The biggest style shift next summer isn’t coming from designers. It is coming from athletes. Scroll through your feed and the outfits saving the most screenshots are no longer borrowed from runway shows. Pleated skirts that belong on a tennis court, crisp white blazers that double as warm-up layers, fitted polos you would happily wear to brunch — these are the looks capturing attention. The aesthetic feels sporty and polished at the same time. And it turns out there is a name for it: Courtside and Coastal Prep. This article breaks down the five key sporty fashion trends driving this movement and explains why athletes have become the new style icons.
Why Are Athletes Becoming Style Icons?
In its summer trends report published on May 26, Pinterest identified a decisive shift. Sport is no longer confined to performance and training. It has broken free from its original framework and established itself as a full-blown lifestyle, influencing fashion, beauty, and daily routines. Athletic figures are now driving this transformation.
Pinterest specifically highlights figure skater Alysa Liu and tennis player Naomi Osaka as embodiments of this new wave. Osaka’s courtside looks generate as much conversation as her match results. Liu’s visibility has skyrocketed in ways few could have predicted. These two athletes represent a generation in which a female competitor is simultaneously a muse and an influencer. Wardrobe choices now carry as much weight as stats.
But is this really new? Not entirely. The report acknowledges that legends like Marie-José Pérec and Serena Williams laid the groundwork years ago. What has changed is the scale. Searches related to Alysa Liu have surged by more than 39,000 percent. Queries connected to freestyle skier Eileen Gu have climbed by more than 5,500 percent. Those are not modest upticks. They signal a cultural fascination that has moved well beyond niche sports communities. Athletes are now seen as style icons, and their influence is reshaping what we wear.
How Is Tennis Influencing Fashion?
While football continues to shape collective imagination, it is tennis that has emerged as the primary playing field for this trend. Pinterest coined the term “Courtside and Coastal Prep” to capture a hybrid aesthetic that blends the visual language of racket sports with a summery, preppy sensibility. It is chic yet relaxed, structured yet effortless.
Think about what that looks like in practice. Striped polos are seeing a noticeable sales boost. Tennis skirts are making a full comeback. White blazers are multiplying across collections. Silhouettes inspired by match-day outfits are filtering into everyday wardrobes. This is not athleisure in the way we came to know it over the past decade. It is something more deliberate, more curated. The sporty element is there, but it is dressed up, sharpened, given a sense of occasion.
The 5 Key Sporty Fashion Trends Defining Courtside Coastal Prep
These five sporty fashion trends form the backbone of the Courtside and Coastal Prep aesthetic. Each piece is versatile, easy to style, and rooted in tennis culture.
1. Striped Polos
The fitted polo is the anchor of this look. Classic striped patterns in navy, green, or burgundy add a preppy touch without feeling costume-like. A well-fitted polo can be tucked into a pleated skirt or worn untucked with tailored shorts. It bridges the gap between sportswear and casual elegance. Look for fabrics like pique cotton that hold their shape and breathe well.
2. Pleated Tennis Skirts
The return of the pleated skirt is one of the most visible sporty fashion trends right now. These skirts are typically short, with built-in shorts underneath for movement. They come in solid whites, navy, or pastel shades. Pair one with a crisp white tee and minimalist sneakers for an instant court-to-street outfit. The key is to keep the rest of the look simple so the skirt stands out.
3. White Blazers
A crisp white blazer adds structure to any sporty outfit. Throw it over a striped polo and pleated skirt for a polished look that works for brunch or a casual meeting. The blazer softens the athletic elements and elevates the entire ensemble. Choose a lightweight linen or cotton blend so it feels appropriate for warm weather.
4. Minimalist Sneakers
Clean, low-profile sneakers are essential. Think white leather tennis shoes with minimal branding. They complement the preppy sportswear without competing for attention. Avoid bulky running shoes or high-tops. The goal is a streamlined silhouette that echoes what players wear on the court.
5. Tennis-Inspired Accessories
Accessories complete the Courtside and Coastal Prep look. Visors, headbands, and cable-knit sweaters draped over the shoulders add a touch of authenticity. A simple visor in white or navy keeps the sun out while reinforcing the tennis vibe. A cable-knit sweater tied around the shoulders adds a preppy layer that feels both casual and intentional.
You may also enjoy reading: 9 Comfy and Cute Short-Sleeve Shirts Under $40.
What Makes This Trend Different From Past Athleisure?
Past athleisure emphasized comfort and stretch. Yoga pants, leggings, and oversized sweatshirts dominated. Courtside and Coastal Prep is different. It is more deliberate and curated. Sporty elements are dressed up and given a sense of occasion. Instead of wearing gym clothes all day, you are wearing pieces inspired by tennis club culture. The fit is tailored, the fabrics are structured, and the overall impression is polished.
This is also a trend rooted in real cultural momentum. The search data shows that people are not just buying these items — they are actively seeking inspiration from athletes. The combination of preppy codes and sportswear influence creates a look that feels fresh yet timeless. It works for a lunch date, a walk in the park, or even a casual Friday at the office.
Can Anyone Adopt This Look?
Yes, absolutely. Courtside and Coastal Prep is accessible and does not require a wardrobe overhaul. A single well-fitted polo can anchor an entire outfit. The key to the look is balance between preppy codes and sportswear influence. You do not need to dress head-to-toe in tennis gear. Start with one statement piece — a pleated skirt or a striped polo — and build the rest of your outfit around neutral basics.
For example, pair a striped polo with white jeans and minimalist sneakers. Or wear a pleated skirt with a simple crewneck sweater and loafers. The versatility makes this trend easy to adopt regardless of your personal style. It is about mixing sporty elements with classic wardrobe staples to create something that feels intentional and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear pleated tennis skirts if I am not athletic?
Absolutely. Pleated tennis skirts are designed to be flattering on a variety of body types. Look for styles with an elastic waistband and a built-in short for comfort. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a fitted sweater to soften the sporty vibe. The key is to balance the skirt with more tailored or feminine pieces.
How do I style a white blazer without looking like I am going to a tennis match?
Keep the rest of your outfit casual. Wear the blazer over a simple white tee and jeans, or layer it over a striped polo with shorts. Avoid pairing it with a full tennis outfit. The blazer should feel like an elevated layer, not a costume. Choose a relaxed fit and roll up the sleeves for a more effortless look.
What is the difference between Courtside Coastal Prep and regular preppy style?
Regular preppy style draws from Ivy League and country club aesthetics. Courtside Coastal Prep specifically incorporates sportswear elements from tennis and coastal leisure. The pieces are more athletic in cut and function. You will see more performance fabrics, sneakers, and silhouettes designed for movement. The overall feel is sporty yet polished, whereas traditional preppy can feel more formal or academic.
Courtside and Coastal Prep is more than a passing trend. It reflects a cultural moment where athletes are shaping how we dress. By incorporating these five sporty fashion trends into your wardrobe, you can capture that effortless, court-to-street energy without sacrificing style.
