13 Ways to Wear a Tennis Skirt Off the Court

No rackets or hand-eye coordination required.

Whether you love or hate the Miu Miu low-rise micro mini that launched a thousand pleated replicates, you can’t deny that it ushered in a new era of mini skirts. The time of the skintight body con and the flouncy mini has passed. Now is the age of pleats and tennis skirts. Even if you’ve never held a tennis racket, there are dozens of reasons to work a tennis skirt outfit into your spring or summer ‘fit rotation.

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 street style outfits. In other words, 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. Also, they’re frequently designed as skorts so you can step out on a blustery day and walk over subway grates without showing anyone your underwear (even though visible undies are having a moment).

Tennis skirts don’t just play with a variety of aesthetics, they also get along with trends. From balletcore to athleisure to, yes, even dark academia, tennis skirts have a way of complementing a variety of vibes. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at the 13 tennis skirt outfits below and you’ll become a believer.

Add Coastal Cowgirl Energy

Coastal cowgirl vibes are breezy, so it makes sense that a tennis skirt would be right at home with coastal cowgirl separates. 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."
Shop Similar: rag & bone Morgan Cotton Poplin Striped Button Down Shirt, $225, and Overland Teton Crushable Wool Cowboy Hat, $89.

Related:Your Guide to the Coastal Cowgirl Trend TikTok Is Obsessed With

Mix Prep and Animal Print

Subverting a prep school uniform is a surefire way to earn some major fashionista points (we didn't watch the Gossip Girl reboot for the acting). We recommend keeping the vibe undone with a dark tennis skirt, untucked button-down, and cropped sweater vest, and then adding some edge with a pair of animal-print boots.
Shop Similar: Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt in Heather Charcoal, $58, and Tommy Jeans Cropped Cable Knit Vest, $60.

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. There's no need to color coordinate with this look. The whole point is to make a statement.
Shop Similar: BP. Pleated Knit Tennis Skirt, $49, and Fila Volta Rugby, $30 (Originally $50), and SCHUTZ Lou Suede Pump, $138.

Try Tweed

For a sweetly elevated approach to the tennis skirt trend, keep your fit's palette in pastels and add a tweed blazer. It's a lot of look — in a good way — that doesn't require a lot of effort.
Shop Similar: AQUA Tweed Double Breasted Blazer, $128, and Glow Mode Side Pocket Sports Skort, $20.

Under a Varsity Jacket

Varsity jackets add a layer of cool, not to mention youthful energy, to any 'fit you wear them over, making them a great choice for a tennis skirt outfit. To keep things from feeling too high school, try adding a statement bag or heeled sandal.
Shop Similar: Sandro Wool & Leather Varsity Jacket, $358 (Originally $715), and Halara Everyday Cloudful Tennis Skirt, $35.

With a Corset Top

On the opposite side of the style spectrum from varsity jackets and tennis skirts is this corset top and tennis skirt combo. The vibe is vampy, but the individual pieces that make up the look are mod: a heeled white boot, leather blazer, and vibrant corset top.
Shop Similar: Versace Corset Satin Bra Top, $2,025, and Addison Bay Clubhouse Skort, $128.

Keep It Casual

The fastest way to inject some fashion into an everyday 'fit is to swap out yoga pants for a tennis skirt. We recommend keeping this look crisp and monochromatic.
Shop Similar: Lululemon Court Rival High-Rise Skirt, $88, and Vans Canvas Sk8-Hi Shoe, $80.

Add Athletic Touches

Another fresh approach to a tennis skirt 'fit 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.
Shop Similar: Alo Yoga Icon Ribbed Boyshort, $28, and Alo Yoga Icon Ribbed Henley Bra, $44.

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 that span the full color spectrum and a vibrant tennis skirt can be the perfect jumping-off point for a subtly coordinated look.
Shop Similar: Halara Breezeful High-Waisted Pleated Tennis Skirt in Mineral Blue, $38, and Renwick Cricket Sweater, $158.

With Heels and a Crop Top

Combine a dash of prep, a bit of flirt, and a tennis skirt in a single outfit and you'll get a surprisingly sultry and sophisticated take on this skirt trend. Sticking to neutrals keeps the look cohesive and a pair of cork wedge espadrilles makes it a perfect 'fit for spring.
Shop Similar: Castaner Bilina Wedge, $180, and Everlane The Silky Cotton Way-Short Shirt, $85.

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 socks, and ballet flats. Tossing an oversized bomber jacket on top keeps the look from being too sweet to stomach.
Shop Similar: EITHER/OR The Mary Jane In Sandstone, $249.

Related:Thanks to the Continued Rise of Balletcore, We'll Be Dressing Like Dancers in 2023

With a Ruffle Blouse

For a prim-and-proper look, we recommend keeping your tennis skirt 'fit color palette white with a few pops of color. Look for a blouse with feminine details, like ruffles or bows up top and a tennis skirt with coordinating color detailing along the hem. Your accessories don't have to match and, in fact, we recommend pulling in an unexpected color with your purse or footwear to earn some extra fashion points.
Shop Similar: Loft Ruffle Shirt, $27 (Originally $70), and Lily Pulitzer UPF 50+ Luxletic Priska Skort, $138.

Add a Punk Rock Edge

A tennis skirt 'fit 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 bad girl vibe. Black eyeliner is not required to complete the look, but is highly recommended.
Shop Similar: Outdoor Voices Sport 4" Skort, $68, and New Rock Reactor Black Boots, $305.

Related:12 Ways to Wear an Oversized Leather Jacket for Spring

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