2026 Tenniscore: Pearls Polish Pleated Skirts, Polos, Knit V-necks

Delicate pearl earrings and small pearl studs have emerged as the defining accessory motif of 2026’s tenniscore moment, pairing a classic sheen with sporty silhouettes such as pleated skirts, polo shirts and knit V-necks, according to the trend summary published February 21, 2026.

On the commerce front, Fashion Journal ran an in‑partnership feature with New Balance by Izzy Wight highlighting a freshly launched Australian Open co‑branded apparel range described as “designed in equal parts for running around the court and wearing to post‑match cocktails.” Jeff Garabedian, New Balance Apparel General Manager, framed the collection simply: “Our new AO co‑branded line has been created with comfort, durability and style in mind.” The range is presented in men’s and women’s sizes and references a palette of pistachio, canary yellow and navy drawn from SS ’24 runways.

Key items in the New Balance AO assortment underscore the tennis codes now moving into streetwear. The brand lists fitted polos, lightweight shorts, mesh polos, a timeless pleated tennis skirt and an assortment of vibrant unisex sneakers; the standout commercial piece called out by Fashion Journal is a Coco Gauff top and skirt set offered in deep blue and a lemon hue. That set features contrast stitching, mesh panelling, a crossover waistband and fast‑dry sweat‑wicking material, and Fashion Journal describes it as “subtly match‑ready.” The collection is shopable on the New Balance site.

A broader seasonal roundup published by Holly Hampton‑Thayers for 7NEWS expands the shopping frame beyond the co‑branded drop. Headlined as Australian Open 2026 picks, the 7NEWS piece states “Tenniscore is back and bigger than ever” and reports that retail trend data shows a year‑on‑year rise in tennis‑inspired styles, with pleated skirts and polo shirts leading the charge. 7NEWS lists price points and products including Kirstin Ash Vale Tennis Capsule from $139, Ralph Lauren Australian Open Classic Fit Shirt for $239, Reebok Unisex Workout Plus for $200, and Michael Hill’s Tennis Ball Pendant in sterling silver for $89. The piece notes that Ralph Lauren has been the Official Outfitter of the tournament since 2021 and is fronted locally by Mia Hewitt and India Rafter.

Jewellery tie‑ins in the 7NEWS roundup include an unnamed three‑piece set composed of huggie earrings, a bracelet and a ring offered in gold and silver and intentionally modelled after a traditional tennis bracelet with cubic zirconia stones. 7NEWS also supplies practical styling suggestions—from head to toe tennis looks such as a mini skirt and oversized tee to mixing sneakers with a linen maxi and frilly socks—and carries an editorial disclosure: “This content is reviewed by the 7NEWS Editorial team. 7NEWS may receive a commission when you buy from links on our site. Prices correct at time of publication.”

The dual currents this season are clear: pearls as discreet, feminine accents and tennis bracelet motifs as overt sport references. The latter carries a long cultural echo; 7NEWS recalls that “the tennis bracelet rose to fame when star Chris Evert famously stopped a match at the 1987 US Open to search for her diamond bracelet after it snapped mid‑game,” a moment that codified jewellery and athletic drama. Against that history, delicate pearl studs operate differently—they are small punctuation marks that temper the athletic geometry of pleats and polos rather than compete with it.

Retailly, the landscape is split between branded drops like New Balance’s AO line, which emphasizes technical fabrics and match‑ready styling, and multi‑brand shopping roundups that foreground price and accessibility. For shoppers and collectors, the takeaway is practical: pearls are the understated finish that translates tenniscore from court costume to everyday leisurewear, while capsule pieces and pendant price points this season range from entry level near $89 to capsule sets beginning at $139 and signature shirting at $239. As Australian Open season frames the calendar, these pairings—small pearl studs with pleats and polos—are likely to define how the sport’s sartorial shorthand moves into street and leisure wardrobes.