This weekend, it was apparent that London only had one thing on its mind, which was to make the pilgrimage down to SW19 for the annual Wimbledon tennis tournament. Held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the Grand Slam has become so much more than a sporting event in recent years. With outfitting from Ralph Lauren and the rise of viral ‘GRWM’ content from the WAGs set, the championship now serves as a cultural phenomenon that encourages the most preeminent spectator style there is. They say that fortune favours the bold, and it appears that fashion does too, especially for those who have managed to secure a ticket to the Centre Court.
However, given the exclusivity and tradition that surrounds the competition, it hasn’t stopped several key summer trends from trickling into the stands. So, you can only imagine our surprise when some of the most notable attendees all arrived at the grounds wearing one of the more polarising footwear choices of the season—white flat shoes.
Often called derbys, brogues or jazz shoes, with a sportif-origin and gentleman-esque silhouette, these white, flat, lace-up styles have swiftly become one of the most covetable styles this summer. First appearing on Michael Ryder’s debut collection as creative director for Celine, they’ve since cropped up on the feet of some of the most refined dressers, including Gracie Abrams, Tracee Ellis Ross, Charlize Theron and Harry Styles. Now, they’ve officially made an outing at Henman Hill, seen on the likes of Simone Ashley and Claudia Winkleman.
Our attention was first piqued when The Devil Wears Prada 2 star arrived in a crisp all-white ensemble. Punctuating her tailored Bermuda shorts and structured white overshirt, she tied the look together with a pair of leather and mesh brogues. Later, The Traitors host eschewed her usual dark and moody uniform of a black turtleneck and patent leggings for another all-white look. Here, she teamed a pair of monk shoes with a cream blazer and matching wide-leg pants.
Of course, given the fact that referencing has become somewhat of a mainstay for any public appearance, it should be expected that Wimbledon become another forum for the industry’s most influential to show off their fashion knowledge. (See: Maura Higgins wearing stilettos pierced with tennis balls earlier in the week). Both Winkleman and Ashley have paid homage to the wardrobes of late 19th and early 20th century male tennis players.
We’re certainly not immune to being inspired by the wardrobes of athletes, though. Just look at how covetable Coco Gauff’s custom Miu Miu x New Balance kit or Aryna Sabalenka’s collection of luxurious Audemars Piguet watches are. Still, who could ever expect we’d be taking cues from this archaic and athletic shoe trend? As more and more designers endorse this trend every day—Proenza Schouler! Reformation! The Row!—we’d contend that investing in it is a certified ace. Ahead, shop the jazz shoe trend that will make your summer of sports all the more chic.
Shop the White Flat Shoe Trend:
Glove-fit with a sleek finish.
A high-street staple that will pair exceptionally well with contemporary tailoring.
Catnip for cool girls.
A more affordable take on the trend, but one that isn't any less stylish.
The inimitable original.
Accessibly priced for someone who might want to dip their toes into the trend, but not splurge on the designer version.
A French girl wardrobe staple.
Polished and