When we say 'Wimbledon fashion', what's the first thing that comes to mind? Fred Perry shirts? The Princess of Wales' favourite polka dots? Or classic Wimbledon whites?
Contrary to popular opinion, wearing white to Wimbledon is not a rule set in stone. In fact, according to etiquette expert William Hanson, you can get away with wearing any colour, as long as you're fairly smart (and don't wear a giant hat that blocks everyone's view). But while white for Wimbledon may not be compulsory, it is highly recommended for one simple reason: it looks fantastic. A clean white dress against the lush green of Wimbledon's courts? Paired with strawberries and cream, or perhaps a bottle of fizz? Perfection.
For evidence of this simple fact, look no further than Katherine Ryan, who for day one of proceedings has arrived in the prototypical Wimbledon ensemble of an excellent white shirt dress.
Arriving with her husband Bobby Kootstra, who was also very Wimbledon-appropriate in all-white and a Fred Perry sweater vest, the comedian opted for a sleeveless white dress by Nadine Merabi, complete with golden buttons along the front and a snazzy shirt collar. The Laura dress is made from a lightweight cotton poplin – ideal for the hot weather – and has a cut that flatters absolutely everyone, with a bustier-style bodice and a flared midi skirt.
Even better? The dress has concealed side pockets.
It's still available to buy for £275 on the Nadine Merabi website, and while it's not the dress to wear for any weddings you've got coming up (we doubt the bride would be too pleased...), it will work for pretty much any other occasion on your calendar. Picnics! Days in the office! Holidays!
Katherine opted to style her dress with a pair of neutral slingback heels and a golden ball-shaped bag (a nod to tennis balls, perhaps, although it's slightly too large to be thwacked with a racquet), but we could see it going splendidly with a pair of flat sandals and a woven basket bag for a summer getaway.
The finishing touch: a pair of sunglasses – absolutely vital for a day spent watching the tennis, unless you want to spend hours squinting against the sun.
Katherine later shared on Instagram videos of herself and Bobby quietly opening a mini bottle of champagne at their seats. That's doing Wimbledon right.
