What to Wear with a Tennis Dress: 9 Outfits for the Court and the City

The tennis dress has left the court. What started as matchwear is now a summer staple for coffee runs, city walks and dinner on a terrace. The reason is simple: it is one piece, it moves with you, and it already looks put together.

The question most people have is not whether to wear one, but what to wear with it. Below are nine easy outfits, from match day to evening, plus the shoes, layers and bags that make each one work.

First, pick the right tennis dress

Not every tennis dress styles the same way. The neckline and the back decide how far you can take it off the court.

• Collared or halter neckline: the most polished option. A contrast collar reads "preppy" and pairs well with loafers and knits. Our Collared Halter Tennis Dress is a good example.
• Open or keyhole back: sportier, and best for warm days. Try the Open-Back Tennis Dress.
• Full-zip front: the most versatile. You can zip it to the neck for the court or open it slightly for the city, like the Full-Zip Sleeveless Dress.

Look for a stretch fabric (nylon or polyester with elastane) that holds its shape, and check the chest and waist measurements against a dress you already own before you choose your size.

On the court

1. The classic match look

A white or black tennis dress, clean white tennis shoes and crew socks. Add a cap or visor and a small water bottle. Keep everything else simple so the dress does the work.

2. Warm-up layer

For early-morning matches, throw a light zip jacket over the dress and take it off once you are warm. A relaxed track jacket like our Plaid Full-Zip Track Jacket keeps the sporty mood without looking like gym gear.

For the weekend

3. Tennis dress and an oversized sweatshirt

Drape a heavyweight crewneck over your shoulders, or wear it on top and let the skirt show below. It is the easiest way to make a tennis dress feel casual. Try the Oversized Crewneck Taped Sweatshirt in white gray or navy.

4. Farmers market

Tennis dress, white sneakers, a straw tote and sunglasses. Choose a bright color (yellow, pink or orange) and keep accessories neutral.

5. Brunch with a cropped jacket

A cropped knit jacket sits right at the waist, so it doesn't hide the dress shape. The Cropped Button-Front Knit Jacket in oat gray works with almost every dress color.

In the city

6. Errands and walking

Full-zip dress, chunky sneakers and a crossbody bag. Zip it to the neck for a sporty line, or leave the top open for a more relaxed look.

7. Office-casual Friday

If your workplace allows it, a collared tennis dress with loafers and a structured tote can pass as smart casual. Add a light knit jacket and keep the color dark: black or blackish green.

For the evening

8. Dinner on a terrace

Swap sneakers for flat sandals or simple heels, add gold jewelry and a small shoulder bag. A halter neckline looks especially clean here.

9. Cool summer night

Layer a cropped jacket or drape a sweatshirt over your shoulders. Finish with loafers. This is the "tenniscore" look you see at tournaments and clubs, without trying too hard.

What shoes go with a tennis dress?

• White sneakers: the default. They work for every outfit above except the dressiest evenings.
• Loafers: the preppy option for brunch, the office or dinner.
• Flat sandals: best for hot days and beach towns.
• Chunky sneakers: for a sportier, street-style feel.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a tennis dress casually?

Yes. Choose a dress with a clean neckline, add everyday shoes like white sneakers or loafers, and use one layer (a knit jacket or sweatshirt) to move it away from sportswear.

What do you wear under a tennis dress?

Most people wear fitted shorts or a slip short underneath. For halter or open-back styles, choose a bra with a low or racer back, or one with convertible straps.

How should a tennis dress fit?

Close through the chest and waist, with a skirt that flares enough to move freely. If you are between sizes, compare the flat chest and waist measurements in the size guide with a dress you already own.

Can you wear a tennis dress in cooler weather?

Yes, with layers. An oversized sweatshirt, a cropped jacket or a light zip jacket extends the season into spring and fall.

Shop the pieces: Women's collection · Collared Halter Tennis Dress · Open-Back Tennis Dress · Full-Zip Sleeveless Dress. Free US shipping on 2+ pieces.