Courtside seats on the GreenSet are ready for the upper echelons, the AO Reserve’s member’s only bar, Club 1905, is stocked with champagne and Grey Goose, and front row fashion is about to hit fever pitch.
The sporty and rich have started to descend on the 2026 Australian Open, and from sharply tailored trousers to louche shirts fashioned around the shoulders just so, they’re dressed head-to-toe in leisure and luxury.
In 2025, the courtside fashion set made the most of vintage and retro-inspired silhouettes. This tennis season, Hiromi Yu, CEO and founder of luxury fashion platform Marais, says that preppy is the play. “Think lightweight shirts, polos, linen and cotton skirts or skirts, crew socks and track jackets,” she says.
To ensure your outfit lands on the side of sporty and chic, Yu recommends sticking to heritage silhouettes and leisurewear brands that use matte fabrics. “Avoid shiny materials such as nylon and more close fitting pants rather than baggy fits unless it’s paired with a short or skort.”
Sydney-based fashion stylist and creative consultant Ilkin Kurt also advises to proceed with caution. “You need to be careful with retro athletic attire and pleats. You don’t want to look like a sports candidate from the ‘70s,” she says. “Sourcing a collared vintage tee could be an option. Sporty, stripe-detailed pieces with good comfortable loafers would look chic too. If you like pleats, keep it simple using different textures. This knit and culottes from P. Johnson Femme could be a beautiful option.”
When compiling your AO packing list, Melbourne’s weather should be your primary consideration. To combat the mixture of humidity and cool evenings, Kurt suggests opting for pieces that can be layered. “Fine merino or cashmere pieces are perfect for layering. I love wrapping my fine, V-neck jumpers around my neck or waist,” she says. “I don’t think it matters too much if it’s a day or night match. Bring an easy blazer, cool jacket or knits for the evening. I love a set for the day matches.”
When it comes to accessorising, both Yu and Kurt say sunglasses are a must. “You can also do statement jewellery or a classy watch,” Kurt says. “Also, depending on your mood and attire, caps and hats are definitely the tools to have some fun with. This is a good time for bags to shine too. I love straw and drawstring bags, and you can use pop colours to bring some fun to your outfit.”
For an outfit that trends for an ace this tournament, here are 12 pieces to wear to the Australian Open this year that will take you from GreenSet spritzes to match point.
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