Sporty Prep: The Coolest Active-Prep Looks for Summer”

Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash

From tennis skirts to updated boat shoes and tracksuits, discover how to channel sporty fashion in everyday wear

Sporty meets polished this summer in a trend that’s equal parts country club and corner store: sporty prep. It’s the look of someone who might’ve just come from a tennis match—or is just dressing like it. Think: pleated mini skirts, crisp polos, retro sneakers, and tracksuits with tailored silhouettes. It’s classic, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s stylish, but it’s still built for movement.

Here’s your guide to nailing the active-prep aesthetic, with a breakdown of the season’s most wearable pieces and how to make them work for your everyday wardrobe.

1. Tennis Skirts: The Star Player

No longer just for the court, the tennis skirt is a summer staple. Whether you’re pairing it with a cropped sweater or a classic crewneck tee, the result is polished with just enough playfulness.

Style Tip:
Balance the preppiness with something casual—like a vintage tee or oversized hoodie. Go for pleats or a subtle A-line cut for extra movement.

Try:

• Alo Yoga Match Point Skirt

• Lacoste Pleated Mini

• Outdoor Voices Court Skort

2. Boat Shoes, Reinvented

Classic boat shoes are back—but less yacht club, more street-smart. Brands are giving them updates in bold colors, lug soles, and even platform versions.

Style Tip:
Ditch the socks. Pair them with ankle-grazing cargos or tennis skirts. For a cooler edge, look for pairs with chunkier soles or unexpected textures (like mesh or rubber).

Try:

• G.H. Bass Weejuns Lug Sole Boat Shoes

• Sebago Docksides in Bright Colorways

• Sperry x Rowing Blazers Collab

3. Tracksuits That Feel Tailored

Forget the baggy velour of the 2000s—this summer’s tracksuits are slim, structured, and undeniably chic. Think athletic stripes down the side, zip-up collars, and neutral tones with pops of color.

Style Tip:
Wear the jacket unzipped over a bralette or tank. Add chunky dad sneakers and a mini shoulder bag to complete the look.

Try:

• Adidas Originals Firebird Track Set

• Sporty & Rich Wellness Tracksuit

• Nike Phoenix Fleece Matching Set

4. Polo Shirts: Preppy Without the Pretension

The humble polo is having a moment. Fitted or oversized, tucked into shorts or layered under a sweater, polos are an easy way to nod to prep without going full uniform.

Style Tip:
Play with contrast: oversized polo + micro shorts, or a fitted polo with wide-leg cargos. Add gold hoops and a claw clip for a ‘90s spin.

Try:

• Ralph Lauren Classic Fit Polo

• Rowing Blazers Varsity Polo

• Free People Cropped Knit Polo

5. Varsity Touches & Athletic Accessories

Don’t forget the little details: sporty accessories are what pull this look together. Think crew socks, canvas visors, mesh bags, and logo-emblazoned sweatbands.

Essentials:

• Crew socks with stripes

• Canvas tote or mesh shoulder bag

• Old-school baseball caps (NY Yankees, vintage Nike, etc.)

• Wire-frame sunglasses or wraparounds

Final Take

Sporty prep is what happens when athleticwear meets effortless cool. It’s versatile, fresh, and surprisingly wearable—perfect for transitional days when you’re hopping from errands to brunch to evening walks. Whether you’re channeling Wimbledon energy or just love the idea of polished comfort, this look has serious staying power.

Tennis Skirts

• CRZ YOGA High‑Waist Pleated Tennis Skirt – Affordable ($16.99) and practical with built-in shorts and four pockets. Great for everyday wear.

• Wilson Classic Pleated Tennis Skirt – A bit more polished at $69, ideal if you’re pairing it with blazers or polos.

• Tommy John 360 Move Active Skirt – $88, ultra-comfortable, designed for full range of motion.

Why: Celebrity-loved brands like Alo Yoga lead the tennis-skirt revival, with lightweight fabrics, moisture-wicking build, and sporty clean lines Alo Yoga.

Boat & Loafer Shoes

• Sperry A/O 2‑Eye Plushwave Boat Shoes – $52. Classic, plush comfort; perfect for all-day wear.

• Madden Girl Galley Canvas Boat Shoes – $19.99, casual and budget-friendly.

• Timberland Stone Street Platform Boat Shoe – $215, platform soles for extra height and street-style edge.

Why: Platforms and lug soles take classic boat shoes into chic streetwear territory—loafers are literally the new sneakers .

Polos & Tracksuit Sets

• Ralph Lauren Slim‑Fit Polo Shirt – $113, a polished classic in soft pink for elevated everyday wear.

• Ralph Lauren Relaxed‑Fit Linen Polo Shirt – $130, breathable, oversized linen in crisp white with blue stripes.

• Cipo & Baxx Women’s Tracksuit Sets – $208–212, sleek two-piece tracksuits with slim tailoring and zip collars for sporty polish.