Take a page out of Zendaya’s style book.
Even if you’ve never held a tennis racquet, there are dozens of reasons to work a tennis skirt outfit into your wardrobe. Its versatility and utility can take anyone from a grocery store run to a night at the club—really. For starters, despite their distinctive look, tennis skirts have a way of blending into any aesthetic, looking equally at home in preppy, casual, and even edgy outfits. You’ll make use of a tennis skirt, whether you’re a fashion chameleon or you’ve got your personal style calibrated down to the smallest accessory. Plus, thanks to the fact that they’re often designed as skorts, you can step out comfortably, even if you’re not a big fan of mini skirts to begin with.
From balletcore to athleisure to even dark academia, tennis skirts complement a variety of styles and aesthetics. Don’t believe us? Take a look at 12 tennis skirt outfit ideas below.
Add Coastal Cowgirl Energy
The coastal cowgirl aesthetic is a blend of classic Americana DNA, so it makes sense that a tennis skirt outfit would be right at home with this trend. We recommend cowboy boots and a button-down for a full-on “yeehaw!” moment or sneakers and a cowboy hat for a more subtle “giddyup.”
Mix Prep and Animal Print
Subverting a prep school uniform is a surefire way to earn some major fashionista points. We recommend keeping the outfit in a tonal palette with a dark tennis skirt. Mix in an untucked button-down and cropped sweater vest for a deconstructed, off-duty look. Then, add some edge with a pair of snakeskin or animal-print boots.
With a Neon Heel
For a more classical vibe, we recommend sticking to tennis whites and adding a pop of color with a pair of neon heels. You don’t need to color coordinate with this look. The whole point is to make an ace with your skirt-footwear pairing. Colors like orange, red, green, and purple are a great match for a white tennis skirt.
Try Tweed
A sweet, elevated approach to the tennis skirt trend is keeping your palette to pastels and adding a tweed blazer. While a tweed blazer may be overpowering, it’s good to keep it as the focal piece in your outfit, going for a white pleated tennis skirt on the bottom.
With a Varsity Jacket
Varsity jackets add a layer of cool, not to mention youthful energy, to any outfit you wear them over, making them a great match for a tennis skirt. To maximize the schoolgirl look, go for knee-high socks and an oversized bag.
With a Corset Top
This corset top and tennis skirt combo is on the opposite side of the style spectrum from the usual prep aesthetic associated with the sport. While the outfit may be glamorous, the individual pieces that make up the look give it a mod sensibility, especially the white knee-high boots.
Add Athletic Touches
Another fresh approach to a tennis skirt outfit is to lean into the athleticism of it all. A sports bra and boxer combo might initially seem overtly casual, but that gym vibe gets a fashion week makeover when you add an oversized blazer and a pair of high-heeled boots.
Try a Pop of Color
Don’t be afraid to dream a little bigger than a white or black tennis skirt. There are plenty of options spanning the color spectrum, and a vibrant tennis skirt can be the perfect jumping-off point for a subtly coordinated look. If you choose a colored version, make sure the other pieces in the outfit can play off the tone of your skirt for a coordinated look.
With Ballet Flats
Balletcore isn’t going anywhere, which is great news if you love soft pink. Folks who never had prima ballerina aspirations can still get in on the trend by pairing a tennis skirt with a coordinating top, knee-high socks, and ballet flats. Tossing an oversized bomber jacket on top keeps the look from being too sweet to stomach.
With a Ruffle Blouse
For a prim-and-proper look, it’s a good idea to keep your color palette white with a few pops of color. Look for a blouse with feminine details like ruffles or bows and a tennis skirt with coordinating color details. Your accessories don’t have to match, so pull an unexpected twist by opting for a bold contrasting color on your purse or footwear.
Add a Punk Rock Edge
A tennis skirt outfit doesn’t have to be preppy or even athletic. Wearing a navy, black, or grey tennis skirt with a leather jacket, some studded accessories, and combat boots gives this sporty wardrobe staple an edgy vibe.
