What to Wear to the US Open, Where New Yorkers Go to See and Be Seen

Between the Knicks’ championship win and the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New York has been having quite the sporty summer. But things are about to get kicked up yet another notch next month as the US Open returns to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens from August 24 to September 13.

For the past 48 years and counting, tennis fans have flocked to Flushing to see the sport’s best duke it out on the courts for the final Grand Slam of the year, turning into real-life bobbleheads while spectating in the stands, Honey Deuce cocktails in sweaty palms. Over the years, the tournament has become the late-summer spot to see and be seen, with fashionable New Yorkers and competition-hungry celebrities (Taylor Swift! Bruce Springsteen!) showing up in droves and selling out seats and suites at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This year is set to be no different, and as someone who has attended the tournament every year since 2017 and seen just how electric the energy can be, I truly cannot wait.

If, like me, you’re planning on attending the US Open this year, you should know there’s a bit of an unofficial dress code. Put simply, people tend to show up in their tennis best while still dressing for the heat and humidity that’s been known to accompany an August in NYC. As a nearly 10-year tournament veteran, I do feel like I’ve cracked the wardrobe code, so I’m sharing my tips and tricks for acing your outfit and staying cool below. Read on for what to wear to the US Open.

Elevated athleisure

Athletic wear is more than acceptable at the US Open—just try to stick to pieces that look as appropriate on the street as they do at the gym. Athleisure made for tennis is always a good bet here, like pleated skirts, workout dresses, and sweat-wicking tees in flattering cuts. Brands like Lululemon, Wilson, Athleta, and Alo are great places to look for all of the above.