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Through the years, sporting events have doubled as runways as athletes and spectators have used the space to show off their style sense. Think NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s tunnel fits, WNBA rookie Angel Reese’s pregame heels, and Drake’s courtside coats. The intersection of sports and fashion is undeniable, and with the 2024 US Open upon us, it’s time to start brainstorming ensembles whether you’ll be cheering on from the stands, at a bar in the Big Apple or at home with friends.
While you can certainly wear whatever you want to the big event—which takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, from August 19 to September 9—the annual tournament has been known to exhibit an eloquent aesthetic—despite not having an official dress code. (We’re still not over the Bottega Veneta dress, Ralph Lauren baseball cap and The Row thong sandals Kendall Jenner wore to the 2023 championships and the custom Ambush x Nike bow-adorned getup Naomi Osaka donned for her first match at the US Open in two years on August 27.) With that being said, we suggest putting effort into your look whether via elevated athleisure, timeless basics, statement footwear, or eye catching accessories.
If you ask us, the easiest place to start is with an old faithful. White dresses are always a good idea. They’re versatile and effortlessly chic. Fashion houses like Michael Kors, Valentino, and Christopher Esber unveiled new iterations of the fail-proof classic on the spring/summer 2024 runways with retailers like Free People, COS, and DISSH following suit in store and online. From there, you can add color through handbags, jewelry, and shoes. Simple, right?
If you’re leaning towards a more outside-the-box vibe, read on for more US Open fashion inspiration.
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A Timeless White Dress With a Black Bag
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight There’s nothing more glamorous than a strapless white dress. The look above is flattering, glamorous, but also extremely simple. While the white strappy heels create a polished finish, the black handbag creates contrast, preventing the look from feeling bridal. This outfit combination is especially perfect for the tournament as you’ll remain as cool (as you can) amid the New York summer heat since the courts are outdoors.
Norma Kamali Strapless Side Slit GownThe relaxed fit of this Norma Kamali number makes it extremely versatile. You can dress it up with heels like the model or with flip-flops for a casual look long after the US Open.
COS Leather Ripple Shoulder BagBags with fun shapes and textures are all the rage, and you don’t have to break the bank to hop on the trend. This look from Cos is under $200 and can be paired with dresses, denim, and even activewear when you want to spice up your Pilates uniform.
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Pops of Color and Big Hair Accessories
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight If you’re looking for a way to add life to a white or light colored dress, consider bold pops of color like red when it comes to footwear and accessories. This can help an outfit feel cohesive while remaining balanced and calm.
Jennifer Behr Rose Jaw ClipHair accessories have been having a moment this year in the form of bows, clips, and headbands—the options are endless. Adding hair accessories to your look is an easy way to make the most basic outfits stand out.
VELSCRUN Red HeadbandOn Sale 43% offChannel your inner Blair Waldorf with this bright red headband. At the US Open, this piece would be a major serve with a white polo and a pleated skirt.
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A Girly Dress With Sneakers and a Baseball Cap
Image Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Pairing a cutesy white frock with sneakers and a baseball cap dresses down the ensemble without taking away from the look’s timelessness. Go for items that are neutral in color, that way the styling still feels aligned. Sneakers like the trendy Adidas Samba are an easy choice since the basic colorway is cloud white/core black.
Ganni Poplin Tie String DressThis dress feels playful and flirty. We also love it because it’s short enough to double as a shirt with distressed denim shorts.
Adidas SambaIf you haven’t already snagged this year’s “it” shoe, now’s the time. The style is comfortable, and I can personally attest to walking in them for miles. The price tag is also hard to beat.
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Athleisure and Kitten Heels
Image Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images Fashion should be fun—even if it doesn’t initially make sense. Styling activewear, like the Lacoste set above, with kitten heels and socks creates an outfit that is cozy, on theme, and memorable.
Free People Sprint to the Finish ShortsYou don’t have to compromise when it comes to comfort when blending different style aesthetics like activewear and formalwear—especially with these plush Free People shorts, which shoppers have praised for being very “soft.”
Steve Madden Women’s Jessa Heeled SandalOn Sale 44% offThe rise of kitten heels is one of the best things to ever happen in fashion. The style feels fancy yet low in effort—especially because they’re so easy to walk in. Plus, pairing athleisure with kitten heels makes more sense than stilettos or platforms.
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A Black Dress and Flip-Flops
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight You can never go wrong with an LBD. They pair well with pretty much everything and work for every season. For the US Open, consider rocking one with statement detailing, like fun straps or cutouts, as this will instantly make your look feel more festive and celebratory. On your feet, opt for this summer’s hottest shoe trend: flip-flops.
Skims Fits Everybody Slip DressThe Skims Fits Everybody Slip Dress truly flatters all body types. Whenever I wear my Skims dress, I feel snatched and smooth. The look is perfect when dressed up with accessories, but can also work as an errand-running fit. So, if you’re worried about buying something you’ll only wear once, don’t be. After the US Open, fall will be upon us. Style this with a leather blazer and over-the-knee boots.
Tory Burch Platform Flip-FlopsFlip-flops are back, and this style from Tory Burch is especially trendy thanks to the platform base. It feels like something Rachel from Friends would wear with a mini skirt or Joan from Girlfriends would rock with a tube top.
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A Canadian Tuxedo
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight I’m a big fan of denim on denim. The key to nailing the look is matching the denim shade closely, giving the illusion of a denim jumpsuit. When it comes to rocking a Canadian tuxedo for this year’s championship, opt for a button-up vest instead of a long sleeve shirt so you aren’t burning up under the sun as you watch the stars down below.
Madewell Denim Fitted VestOn Sale 15% offThis denim vest offers a waist-cinching silhouette and a cropped construction. The medium wash is also ideal because it’ll likely pair well with a lot of different jeans, allowing you to create your Canadian tuxedo with ease.
Reformation Carly High Rise JeansEven if you’re not into Canadian tuxedos, a good pair of jeans like these are a must-have. This wide-leg style is great for work with a pointed-toe boot and a white T-shirt or on the weekend with sky-high platforms and a statement top.
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Jorts and a Polo
Image Credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight If you didn’t know, jorts are back and better than ever. The cropped pants are having a major moment this summer, and I personally couldn’t be happier. While controversial, the silhouette is fun when styled the right way. I love how the above fashionista went with a cropped collared shirt and pointed-toe shoes, which added dimension to her outfit.
Abercrombie Loose ShortOn Sale 24% offMy younger self would be thrilled to see Abercrombie is back and better—especially when it comes to denim. Shoppers have given these shorts rave reviews, calling them “relaxed” and “figure-flattering.”
Mango Polo-Neck T-ShirtI love the pairing of a polo shirt with jorts because it blends preppy and edgy in a way that doesn’t feel forced. In addition to rocking this look at the US Open consider this for the office with a kitten heel because shorts are now work appropriate.
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A Two-Piece and Flats
Image Credit: Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images To me, two-pieces are the ultimate cheat code. Sets create a complete look with little to no effort. You don’t have to worry about matching or coordinating. For the US Open, go for something sleek like a button-up shirt and loose-fitting pants covered with a fun pattern. The combination looks and feels relaxed, but is also elegant and refined. Keep things calm with a pair of ballet flats or Mary Janes to emphasize a quiet luxury vibe.
H&M Loose-Fit ShirtHow fun and sophisticated does this H&M patterned shirt look. If you’ve been taking notes, this would pair well with bold red accessories.
H&M Pull-On PantsThe great thing about a set is that it can be broken up into separates, so really, you have multiple outfits in one. When you don’t want to pair these pants with the matching button-up shirt, go for a white T-shirt and a black blazer or a light-wash denim jacket over your shoulders.
Dolce Vita Reyes Ballet FlatsBallet flats are another wardrobe staple. The timeless style has been around for decades, but recently saw a resurgence after new iterations were presented on the spring/summer 2023 runways.
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A White T-Shirt and a Satin Skirt
Image Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images White tees are a closet staple. They’re versatile, functional, and always in style. It doesn’t take much to make a white t-shirt pop, but for the U.S. Open consider mixing aesthetics, pairing a casual white t-shirt with a dreamy satin skirt. The outfit formula screams “cool girl” and can take you from day to night. After the tournament, ditch your sneakers for a pair of kitten heels and throw on a blazer for dinner and drinks.
Quince Cotton Slub TeeYou can never have too many white T-shirts, and you’ll want an especially fresh one for the U.S. Open. Quince is a great retailer because their items come with an affordable price tag.
Keasmto Silk Satin SkirtThis satin skirt provides a luxe feel without the luxe cost. Shoppers say this item is “flattering” and “versatile.” The elastic waistband is another standout detail because it provides all-day comfort.