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For many, mid-August signals summer drawing to a close, ahead of serious September’s arrival. In NYC though, this time of year means one thing: tennis time. The 2026 US Open will take over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from Sunday August 23 through Sunday, September 13, and, as usual, courtside seats will inevitably be full of the city’s coolest characters. But, while Alcaraz, Osaka, and Sabalenka practise their serves, attendees are warming up their wardrobes. “There is more place for self-expression within sports than ever,” says fitness and fashion journalist and founder of Salty substack, Grace Cook. “Athletes like Naomi Osaka have proven that fashion belongs within a tournament, and I think it's given crowdgoers permission to experiment with their own style beyond the typical cosplay of wearing tennis whites… Style is becoming part of the ritual of spectator sport, and the lack of rigidity makes it more fun.” The ascension of sport-does-fashion has been reflected on the runway too. Simone Rocha’s fall/winter 2026 collection was ripe with three-stripe details thanks to an Adidas collab; New Balance x Miu Miu’s collab was pure vintage athleisure; and soccer stars are among fashion labels' most sought-after attendees (Erling Haaland virtually went straight from the pitch to Dolce & Gabbana’s Taormina show post-World Cup). The US Open has no official dress code, which while inviting a certain amount of freedom, can also invoke a certain level of style anxiety among both regulars and first-timers alike. How casual can you go? Should I be wearing tennis whites? Is this the year I debut a fedora? We asked the experts to chip in on the dos and don’ts of US Open dressing. Shop the Edit Shop the Edit What to wear to the US Open Ralph Lauren is the official partner at the US Open, which instantly sets a preppy, All-American aesthetic. If you lean toward the classics, dressing for the event is simple. “As a spectator, the secret is to keep your look refined, elegant, and chic – male or female,” says personal stylist Bella Hignett. “You do not want to stand out too much in bright colors and too much detail. Keep it simple with beautiful tailoring.” Sharp linen suits, neutral polos (or in a summery pale yellow or baby blue), and tailored shorts are easy winners for gentlemen. For women, matching two-pieces, crisp white dresses, and light-toned denim. Early weather reports look favorable, so incorporate sunglasses, a fan, and a hat into the look. This season’s shades styles are oversized and retro (all the better for blocking both the cameras and the UV rays). For headwear, lean into the classic US Open style with a Ralph cap or buy an event-branded number on the day. How to stand out While sleek tailoring and elegant linens have typically been the play at the US Open, the fashion rulebook is open to reprints. “Where Wimbledon can be confined by tradition, style at the US Open feels more liberated,” says Cook. “Sure, it relies on those signature preppy codes and there's a lot of Ralph Lauren, but it can also be grounded in this urban grit of NY streetwear, especially for guys.” This move away from refined codes of dressing has in no small part been spearheaded by the stars on the court. Unlike Wimbledon, where players must wear all-white and logos are prohibited, avant-garde on-court fashion moments have become the norm at the US Open. Last year, Osaka sported a Nike rhinestone-encrusted purple dress with a bubble skirt; Sabalenka went disco with a metallic silver jacket; and Novak Djokovic walked out in a custom Lacoste jacket, complete with 3D tennis ball detailing. Attendees can channel this more subtly. Consider a leather jacket (for evening matches) over a tailored shirt, à la Justin Theroux, or adding in a fun accessory, akin to Matthew McConaughey's stars-and-stripes bandana. Shop the Edit Shop the Edit What not to wear Modern sartorial rules lean toward there being no rules but, as with any high-profile event, they are some generally observed codes of conduct. First, avoid athlete cosplay – nod to the aesthetic but don’t entirely embody it. "Avoid taking the tennis inspiration too literally," says Tanya Taylor, founder of eponymous fashion label. "You don't need to show up in a visor and head-to-toe tennis whites to dress for the US Open." Second, leave the stilettos at home. The Billie Jean King tennis center complex is vast, and you’ll rack up some steps over the course of the event; opt for a ballet flat, a sneaker, or a kitten heel. For men, “cool white sneakers work – box-fresh – or soft suede slip-ons in muted tones,” says Hignett. Finally, don’t go too casual. Yes, Will Ferrell is known for sporting a sweatshirt courtside, but leave tomfoolery to the comedians and dress up to the occasion. Sneakers are fine; gym kit is not. Shop the Edit