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Striking blue courts. Aperol Spritzes. A chorus of… grunting.
In case you missed it, the 2026 Australian Open kicked off this week in Melbourne. It's that time of year when every man, woman and child in Australia finds themselves obsessed with the tennis.
Yes, the sport (and the ball kid antics!). But also, the fashion.
Watch: Need comfy work shoes? Our fashion experts share their recommendations below.
Figuring out what to wear to the tennis is a conundrum. You're navigating a tennis dress code (it's basically smart casual) and 30+ degree weather, as well as hours on your feet and very little shade.
From halter tops and vest suit sets to a specific style of sunnies, I took notes on what cool women were wearing around the Australian Open.
Whether you're going to the Aus Open is neither here nor there; you could wear any of these summer trends to your next long lunch, summer wedding or to the office.
Keep scrolling for a tennis fashion mood board that doubles as a summer styling manual, plus where to shop all the looks.
1. Halter tops and dresses.
Image: Instagram/@kirralee.
Image: Instagram/@lindsaystockk.
Image:: TikTok/@henne.
Image: Instagram/@a_p_artistry.
So it looks like we're all getting our shoulders out!
I saw all sorts of halter tops and halter dresses — more traditional halter-neck pieces, to modern halter-adjacent silhouettes.
Shop halter tops and halter dresses.
Fayt Renna Halter Top, $59.
Image: Supplied.
VRG GRL Zinnia Mini Dress Polka Dot, $99.
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Henne Vida Top, $189.
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Sneaky Link Giselle Maxi Dress, $279.
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2. Polka dots.
Image: Instagram/@brookewarne.
Image: Instagram/@georgeyhenshall.
Image: Instagram/@mattiegouman.
Polka dots have been trending since mid-2025, but if the sheer number of polka dot outfits I saw at the tennis is anything to go by, they'll stick around for at least another season.
From teeny tiny monochrome polka dots to larger circles in shades of blue, yellow and chocolate brown, you couldn't walk a few metres without seeing a woman in a cool polka dot dress or set.
Shop polka dots.
Mister Zimi Minka Dress In Helios, $239.
Image: Supplied.
Roame Wren Halter Top, $290.
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Kmart Textured Wide Leg Pants, $15.
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Dazie Amelia Polka Dot Scarf, $39.95.
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3. Big (and small) sunglasses.
Image: Instagram/@lanawilkinson.
Image: Instagram/@tayla.broad.
