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Morgan Riddle has quietly turned courtside style into a mainstream fashion moment — not through match play, but through social media and carefully curated outfits. Her approach to the renewed “tenniscore” trend favors suggestion over uniform, encouraging small, playful references instead of literal team kits.
Picking at the edges of tenniscore
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Riddle, who has become a familiar face at matches and events, says the trend has softened. Instead of the classic pleated skirt and preppy polo, she recommends leaning on details: a tiny pendant, a charm on a heel, or another subtle nod that feels like a wink to the sport rather than a costume.
“I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever styled a tennis skirt,” she told Cosmo, underlining that the movement is more about attitude than strict dress codes.
Why tennis style is back in focus
Pop culture played a role in bringing tennis looks back into view. “The summer Challengers came out was probably the real mainstream resurgence of tenniscore, where a lot of people were taking it very literally,” Riddle says. She adds that as live audiences and female fandom around tennis have grown, the sport itself has become an occasion for fashion.
How she dresses for the U.S. Open
Attending a tournament like the U.S. Open — which runs through September 13 in New York — gives permission to play with the theme, Riddle says, but in a personalized way. She favors looks that read as New York first and tennis second.
“I love like a kitschy sort of thing for the U.S. Open, specifically,” Riddle said while discussing a partnership with rescue brand Native Pet. “I [dress] more towards New York than like tennis itself. It’s such a cool New York sporting event, and I went to college in New York, I live in New York now, I absolutely love New York.”
Her match-day outfits have included a white tank with beading, customized pins on jeans — taxi motifs and bedazzled city references — and the occasional branded bag charm. These choices reflect a broader trend: spectators mixing 1990s athleisure, city-chic pieces, and even high-fashion moments in the same crowd.
Range of looks and a few essentials
Riddle notes the diversity around the grounds. “What’s so great about the U.S. Open is that it’s all across the board,” she says. “Like there’s the girls who just come in like T-shirts and shorts and just want to enjoy their day. There’s some who make it a girls’ day. There’s some who make it a fashion event for themselves, and like everyone’s enjoying it in their own way.”
Beyond style choices, she points to a practical staple: a handheld cooling device. “They have these little fans that are sort of like a mini hair dryer. They’re super powerful, and on a hot day at the Open, it’s a lifesaver.” The fans have become a small but common accessory among attendees.
Small touches, big effect
Riddle’s takeaway is simple: incorporate playful tennis references, but do it on your own terms. Whether that means a bold New York accessory, a retro sport-inspired silhouette, or a discreet tennis ball charm, she favors individuality over imitation.
Her recent public appearances also included charity-minded moments: at a Native Pet event in New York she photographed with her dog, Bagel, and the brand matched a donation she made to the pup’s rescue.
