A couple years ago, I enrolled in a tennis class for beginners and it was, as they say, “character-building.” I hadn’t been so colossally and publicly bad at something since, oh, high school? — when I was forced to try my hand at various outdoor sports as a part of P.E. All-in, it was a good thing to push myself out of my comfort zone (how often do we do that as adults outside of the professional arena?), but my was it humbling.
Meanwhile, Mr. Magpie has always been a solid tennis player (he is one of those vexing “natural athletes” — hopefully my children inherit this gene) and we played a couple of times, which, of course, and happily, necessitated the purchase of an entire new tennis wardrobe. I was reminded of this the other day as I switched out my winter wardrobe for my summer one and came across a bag full of sportswear, including a stack of barely-used tennis garb. The discovery left me determined to figure out a way to try my hand (again) at tennis this summer — and also, I will admit, left me poking around online looking for updated, chic looks for summertime aerobics:
THIS CHIC TENNIS DRESS (UNDER $60)
SAKS HAS A BUNCH OF MY FAVORITE TENNIS SHOES ON SERIOUS SALE IN GREAT COLORS
LOVE THE SPORTY STRIPE DETAILING ON THIS NIKE DRESS
CHIC TENNIS SKIRTS: THIS, THIS, THIS, AND THIS (UNDER $50)
THE ULTIMATE CHIC (MONOGRAMMED!) TENNIS BAG (GET THE LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS OR THIS)
MONOGRAMMED GOLF HEAD COVERS (GREAT GIFT)
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH A WHITE LACOSTE (I STILL HAVE SEVERAL FROM MY TEENS!)
THE BEST SPORTS WATER BOTTLE EVER (I’M OBSESSED WITH THIS)
A MONOGRAMMED POUCH FOR TOTING ESSENTIALS
A PUFF-SLEEVED SWEATSHIRT FOR COOL-DOWNS
ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH THE SHAPE OF THESE SUNNIES
I’VE WRITTEN ABOUT THIS IN THE PAST, BUT THIS IS THE ABSOLUTE BEST JACKET FOR HIKING — LIGHTWEIGHT, WIND AND RAIN-PROOF, PACKABLE, AND VENTED
I LOVE THE LOOSE, BODY-SKIMMING FIT OF THIS TANK
MY BUDGET BUY SECRET: THESE ARE THE BEST SPORTS BRAS (ALSO LOVE THIS STYLE) — SO COMFORTABLE AND UNDER $20!
PEOPLE RAVE ABOUT THESE SOCKS
HAVE HEARD REALLY GOOD THINGS ABOUT THESE LULULEMON DUPES
LILY IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, BUT IF YOU’RE ONE OF THE SOMEONES…
THE PRETTIEST RASHGUARDS (COMES IN MINI SIZES!)
A couple of scores for children, too: this tennis dress (or this one!), Lacoste shorts for boys, this tipped polo, this tennis skirt, and this sunscreen (consistently the highest ranked for little ones). Also — check out the sale selection at CPC for lots of country club-appropriate attire.
P.S. A love note to Mr. Magpie.
P.P.S. What to wear while nursing.
P.P.P.S. Are you reading along with June’s Magpie book club pick?! It’s a good one (and blessedly short — more books need to be under 200 pages).
Be still my heart, for I do love tennis-wear. Sadly haven’t played much since the baby was born, but hoping to get back to it soon. Not only is it an amazing workout, but I met so many now-friends playing it – and the outfits aren’t half-bad either!
Yes, such a good sport for all of these reasons! Maybe the chic-est sport? Besides skiing?
xx
So many chic finds here! I love playing tennis but am pretty terrible, despite years of childhood lessons. I would love to pick it back up in a meaningful way, though!
Is there anything preppy-chicer than a Lacoste polo? I think not … I have a couple from my mom’s high school days (!) and love them so.
xx
Lacoste — the ultimate timeless preppy brand. Somehow its brand equity has not dissolved…
What perfect timing! My husband gifted me tennis racquets and private tennis lessons for my birthday this year (though I’ve yet to start them). I was graced with 0% athletic ability and he loves to play tennis and so we both wish we could play together. In my head I become Serena Williams the minute I hit the court but I’m sure it’s going to be a bit more character-building than that. Can’t wait to shop a little for it, though.
P.P.S. I just finished Normal People on your rec and LOVED it. Reading Conversations With Friends right now because I needed more!!
Yay so glad you liked the Rooney! So far have only had two people out of dozens and dozens who have not cared for these books!! Her writing is so fresh and different and candid. So glad you loved her like I did.
And – yay for tennis lessons!
Xx