This post will show you how to get the tennis core aesthetic with outfit ideas and clothing under $100.
This season, it’s all about tennis core, a fashion aesthetic inspired by tennis culture and lifestyle.
From Zendaya’s Challengers to Break Point on Netflix, tennis and the fashion associated with it — both on and off the court — has become the “it” aesthetic that has taken over our screens and the fashion world alike.
The tennis core aesthetic is athletic yet feminine, classic yet luxe, and, best of all, can be worn by anyone, regardless of whether or not they play the sport!
This aesthetic takes two forms (that inevitably overlap at times):
The first involves wearing athletic outfits that you could wear on the actual court, like pleated skorts, athletic mini-dresses, tennis shoes, and the like.
The second form of this aesthetic involves elevated country club and Old Money-inspired clothing that you’d wear as a spectator of the sport, taking inspiration from the “TWAGs” or the wives and girlfriends of professional tennis players.
Look to influencers like Paige Lorenze, Ayan Broomfield, and Morgan Riddle, some of the most well-known tennis WAGS, for outfit inspiration, as their style in the stands has catapulted this trend into the limelight. (Of course, it should be noted that outside of being TWAGs, these women are accomplished businesswomen in their own right, and in Ayan’s case, a successful tennis player herself!)
Unlike attending other sports games such as hockey, football, or soccer, which call for wearing your favorite team’s jersey with jeans or other casual clothing, the attire worn to tennis matches is more elevated and refined. Think Old Money or Quiet Luxury, but with a casual, sporty twist.
In general, here are some of the key elements of tennis core fashion:
Table of Contents
Key Elements of Tennis Core
- Pleated skirts, skorts, and dresses
- Collared clothing like polo shirts and shirt dresses
- Classic colors including white, navy blue, and Kelly green
- Anything preppy — think country club-approved attire
- Braided and cable knit cardigans; V-neck sweaters
- Vintage-inspired accessories like oversized stud earrings, hair barrettes, and structured handbags
- Slim sunglasses in oval and cat-eye shapes
- Baseball caps with small logos and/or visors
- Slingback heels, cap-toe flats, mules, and low-top tennis shoes (of course)
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to show you how to get the tennis core look for yourself. Plus, everything in this post is under $100, so you won’t have to break the bank to achieve the aesthetic.
So, without further ado, read on for the cutest tennis core outfits and clothing under $100 that will have you *serving* on or off the court.
Tennis Core Outfit #1
Channel your inner TWAG with a polished ensemble that would be perfect for cheering from the stands… or for heading out on the town.
This navy blue tweed mini skort and matching short-sleeve collarless jacket have a designer-inspired look that will make you appear ultra put-together. The jacket’s curved hem and gold buttons add to its luxe vibe so that it could totally pass for a designer piece.
Opt for classy gold accessories to accentuate the jacket’s buttons, like some pearl stud earrings with twisted gold trims that give them a vintage effect and a structured leather shoulder bag with a gold clasp closure.
For an elegant look, match your shoes to your bag; these off-white pointy-toe patent slingback heels are the perfect option. Complete the ensemble with some timeless tortoise cat-eye sunglasses, and you’re sure to score all the style points.
Tennis Core Outfit #2
Next up is a sporty-meets-chic look that you could wear on or off the tennis court. Whether you’re going to play tennis or just running errands on a hot summer day, this outfit will keep you cool, comfortable, and looking put-together!
A pleated skort is a must, and this pleated green skort with a classic white contrasting trim and seamless interior shorts is as cute as they come. Complete with a hidden pocket (for a tennis ball or your cell phone) and UV protection, this breezy mini is ideal for a hot day.
Wear it with a classic white polo top like this sleeveless, slightly-cropped option made from a compressive activewear fabric that is smoothing and sculpting (without pinching). The collar gives it a classic, country club-esque look, as does its zipper front.
Bring the look together with some Reebok Lifestyle Club C 85 sneakers (with hints of green to match the skort) and tennis-inspired accessories like a “Tennis Club” tote bag and visor with a tennis logo to keep the sun out of your eyes.
Tennis Core Outfit #3
Talk about laid-back luxe. White, flowy, pleated wide-leg pants are a classic item that would fit right in at a tennis match or an upscale country club.
While these versatile pants can be styled in many different ways, give them the tennis core treatment by pairing them with a navy blue braided knit cardigan with contrasting white trim. This cardigan features an adorable embroidered tennis logo, as does its matching navy blue and white tennis logo cap, which gives the outfit a more relaxed feel.
Sneakers will also help to keep the outfit looking laid-back, and these white Superga platform sneakers will give you a bit of a boost so that the pants flow nicely when you walk.
Complete the ensemble with some twisted gold hoop earrings and a structured shoulder bag like this two-tone canvas bag with luxe gold hardware for just a subtle touch of shine.
Tennis Core Outfit #4
Pleated dresses and mini skirts are a must in tennis fashion, especially in a crisp color like white.
I could totally see someone like Paige Lorenze rocking this short white pleated dress with a sleek square neckline at a tennis tournament, along with a black leather belt and some classic slingback pumps.
These slingbacks go the extra style mile with tweed fabrication, patent toe caps, and precious pearl embellishments, giving them a Chanel-inspired look.
Accessorize with luxe-looking pieces like some textured gold earrings and gold metal oval sunglasses, plus a quilted vegan leather shoulder bag with a gold chain strap.
Tennis Core Outfit #5
Looking for a girly take on the tennis core aesthetic? This pink plaid knit set puts a trendy, feminine twist on Old Money style, with a pink plaid knit crop top and a matching short-sleeve cardigan that give a fresh update to classic sweater sets.
Style the two with a white pleated mini skirt and some white heeled sandals, like these square-toe mules with geometric straps and hollow triangular heels. They are super cool and unique, with a short heel (that’s wearable during the daytime) and a glossy white finish.
Since this outfit has a lot of eye-catching elements, keep accessories minimal with some sculptural silver dome earrings and a stretchy white headband.
Tennis Core Clothing Under $100
Looking for more options? These stylish and affordable tennis core clothing picks are a Grand Slam.
White and Green Collared Sweater Tank Top
White and Kelly green color palette? Check. Collared design? Check.
This sleeveless collared sweater tank has all the makings of a perfect tennis core piece that could be styled with athletic and non-athletic looks alike.
Whether you wear it with a pleated active mini skort or go for some polished wide-leg trousers, you’re sure to *serve* in this top.
Green Active Mini Dress
IDK about you, but I’m living in active mini dresses this summer (and I don’t even play tennis).
They look adorable, but most importantly, are ideal for hot summer weather thanks to their activewear fabrication that is often lightweight and sweat-wicking.
This Kelly green active mini dress is quick-drying, has four-way stretch, and features an inner bra and built-in shorts so that you can just slip it on, and you’re good to go. Fashion meets function with this pick!
Pleated Skort
Elevated athleisure, right this way. Get game-ready in this pleated mini skort with built-in shorts and pockets (always a plus!).
This skort’s asymmetrical hem and contrasting trim give it added flair, while its sweat-wicking fabric makes it functional for matches, workouts, walks, or just being out and about on hot summer days.
Knit Crop Top & Mini Skirt
This knit crop top and matching mini skirt feature the classic white and Kelly green tennis color scheme with contrasting stripes for a pretty, preppy look.
Paired with some white low-top sneakers and a stretchy headband, you’ll instantly achieve the tennis core look with this cute coordinating set.
Pleated Tennis Romper Dress
Score style points in this adorable white pleated tennis romper dress with Kelly green trimming. Its fresh white hue is perfect for the summer season, and its built-in shorts make it a comfortable choice.
Keep it casual with some low-top sneakers, or dress it up with heels depending on where you’re headed. Also consider tying a cardigan sweater over your shoulders for the ultimate preppy look.
Graphic Print T-Shirt
Give your wardrobe a touch of tennis core with this fun, colorful graphic print t-shirt featuring a tennis club logo. Its Kelly green and pink color scheme makes a bright statement that can be paired with pleated skorts or casual items like jeans or cargo pants.
Striped Button-Up Shirt
It doesn’t get more classic than a button-up shirt, especially in a blue and white striped print.
This item is a staple in just about every wardrobe and is a great piece to incorporate into tennis core looks. It would certainly blend right in at a tennis tournament or a country club.
Whether you wear it on its own or tie it over your shoulders (as shown above), this essential shirt is sure to become a staple in your closet.
Bubble Skirt Mini Dress
If I were heading to the Monte Carlo Masters as a spectator, this cotton halter mini dress with a bubble hem would be a top choice for the famed tennis tournament.
It’s chic yet fresh thanks to its bubble skirt with a pleated look, along with its halter neckline and cream coloring. Styled with some slingback kitten heels, a structured handbag, and cat-eye sunglasses, this would make the ultimate chic statement.
Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
Have you seen Target’s collaboration with tennis and lifestyle brand Prince? The Prince for Target collection celebrates pickleball, but the cute and affordable styles released are just as suitable for tennis (and tennis core).
This cream short-sleeve polo shirt with a contrasting navy blue collar gives a preppy top a retro feel, and its two-tone design makes it totally mix-and-matchable.
Tennis Graphic Print Sweatshirt
Another brand to look out for when curating your tennis core collection? Mango’s Tennis Club. This line of tennis-inspired clothing and accessories is a perfect example of how the tennis core aesthetic has taken center stage in the fashion world.
Join the “club” with this crewneck sweatshirt featuring a tennis graphic print that will make you look like a pro yourself (no matter if you’re not).
Yellow Button-Down Mini Dress
How cute is this yellow button-down mini-dress?
Its silhouette is classic thanks to its button-down front and collar, but its mini length and open back keep it looking youthful and trendy. Plus, its butter-yellow hue is one of the hottest colors of the season, making it a prime pick for watching a match.
Pleated Mini Skirt
If you want to nail the tennis core aesthetic, you need a pleated mini skirt ASAP!
This simple pleated white mini skirt has a wide basque and a classic silhouette that makes it versatile. You can just as easily wear it with a simple tank top or t-shirt as you could with an athletic top; it is a timeless piece that you’ll be able to hold onto for a long time to come.
Tennis Graphic Print Baby T-Shirt
While this cropped graphic print baby t-shirt might not be country club-approved IRL, it’s a fun way to wear the tennis core aesthetic in your daily life.
Its casual vibe and eye-catching tennis graphic print mean you’ll be grabbing it to wear with jeans, shorts, or skorts during your time off the court.
Pleated Mini Skort
Brighten up your look with this sweet, sporty skort.
With a flowy pleated design, four-way stretch, and built-in shorts, this active skort comes in nine different colors, including this peachy hue that is perfect for summertime.
Its breathable fabric allows for airflow to keep you cool if you work up a sweat, but its flirty silhouette puts a feminine spin on this activewear.
Navy Blue Collared Sweater Dress
I am in love with this navy blue sleeveless sweater dress with a collared neckline, white contrast tipping, and a partial white button placket. It’s classy yet cute thanks to its figure-skimming silhouette (and stretch knit fabric) and can easily be dressed up or down to your liking.
Wear it with white low-top sneakers or with heels — either way, you will look like a winner.
Tweed Mini Dress
The description of this tweed mini dress alone makes it a shoo-in to the tennis core trend, drawing a comparison to Zendaya’s Challengers wardrobe and the Quiet Luxury aesthetic. And did I mention that its color is called “Tennis Tweed,” as an homage to the green hue of the tennis court?
This polished piece is oh-so-classy and will look fabulous with a pearl necklace and some slingback pumps or Mary Jane shoes. With its button-front, collared neckline, and princess-seamed silhouette, it’s as flattering as it is chic.
Black and White Tipped Crop Top and Mini Skirt
There’s something about this black and white tipped set that is giving tennis WAG in the best way possible. The square neck crop top and high-waisted mini skirt feature a color-blocked design and are made with a stretch cotton material that makes them comfortable yet contouring.
Just add some black cat-eye sunglasses, and you’ll be good to go!
What do you think of our tennis core guide?
Would you wear this aesthetic? Which tennis core outfit is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!