Inside the U.S. Open: 17 Luxe Looks Rich Women Rocked on the Courts

When the U.S. Open finally landed on my summer bucket‑list, I felt like I’d just won a match point. The Labor Day weekend sunshine was perfect for watching tennis, but the real spectacle was the sea of stylish women perched in the stands. I wasn’t just watching serves and volleys—I was cataloguing fashion, noting how each outfit managed to look effortlessly pricey while staying comfortably summer‑ready.

Think airy maxi dresses that glide with every step, linen palazzos that whisper “vacation mode,” woven handbags that scream quiet luxury, and sneakers that toe the line between sport and chic. Yes, a lot of the looks were high‑end designer, but the magic lay in the way they were put together. Below are the 17 pieces that kept turning heads at the tournament, plus a few tips on how you can recreate the vibe without blowing your budget.

1. Flowy Maxi Dress – My personal favorite. A breezy, printed maxi offers shade in the sun, drapes beautifully when you’re seated, and gives off that “I just threw this on” confidence.

2. Two‑Piece Set – Not everyone felt the need to go full‑glam. A sleek beige set with subtle design details provided an upscale, everyday look that’s perfect for brunch after the match.

3. Athletic Dress – Tennis‑core is back. A few stylish ladies swapped skirts for sporty dresses—no racket needed, just pure court‑inspired flair.

4. Palazzo Pants – Loose, breathable, and endlessly versatile. I’d wear these from the stands to a beach outing, and they still feel luxe.

5. Kitten‑Heel Sandals – The unexpected hero of the day. Thong‑heeled sandals with a low kitten heel kept feet comfy, and some even featured tiny tennis‑ball charms for that tongue‑in‑cheek detail.

6. Green Gingham Top – Gingham is alive, especially in a fresh, tennis‑green shade. The bow‑tie straps and overlay neckline gave it a playful, retro feel.

7. Longchamp Tote – If you thought Kate Middleton owned the bag game, think again. Rich moms were spotted with the iconic Longchamp tote, proving it’s the go‑to for polished practicality.

8. Rugby‑Style Shirt – Vintage rugby shirts are no longer just for the pitch. Paired with pleated shorts or a long skirt, they offered a relaxed, sporty aesthetic that fit right in with the crowd.

9. Steve Madden Mary Jane Flats – Perforated leather, gold hardware, and a sweet Mary Jane strap made these flats the perfect summer‑to‑fall transition shoe.

10. Coach Shoulder Bag – The revival of Coach’s classic ‘C’ logo was everywhere. A leather shoulder‑bag with both shoulder and cross‑body straps gave off an expensive‑look without the price tag of a couture piece.

11. Pleated Tennis Skirt – This skirt came with hidden built‑in shorts—ideal for stashing a phone or even a spare tennis ball. Practical and pretty.

12. Metallic Skater Skirt – Inspired by Naomi Osaka’s bold metallic look, a silver skater skirt with an A‑line silhouette captured the same futuristic vibe.

13. Ruffled Dress – A loose, billowy dress with a square neckline and rickrack trim felt like a breezy, romantic option for watching matches under the sun.

14. Ralph Lauren Ruffle‑Hem Socks – A tiny but noticeable trend. Ruffle‑hem socks with the classic polo player logo added a preppy pop to sneakers or loafers.

15. White Maxi Skirt – An elastic‑waist, tiered maxi skirt in crisp white was a repeat favorite among the spectators, offering effortless elegance.

16. Adidas Sneakerina – The newest “sneakerina” from Adidas blended the brand’s sporty DNA with a ballerina‑inspired silhouette, making it a go‑to for the fashionable yet active crowd.

17. Striped Shirtdress – The classic prep‑school look never fails. A striped shirtdress with a collared neckline and long tiered hem paired perfectly with a woven tote and white sneakers.

Whether you gravitate toward polished preppy vibes or sporty chic, each of these pieces can be mixed, matched, and tweaked to suit your personal style. The U.S. Open proved that you don’t need to splurge on runway couture to look runway‑ready—just a few thoughtful selections and a dash of confidence.

And if you’re hunting for more affordable look‑alikes, many of these items have near‑identical versions at high‑street retailers. So next time you’re heading to a tennis match—or simply craving that summer‑luxury feel—keep these 17 style cues in mind. Your wardrobe will thank you.