What style lessons can we take home from Wimbledon 2019?
Whether or not you count yourself as a tennis fan, you’ll almost certainly have heard of the Wimbledon Championships. It’s the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, and one of Britain’s definitive annual sporting events – and, notably, a showcase for some of the best in summer style from ladies and gentlemen alike. That means that there’s some intriguing lessons to be learned every year from Wimbledon attendees, and some undeniable influences on everyday summer style. Here are some of the most helpful golden rules!
A lightweight suit is a British summer staple
Wimbledon attracts people from all over the world, from Europe to America to even as far afield as Asia, and if you’ve seen any pictures of the events already you may have found that many of the men have one thing in common; their individual styles are all rooted in a lightweight summer suit. It’s a versatile piece that’s well suited to the current climes, keeping you cool and composed brighter sunshine and hotter temperatures.
Even when the weather’s not quite up to scratch, some visitors have been known to underestimate the humidity and the cloying heat from the crowds the fill the venues, which still makes heavier cottons and cloths unsuitable for kicking back and properly enjoying the games. Personally, if you’re looking to build the basics of your own summer suit, we’d recommend incorporating a poplin or linen shirt, which you can specify in a wide range of colours we stock here at Acorn Fabrics. They’re breathable, comfortable and practical; perfect for cheering on your favoured competitors at intense sporting competitions.
We love it when a suit comes together
A well-made suit is far more than the sum of its elements; but at the same time, there’s no denying their importance! The key to wearing something with confidence is being selective with it, and knowing what works on your frame. As well as the shirting itself, you’ll also want to think about:
Blazer
Carefully chosen, a blazer can brilliantly enhance the effect of your shirt – or undermine it completely! Again, the fit should be a core concern for you here, but you’ll also want to think about colours, and how they complement each other. If you’ve gone for a blue shirt, you can use a bright, clean white blazer to lift the overall effect, or a shirt in pink can work wonderfully with a navy blazer to give your appearance an eye-catching (but entirely appropriate) dash of colour.
Trousers
The subject of trousers is a matter of some slight debate around Wimbledon. There are a few style traps that a couple of people fall into every year (you can try and wear shorts to the event, but you might find yourself turned away from certain areas), but there’s also the matter of practicality – and that’s the bit which is so applicable to the wider world, too. White trousers may look brilliant with your outfit, for example, but if you find yourself sitting on lush green lawns anywhere (Henman’s Hill, anyone?) you might find devastating grass patches or mud stains on them when you rise to your feet again.
Chinos are always a good option to consider – they strike an excellent balance between smart and casual, which makes them almost the very definition of summer wear. But if you’re planning on a seasonal picnic anytime soon, it might be a good idea to make sure you’ve packed a blanket to sit on!
Whether you’re taking inspiration from Wimbledon this year, or you’re developing your own approach to summer style, you can count on us to have plenty of options for you right here at Acorn Fabrics, from voile and batiste all the way to multicoloured fabrics for a more casual appearance. And of course, if you’ve got any questions or need any advice, just give us a call on 01282 698662!