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Blame it on the weather, but this summer has not been a vintage season for British fashion so far. Despite Dua Lipa, Olivia Dean and Little Simz’s collective efforts, Glastonbury became Coachella. Ascot, with its mandatory Easter bonnet-esque headwear, did not register. The Chelsea Flower Show was practically rained off, without even the Princess of Wales’s cheering Erdem florals to brighten the forecast. And it should not have been left to Tolami Benson to resuscitate spectator style at the Euros. Nor the brat pack to bring a sense of fun and frivolity back to a month supposedly about making silly decisions and–just maybe–getting back with your ex. There’s only so far that lurid shade of slime green can take us…
Wimbledon, then, seems to be breathing life–or at least posh strawbs and Ralph Lauren stripes–into a positively limp July. After all, isn’t everything better with a pint of Pimm’s in hand? (See: that aforementioned comment about exes.) Kim Cattrall and Grace Jones–wearing an aviator hat, no less–have both made an appearance in SW19.
Today, Sienna Miller, a woman synonymous with the breezy boho style that Brits still put on a pedestal, watched Jannik Sinner face off against Daniil Medvedev wearing a cropped polka-dot shirt and pleated skirt set with matching Prada accessories. It was pitch perfect–a classic nod to Wimbledon whites, which every attendee seems to take as gospel despite the fact the dress code is just for players and ball persons, and a more playful alternative to the suiting that has dominated the stands. Dare we say it, tennis fanatic Kate Middleton might have worn this herself, minus the slither of torso forbidden by royal protocol.
Miller’s ladylike version of preppy West London looks could have been plucked from any number of past tennis tournaments. As a regular guest of Ralph Lauren, her Wimbledon wardrobe centres around smart neutral linens, waspish takes on tailoring, sleek jumpsuits and dresses that hint at summers in the Hamptons as well as Cap d’Antibes. Her failsafe additions? A red lip and a plastic glass of rosé that hint she’s not just at the racket championships for the photo opps.
If you feel like you’ve read a version of this article before, then you’re absolutely right, but judging by the pictures of Ascot et al, we absolutely need to be reminded of a woman who effortlessly brings a degree of polish to the events some people feel like they need a personality transplant for. Just remember your umbrella.