go back for a moment because when Emily Ratajkowski embraces a trend, it’s hard to brush it off. For Spring 2022, she starred in the Michael Kors launch of a capsule collection with Italian sportswear brand Ellesse. Joined by rapper Jay Critch and model Lexi Boling, the tennis-inspired campaign was shot in sunny Miami by Lachlan Bailey.
Giulia Spada
Fashion Management, Digital Communication and Media, 2nd year, Milano
A version of this article originally appeared on Cinemoda, an editorial project created by students from Istituto Marangoni’s Fashion Management, Digital Communication, and Media programme: Giulia Spada, Roberta Currò, Matilde Iori, Camilla Paolicchi, Luisa Alfano.