Wimbledon 2014: Get the game with fashionable tennis skirts

From Centre Court to the catwalk, the traditional tennis skirt serves a fashionable ace this season, says Natalie Rigg

Match point: model wears Lacoste S/S 14

There’s never been a better time to wear a tennis skirt – and it’s not just because Wimbledon began yesterday. This season, the high-performance piece scores major points in sporting and sartorial circles. Just ask Alexander Wang, who exercised a lesson in athletic rebellion by offsetting hip-hugging pleated skirts with mannish, deconstructed jackets and rubber-soled Mary Janes. DKNY added an active vibe to its sleek, city aesthetic, teaming crisp whites with oversized crepe tees, glossy ponytails and logo-stamped visors.

Neil Barrett championed a masculine interpretation: his skirt worn with an ivory sweatshirt and matching cycling shorts could have been borrowed from an adventurous boy. Victoria Beckham presented a luxurious version, teaming belted tennis-inspired cuts with satin bomber jackets and button-up shirts. Even the hyper-feminine house of Alberta Ferretti riffed on the theme, topping off glossy skater skirts with striped tops, ballet flats and mirrored sunglasses.

On the high street, Zara offers white, wrap-front designs that make a modern contrast to sleeveless knits and geometric-print blouses. Mango’s two-tone cream and navy take is an easy but elegant option for high-summer dressing and feels office-appropriate when worn with pointed flats and a tailored jacket. After hours, you can’t beat Topshop’s flirty black chiffon number with its racing-stripe waistband.