A Guide to Dressing for the Australian Open

As we venture into the peak of summer here in Melbourne, chances are that a day spent at the Australian Open – the first official tennis Grand Slam of the year – are high on the to-do list.

Because, why not? The Aus Open, in recent years, has attracted thousands of tennis fans, tourists and spectators alike to the Melbourne Park precinct, where an array of experiences and activations are available for all to enjoy.

More than that, guests can not only experience world class tennis, but the Aus Open has become somewhat of a fashionable affair, emulating the elegance of other Grand Slam tournaments around the globe (think Wimbledon and Roland Garros).

Enlisting the help of Fashion Designer Shayne Tino and Celebrity Stylist Elliot Garnaut – members of Piper-Heidsieck’s Piper Crew –  we discuss the keys pieces to consider when dressing for a day, or night, at the Aus Open this summer.

Wear Linen

Battling the heat during the warmest month of the year isn’t an easy feat when attending the tennis. Ensuring that you are dressed appropriately, for whatever the day/night may throw at you, is imperative.

“Days at the tennis can be unbearably warm, so wearing light, breathable fabrics – such as linen – is a lifesaver,” says Shayne Tino, Fashion Designer & Founder, By Him.

“You can dress linen up or down. For example, during the day, go for a short sleeve linen shirt and linen shorts. For the night, a long sleeve linen polo with loose-fit linen trousers. Play with some colour and don’t be afraid to experiment.”

French Glamour 

A reoccurring theme of the tournament this year is French Glamour, coined by the official champagne sponsor of the Australian Open, Piper-Heidsieck.

Keep this theme in mind when dressing for the tennis this year, especially if you plan on having a glass or two of bubbles.

“The French are renowned for being impeccably chic. Whilst Australians have much more of a laid- back approach to dressing, fundamentals of the ideology of French dress reign supreme over our wardrobes,” explains Elliot Garnaut, celebrity stylist.

“Items such as classic cut denim, t-shirts/shirting in modern silhouettes and cashmere knitwear are the backbone of both summer and winter wardrobes for the discerning Aussie lad!”

Go White 

In true tennis-fashion, supporting a white-based outfit will never lead you astray; but it has to be executed correctly.

“For those wanting to have fun going to the tennis, I’m totally here to engorge taking a theme; there ain’t [sic] nothing wrong with a little bit of Wimbledon White,” says Garnaut.

“Preppy separates such as tailored linen trousers and cotton polos will keep you cool in the grand stand.”

If you need further assistance, just think of any Ralph Lauren campaign and you’re halfway there!

Relaxed Staples

Dressing for the tennis, first and foremost, is a matter of not just looking good but being comfortable whilst doing so – for it could be a long day / night out.

“As a trend this year, we will definitely see baggy, loose-fit items,” says Tino.

Why not adopt this upcoming trend at the tennis this year; a fantastic way to not turn heads (in a good way), but to ensure you’re also comfortable in doing so!

“Oversized tailoring is making a huge return in menswear in general,” says Garnaut.

“Throwing an ode to the 70’s/80’s is all over the runways at the moment, so if you can adopt these styles at the Aus Open this year, you’ll be winning!”