The New York-Inspired Fashion Essentials to Elevate Your US Open Outfits

Summers in New York are notorious for being nothing short of iconic, and the 2026 season has proven to be no exception. Sports have played a major role in the conversation, from the Knicks’ historic NBA championship win in five games this June to the FIFA World Cup bringing international soccer to the New York metropolitan area. In true city fashion, these athletic competitions have evolved into sartorial extravaganzas for fans and pseudo-fans alike. And, of course, there’s another sporting event giving us even more reason to dress up: the US Open.

While the annual tournament has existed for nearly 150 years, the excitement around dressing for the affair only grows stronger each year. Tenniscore, the fashion trend inspired by the sport that went viral in 2022, has since become something of a perennial classic. Fashion houses have embraced the aesthetic unabashedly, from Miu Miu’s coveted pleated miniskirts to Ralph Lauren’s latest collection designed specifically for the Open. Naturally, celebrities have only further cemented our fascination with tennis style, whether they’re sitting courtside or not. Think Zendaya’s Challengers press tour looks, Naomi Osaka’s avant-garde Nike competition outfits, Spike Lee’s Ralph Lauren x Morehouse College sweater and Rosalía’s chic snap-button cardigan moment last September.

Yet, amid all the star-approved looks and buzzy fashion moments vying for our attention, there’s one fail-safe styling method worth leaning into for this year’s games: dress like yourself, ideally with a little New York attitude. The insider take? Wear pieces that are stylish and expressive of who you are, yet practical enough for a day at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Opt for a lightweight cardigan layered over a white tee and tennis skirt with low heels à la the tennis WAGs. Feeling extra sporty chic? Go for a polo playsuit instead of the expected shirt-and-skirt combination, then pair it with statement accessories that evoke the energy of both the city and the sport, from elevated sunglasses to a pair of classic gold hoops.

The point isn’t to cosplay as a tennis player or suddenly adopt country club style for the day. The best US Open outfit should still feel like you, just with a sporting twist. Whether you’re a native New Yorker or simply dressing like one for the day, keep scrolling for the city-inspired pieces that will help you feel your most confident at the US Open and beyond, even more than a glass of Honey Deuce.