Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.
Toss.
Swing. Another bounce. An attempted Swing.
“Fifteen-love!” I proudly call.
I started playing tennis “competitively” when I was fourteen and a high school freshman in Seattle, Washington. Not the smartest sport to pick in a dreadfully rainy city whose weather caused many a canceled practice and postponed match. And sport has never really been my sport, but style always was.
This is not a story of an athletic prodigy; in fact, that expositional imagery was quite the rarity. I’ll shamelessly admit that I hardly ever made the tournament lineups and when I did, my performance was a burdening reminder of why my coaches weren’t eager to put me out on the court. But it was a Junior Varsity team in a region where getting that critical and constant training was limited to the elite circles of people who could afford memberships to fancy indoor tennis clubs where one-on-one coaching was the norm.
Me at the tennis court where I grew up. Not playing tennis!
My priorities were then divulged at our end-of-the-season barbecue when my teammates were praised for best fore-hand, strongest volley, most valuable player; the list went on.
I, on the other hand, was awarded the title of “Best Dressed.”
“Look good, play good” didn’t evidently translate.
The preppy, clean collars, the flouncy skirts, and the leg-baring mini dresses were my champion, and designers today now embrace the aesthetic as everyday wear. The likes of Miu Miu and Jacquemus have caught on and created style-specific collections that lean into court-wear casual luxury. The longing for comfortable, athletic silhouettes makes its way to the runways and is an anything-but-quiet trend being buzzed about this summer.
Maiyet
Palm Tree Monochromatic Sleeveless Button Up
Wray
Yellow and Green Plaid Shorts
Bottega Veneta
'Speedster' Leather Sneakers
What’s the draw? There’s so much more to it than whispered whites and polished pleats; 70s modular shapes and prints inspire looks, and there’s plenty of play with structure whether that comes in the form of a visor or a quarter zipper. And who doesn’t appreciate the ease of pairing it all to a clean sneaker?
Miu Miu Fall 2022, Look 1
Miu Miu Fall 2022, Look 5
Miu Miu’s Fall 2022 collection captures the exclusive essence of the style, elevating the leisured experience of activewear to exude luxury and glamour. The looks range from slinky silk tanks matched to low-rise mini skirts, made more wearable in the modern day with sleek pointed-toe slingbacks and chunky loafers. More of that collegiate appeal is reflected in pointed collars and knit vests that provide that yearned-for sense of polish, poise, and privilege. Other designers, like Kate Spade, approach the trend more literally, incorporating lime green tennis balls and racquets in their designs’ details. The allure of a dazzling tennis bracelet re-emerges as the quintessential final touch, destined to shine within the effortlessly chic trend.
Sally LaPointe
Sleeveless Knit Top in Grey
Vintage
White Gold DIamond Tennis Bracelet
Chanel
Navy Pleated Skirt
I’ve curated some of my favorite DoMa picks that high school me would have loved to show off to other Seattle tennis-playing teens because God knows my serves were never going to impress them. Plus, I can tell you firsthand that these price points are much more enticing than that of private tennis lessons.
I may not be able to improve your game, but I sure can coach your style. Wear it while you play or make it your everyday uniform. The ball is in your court.
Markarian x Gigi Burris
Custom Visor
Esme Vie
Amalfi Shirt Dress in Snow White
Tod's
Pink Silk Loafer