While not every wedding weekend needs a theme, if you’re looking for a style that’s effortlessly chic, subtly nostalgic, and easy to personalize, tenniscore might be the perfect fit. Inspired by classic court attire—think pleats, polos, and crisp whites—this sporty-chic aesthetic is showing up everywhere, from welcome parties and next-day brunches to bachelorette weekends and bridal showers. Featuring retro silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and athletic-inspired details, tenniscore is quickly becoming one of the most versatile trends for such an occasion.
“It blends comfort with sophistication so effortlessly,” says Maisie-Kate Keane, a luxury bridal stylist and founder of Maisie-Kate Style. “That makes it perfect for today’s multi-day celebrations where guests want to look polished but still feel relaxed.” As such affairs become more and more experience-driven, tenniscore offers couples a cohesive visual moment that still feels understated and timeless. (Let’s just say it’s not not giving Nancy Meyers wedding vibes…)
And while you may not be walking down the aisle in a literal tennis dress or polo, there are plenty of ways to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe, regardless of whether you’re a bride, groom, or guest. “Tenniscore is more than just attire; it’s an attitude,” says Daniel Sánchez, the creative director of Azazie. “It’s playful yet polished, and perfect for [those] who want something modern and fresh.”
Below, the experts explain how to nail a tenniscore-inspired look at any type of wedding event. Read on for everything you need to know.
What Is Tenniscore-Inspired Wedding Fashion?
As you might have guessed, “tenniscore” takes its cues from classic court attire and reimagines them through a modern, fashion-forward lens. As a wedding-weekend style, it offers the perfect balance of ease and refinement, making it an ideal choice for events like welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, post-wedding brunches, or even a casual game of doubles. “At the heart of tenniscore is the marriage of quiet luxury and the resurgence of the preppy aesthetic,” says Heather McReynolds, the senior vice president of merchandising, planning, and product development at David’s Bridal. “It blends classic styling with modern twists, offering an opportunity for friends and guests to co-mingle and engage in a fun, active way.”
It’s also incredibly versatile. “Tenniscore blends comfort with sophistication so effortlessly,” adds Keane. From a design standpoint, this translates to thoughtful textures, restrained color palettes, and silhouettes that move seamlessly from one event to the next. And if you need a visual reference, just look to Zendaya’s Challengers press tour, which served up one tenniscore masterclass after another—structured polos, pleats, sleek suiting, and modern takes on a vintage court style. Since modern celebrations often extend beyond a ceremony and reception—especially at tropical destination weddings where rewearable, sweat-wicking options are critical, tenniscore makes it easy to enjoy everything the weekend has to offer without feeling stuffy or overly styled.
How to Embrace a Tenniscore Look as a Bride or Groom
Whether you're planning a themed welcome party, heading to brunch the morning after your nuptials, or simply love the aesthetic, tenniscore can easily be woven into your wedding weekend wardrobe without feeling too casual or out of place. The key? Focusing on tailored silhouettes, elevated fabrics, and refined nods to athletic style.
Photo by Brooke Nash Photography
Tenniscore-Inspired Fashion for Brides
Tenniscore lends itself naturally to bridal fashion, especially for pre- and post-wedding events that call for easy, elevated style. The look is all about balance: Structured silhouettes, breathable fabrics, and minimalist elements that reference the theme without becoming overly literal. “What separates tenniscore from being costume-y is fabric choice, details, and fit,” says Keane. “The aim is to go for quiet country club chic rather than the full Wimbledon look.” She recommends sticking to a soft, cohesive color palette—creams, whites, pale blues—and using one or two well-chosen pieces, like a pleated skirt or a draped cable-knit sweater, to suggest the theme.
McReynolds agrees, noting that tenniscore works particularly well when brides pair crisp silhouettes with slightly unexpected touches. Think: a clean white mini dress styled with a striped sweater or vintage-inspired accessory. “It’s the evolution of quiet luxury mixed with a playful, preppy twist,” she says.
Photo by Oliver Fly
Tenniscore-Inspired Fashion for Grooms
Grooms can take a similar approach by mixing tailored pieces with casual, sport-inspired accents. According to Sánchez, color is a great place to start, and lighter shades like ivory, sage, or soft blue feel intentional but still relaxed. “It’s about structure with subtle flair,” he says. Keane suggests swapping a traditional dress shirt for a knit polo or layering a lightweight vest over a button-down. Striped socks, loafers, or tennis-inspired cufflinks can complete the look. The goal is to not appear too festive or formal, integrating subtle details into the ensemble—without going overboard.
Photo by Adovasio Photography Studio
How to Embrace a Tenniscore Look as a Guest
Due to its comfortability and versatility, tenniscore is one of the easiest trends to embrace as a wedding guest. The key is to harmonize with the couple’s vision without overpowering it. Unless you’re actually playing doubles, leave the sweatbands at home. “For guests wanting to channel tenniscore without stealing the spotlight, I advise keeping it simple, minimal, and chic,” says Keane. She recommends gravitating toward soft neutrals or pastels paired with pieces that hint at athletic inspiration. Think pleated midis, ribbed knit sets, collared tops, or minimalist mini dresses. If you're feeling festive, a bright yellow dress is an easy way to ensure your look fits the bill.
Accessories can help strike the right balance. A vintage-inspired visor, pearl studs, or a cardigan draped over your shoulders can add just enough prep without feeling too themed. McReynolds suggests layering structured dresses with tennis sweaters or choosing textured fabrics, like jacquard or brocade, for a more elevated take. One note of caution: “Unless the couple has specifically requested it, avoid wearing all white,” Keane adds. “The goal is to complement the aesthetic, not upstage the people getting married.”
For menswear or a more masculine look, Sánchez suggests sticking to tailored basics with a few playful twists: a navy or pastel-hued suit, a knit polo under a blazer, or a lightweight sweater tied over the shoulders. “Tenniscore is about polish with personality,” he says. “Guests should feel comfortable but still look like they dressed with intention.”
