Luca Guadagnino’s highly anticipated film “Challengers” is making its debut this weekend, coinciding perfectly with the start of tennis and pickleball season. With the master of method dressing starring in the movie, Zendaya dazzles us with stunning tennis-core gowns in movie premiers, setting the trend for Spring 2024.
Zendaya for the Challengers
Thanks to the actress, the preppy, athletic aesthetic has become the latest obsession on the internet, with the search for “tennis-core” being at an all time high. True to on-court attire, the tennis-core trend embraces understated silhouettes and colors, such as whites, creams, yellows, greens, and blacks, which complement the green clay courts associated with the sport. Additionally, exercise dresses, pleated skirts, knit polos, and sporty visors are prominent choices. Vibrant hues like electric pink, high-vis yellow, and tennis-ball green add an element of excitement to the mix.
Zendaya for the Challengers
While tennis-core fashion may appear simplistic, its allure lies in its subtle luxury touches, which perfectly aligns with some of the latest trends – “quiet luxury”, “minimalism”, and “old money”. Although the aesthetic had its moment in 2022, Zendaya’s recent looks from the “Challengers” press tour have reignited interest in the trend, adding a high-fashion twist with the help of stylist Law Roach and luxury labels like Loewe, Thom Browne, and Ralph Lauren.
Zendaya for the Challengers
What is Tennis-core?
Tennis has long been associated with the upper class, and the corresponding tennis-core fashion reflects this sense of privilege. Tennis-core represents a niche where leisure and luxury seamlessly intertwine. This association likely explains why tenniscore focuses less on athleticism and more on the privilege associated with a sport known for its immaculate attire, refreshments served with miniature fruit garnishes, and diamond jewelry.
However, tennis-inspired fashion is not a novel concept. Historically, the sport was exclusive to the upper class at the turn of the 20th century, only becoming more accessible as female athletes gained widespread media recognition. Billie Jean King famously challenged Bobby Riggs in a match known as The Battle of the Sexes, sporting hoop earrings and a white minidress. The term “tennis bracelet” gained popularity after Chris Evert’s diamond band broke during the 1987 U.S. Open, prompting her to halt the game momentarily to search for the lost jewels—an incident that epitomizes the essence of tennis-core.
Chris Evert’s tennis bracelet
Fashion industry giants have long embraced the preppy aesthetic, particularly because they cater to affluent customers for whom tennis-core is not merely a passing trend, but rather a lifestyle. Both classic and contemporary runway collections have featured traditional elements of the sport, such as racquets, white collared dresses, and sweatbands, with brands like Miu Miu and Gucci currently exploring the intersection of preppy and activewear. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in preppy fashion trends, with brands like Miu Miu and Prada introducing school-girl inspired mini skirts, polos, and cricket-inspired V-neck jumpers.
Miu Miu preppy look
The emphasis is on being both sporty and chic, although the chic aspect takes precedence. Brands like Lacoste, with their heritage appeal, and newer labels like Sporty & Rich, capture the essence of on-court fashion. While their clothing could certainly withstand a match, the focus is more on exuding an elevated, affluent aura—emulating a lifestyle of wealth and sophistication through practical yet polished attire. Tennis-core is about appearing effortlessly refined, as if you’ve never had to lift a finger but have been mastering your racket skills since childhood.
To master the tennis-core style beyond the court, opt for pleated A-line mini skirts or snug cycling shorts paired with relaxed, oversized sweatshirts for a fashionable yet casual ensemble. Elevate your outfit with high-rise tennis socks when paired with sporty sneakers and you’re there for the trend!
Tennis-core