It’s a sporty girl summer! Here’s how to get your head in the game with the most stylish court-ure

Fashion and sport have always gone together in an odd marriage of style that just somehow works. The fashion industry may get a bad rep in the media, what with films like Clueless perpetuating the idea that the fashion girlies are nervous to get stuck in (“my plastic surgeon doesn’t want me doing activities where balls fly at my face”) – but it’s simply not true! Who doesn’t love a chic tennis skort, the baggiest basketball shorts, and  a baby tee version of your local team’s footie shirt? 

This summer has already seen Wimbledon begin, England’s women’s team fly out to Australia for the World Cup, and all the grand prix racers polish their wheels in prep for the laps later this month. It’s all about taking part, and we are here to break down how you can look good doing it…

NBA’s slam dunk

Basketball is having its day on the court, and the oversized trend that is taking over TikTok has dubbed it the go-to street style. Players are inspiring mega baggy jorts and shorts paired with vests and the latest Kobe sneakers that mean “homeboy could like totally get it” – in the words of Bella Hadid. Second-hand limited edition trainers only get more valuable with time, and sneakerheads are selling a plethora of uber-cool pairs only available on the pre-worn market. NBA players are especially wowing fashion fans with their tunnel outfits, which they debut on their own sporty runway pre-game. Luxury brands like Burberry and Bottega are dressing the famous athletes in their latest collections, usually opting for a cool puffer and knitted balaclava in bright singular monochrome palettes. Though the pieces are relatively masculine, the scope to interpret them into unisex fits see the likes of supermodels Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner sport their own versions – giving courtside couture a whole new meaning. Basketball shorts are a great addition to your summer wardrobe, and whether you are a Laker or a Celtic, you can still support your favourite team with some chunky gold jewellery and an oversized jersey. Second hand sites like Depop also boast a range of vintage numbers so you can dig for your favourite player in the archives. 

A Wimbledon serve

Britain’s favourite tennis tournament is officially underway! There has been an onslaught of big-brand collabs that want a slice of the hype, including fashion girlie fave Ganni and tennis aficionados Prince, as well as sports brand Slazenger and menswear experts Percival. With crisp white pleated skirts, harlequin vests, printed polos, and off-court zip-up jumpers, the options are inspiring enough to get us picking up a racquet and whacking a ball centre court. A great way to get in the Wimbledon vibe, even if you haven’t forked out for a ticket overlooking the green, is to snatch yourself a second-hand deal from a vintage tennis wardrobe. Depop has a treasure trove of vintage Ralph Lauren numbers, with Slazenger and Dunlop also having a moment. Search for your cable-knit jumpers, vintage jackets, tennis sneakers, and polo shirts, and perhaps elevate them with a pleated skirt and pair branded white socks. If you are feeling rather experimentative, you could also look at bringing back the sports visor, maybe with one of our 2023 top hair picks like the zig-zag parting for the ultimate Sporty Spice vibe.

Hitting a home run

Cast your mind back to the iconic High School Musical 2 scene where they sing the tune ‘I Don’t Dance’, and think about some of the looks donned by Ryan and Chad in that scene. Chic, right? Well the lads were ahead of their time, and it’s only now in 2023 that we have caught up, with fashion lovers dubbing baseball caps the new bucket hat. Back then around the 2010s, the Yankee hat was the epitome of cool and it seems we are circling back around. Luxury brand Gucci are also fans of the game, evidently, and have partnered with Major league Baseball to create a collection based on the sport. It’s sort of young Americana vibes, exuding summer and also, designed with keeping us safe from the sun in the mind. The double ‘G’ capsule includes denim vests with all the teams badges, as well as colourful jackets, loafers, and most importantly, the caps. The 2023 version is giving colour a chance, and could see you mix athleisure pieces with more formal numbers like wool cardigans and bowling shirts.

Get in there lads

You know it by now, and love it or hate it, blokecore is here to stay. The lad-centric look draws on inspiration from the ‘Casuals’ subculture of football, revelling in three stripes, super baggy jeans, and an oversized vintage footie tee. One of the designers embracing the looks by mixing different influences from across cultures is Grace Wales Bonner, who teamed up with adidas over many collections for garments that boasted the ultimate high fashion blokey vibe. The running element through each of the pieces is the reference to 70s and 80s football culture, whether that be in the brown and yellow colour palette, the slightly flared tracksuit bottom, or the throwback silhouette from the classic sambas. Depop are go-tos for this look, with a vast range of jorts, second-hand sneakers, footie tops, and visor glasses so lad-esque you can just sink a pint after one wearing. Even better, raid your dad’s wardrobe for some footie pieces and maybe chuck a footie tee into the washing machine for the perfect blokey baby tee.

Let’s ride

Later this month, the 2023 Grand Prix and MotoGP are set to get ready on the marking line, with racers polishing their wheels in prep for an undoubtedly adrenaline-pumping number of races. But the fashion has already get set and gone, speeding off in a blur of powerful motocross biker jackets, leather ensembles, and heavy-set biker boots. All the vintage numbers boast badges from the team’s sponsors, and can be found online with some odd rarities that belonged to the actual racing team of the biggest names. The culture of grand prix wear spans from ultimate clean girl looks watching from the side to the super sleek biker chick with a leather mini and knee-length boots. If you chuck on your new statement jacket, you’re pretty much set for the season!