The Fashion Scene at Indian Wells
Every March, the desert town of Indian Wells transforms into what tennis insiders lovingly call “Tennis Paradise.” The sun is perfect, the palm trees sway, and somewhere between the practice courts and the VIP boxes, the BNP Paribas Open becomes one of the most unexpectedly stylish stops on the global sports calendar.
Yes, there’s world-class tennis—but just as much attention goes to the outfits in the stands, the tunnel arrivals, and the glamorous entourage that travels with the sport’s biggest stars.
The Runway Between the Courts
In recent years, the arrival walk at Indian Wells has become tennis’s answer to the NBA tunnel fit. Players stroll in wearing carefully curated looks—designer sneakers, oversized sunglasses, relaxed tailoring, and plenty of off-court swagger.
The sport’s fashion leaders know exactly what they’re doing.
Naomi Osaka, for example, treats the court like a runway. At the 2026 event she turned heads in a bold leopard-print outfit paired with avant-garde jewelry pieces designed by Chris Habana—think ear cuffs, mesh gloves and chain-inspired accents that she described as her “fashion armor.” (Vogue)
And if Osaka brings high-fashion drama, Aryna Sabalenka delivers glittering glamour. The world No. 1 arrived at the tournament freshly engaged, competing while wearing a spectacular 12-carat diamond ring designed by Isa Grutman—proving that tennis bracelets aren’t the only jewelry making an appearance courtside. (Town & Country)
Even the on-court kits have become style moments. Players like Leylah Fernandez have embraced colorful athleisure looks and bold brand collaborations that blur the line between performance gear and fashion statement. (Sportskeeda)
The Rise of the Tennis WAG
But the real fashion watchers know the tournament’s most intriguing looks often appear in the players’ box.
Tennis WAGs—wives and girlfriends—have quietly become style influencers in their own right.
Take Morgan Riddle, who accompanies Taylor Fritz on tour. Her courtside outfits—often a mix of vintage tennis aesthetics and modern influencer polish—have turned her into one of the sport’s unofficial fashion correspondents on social media.
Another example is Paige Lorenze, girlfriend of Tommy Paul, who even launched a tennis-inspired clothing collection tied to Indian Wells. The limited-edition pieces—crewnecks, hats and tote bags—were gifted to players and WAGs during the tournament. (Forbes)
Meanwhile, the glamorous European presence of Sophia Thomalla alongside Alexander Zverev proves that black dresses and paparazzi flashes remain a winning combination at tennis parties. (Women's Tennis Blog)
When Hollywood Joins the Crowd
Indian Wells is also the rare tennis tournament where celebrities feel just as comfortable as the players themselves.
One recent courtside sighting that lit up social media: Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner watching matches together. Jenner leaned into retro tennis style with a tie-front Celine top and white trousers, while Chalamet opted for a sporty Adidas track jacket with a French football twist. (Goal)
And because this is Southern California, you never know who might show up between sets—actors, NBA stars, fashion designers, and influencers all wandering the grounds with iced matcha and oversized sunglasses.
Desert Glamour, Tennis Style
What makes Indian Wells unique isn’t just the tennis—it’s the setting. The desert sun encourages breezy dresses, linen shirts, and Riviera-style tailoring. Think:
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oversized straw hats
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pastel tennis skirts
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designer sneakers that have never touched a clay court
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sunglasses large enough to hide from the paparazzi
It’s part tennis tournament, part fashion show, part social scene.
Why Indian Wells Is Tennis’s Most Stylish Tournament
The US Open may have the celebrities, Wimbledon the tradition, and Roland-Garros the Parisian elegance. But Indian Wells?
Indian Wells has the vibe.
It’s where players experiment with style, where partners and influencers bring the fashion drama, and where the walk from the practice courts to the stadium sometimes feels like a runway in the desert.
And honestly—between the palm trees, the perfect lighting, and a crowd that appreciates both forehands and fashion—it might just be the best-dressed stop in all of tennis
