The Australian Open has always been more than a Grand Slam. It’s a cultural moment where sport meets summer, performance meets personal style, and fashion takes centre court.
At AO 2026, expect a wardrobe that blends sun-wise comfort with relaxed sophistication and a hint of Melbourne edge.
From courtside spectators to rooftop sunsets, fashion at the Open reflects the Australian summer: pops of mismatched colour, breathable fabrics, thoughtful silhouettes and pieces that transition seamlessly from day sessions to after-hours sips. The look is relaxed yet polished. Let’s call it Sporty Chic.
This season’s colours are navy, crisp white, burnt orange and baby blue – clean classics, offset by playful statements, textural accessories and a little vintage tennis nostalgia.
While global names anchor major AO merch, local Australian brands and independent labels add real texture and personality to AO style.
The Courtside Wardrobe: Australian Brands We’ll Be Wearing
Faithfull the Brand
This Byron Bay favourite is courtside gold for its relaxed dresses, lightweight shirts and breezy fabrics. Perfect for Melbourne summer, the pieces combine comfort with effortless style, the kind that feels put together without ever trying too hard.
Outfit inspiration:
- Top: Aurora Top Agua Stripe Blue
- Short: Aurora Mini Short Agua Stripe Blue
- Dress: Maria Mini Dress Mico Pinstripe Azul
- Shoes: Alohas Crochet Cream Leather Sneakers
Viktoria & Woods
Known for contemporary tailoring and sophisticated separates, Viktoria & Woods brings a refined Australian approach to AO style. Think: elevated basics and clean silhouettes that can handle the heat, the crowds and the champagne.
Wear it like this:
- Dress: Caretaker Dress Sage
- Add: oversized sunglasses, sleek bun, a crisp white sneaker for daytime, then swap to a low heel for sunset sessions.
Zulu & Zephyr
Aje
If there’s one brand that nails “Australian summer sophistication,” it’s Aje. A sculptural mini dress or softly structured top paired with relaxed linen pants is peak AO energy: elegant, breathable, and made for photo moments.
Courtside styling:
- Mini – The Sacha Mini
- The set – Halo Embroidered Shirt Halo Embroidered Skirt
Sir. The Label
Minimalism, but make it holiday. Sir is made for long lunches, shade breaks and cocktail hour – perfect for fans who want monochrome neutrals and clean lines that still feel luxe.
Best AO buys:
- Linen Halter Top – Dorian Halter Top
- Linen Tailored Short – Dorian Tailored Short
- Mini Dress – Dazed Wrap Halter Mini Dress
- Lightweight Knit – Penelope Layered Knit Top
P.E Nation
Because AO style isn’t complete without athleisure culture. Expect to see the signature logo cap, oversized windbreaker and retro sneaker pairing everywhere.
Wear it:
- Points for a pop of colour like the Forward Tank in Smokestone Aqua
The Hottest AO 2026 Trend Isn’t Just an Outfit, It’s SPF
Game, Set, MECCA.
Beauty culture is front and centre this year thanks to MECCA Cosmetica, AO’s Official SPF Partner helping us save face. In true MECCA style, sun protection isn’t being treated like a boring necessity – it’s being turned into an experience.
Across the precinct, expect slick SPF top-up moments, express touch-ups, and a dedicated MECCA Pro Shop activation, including a custom-built three-storey hub in The Village.
Lightweight, invisible on skin and designed for all-day wear, SPF is the accessory every fan will want courtside this summer – the finishing touch that keeps everyone protected and photo ready.
The Australian Open Social Edit: Must Visit Lounges
The Australian Open is not just about world-class tennis. It is one of the best places on the summer calendar to enjoy food, drinks, culture and conversation alongside sporting passion. In 2026, Melbourne Park opens up even more spaces where fans can linger, laugh and soak up the vibe.
- Lipton Island at TopCourt – Presented by Lipton Iced Tea
Lipton’s iced tea shaded oasis is the ultimate summer courtside escape. With tropical umbrellas and vibrant décor, it’s the perfect place to reset between matches.
Making its AO debut, this no alcohol TopCourt experience is designed for Gen Z and wellness-minded fans – a cool, fresh alternative to the typical “beer garden” energy.
- Piper-Heidsieck Lounge – Champagne, Elevated
If you’re doing AO with a little more sparkle, the Piper-Heidsieck Lounge is your go-to. Expect crisp Champagne pours, polished service and an effortlessly glamorous energy that feels more Paris than precinct. It’s the kind of lounge you pop into for a celebratory glass… and suddenly your afternoon becomes an occasion.
Perfect for: pre-match bubbles, birthday energy, fashion moments, and that “just one more set” kind of schedule.
- Riverside Social – Melbourne Skyline with a Beat
For a modern social vibe with great food, skyline views and music, Riverside Social returns as one of AO’s most talked about lounges. Located above River Terrace with sweeping city views, it delivers share plates, drinks and DJs – the kind of place you go for “just one drink”… then accidentally stay into the night
- SK Dinner – The Culinary Flex of AO 2026
For those treating AO like the ultimate summer dining destination, SK Dinner is a must. This one leans into the premium, experience-led side of the Open: refined flavours, a more intimate setting, and that elevated ‘Melbourne hospitality’ feel where the food is just as much the headline as the tennis.
Perfect for: long lunches between matches, corporate hosting that still feels cool, or a pre-night-session dinner that sets the tone for the evening.
Ready? Playlist.
From centre court to centre stage, the Australian Open 2026 isn’t just serving aces – it’s serving unmissable live music across Opening Week and the AO LIVE series.
AO LIVE TopCourt (Opening Week)
Opening Week is free with Ground Pass tickets, making it one of the best-value cultural events on the summer calendar.
- Hot Chip – Tuesday 13 January 2026, 5:30pm
- Elderbrook – Wednesday 14 January 2026, 5:30pm
- Cassian – Thursday 15 January 2026, 5:30pm
- The Presets – Friday 16 January 2026, 5:30pm
- AO LIVE Presents: John Cain Arena (Final Week)
Finals week turns into a headline-level festival, with massive names hitting John Cain Arena.
- The Kid LAROI – Wednesday 28 January 2026
- Spacey Jane – Thursday 29 January 2026
- The Veronicas & SOFI TUKKER – Friday 30 January 2026 (AO Pride Day energy)
- Reneé Rapp – Saturday 31 January 2026
- Peggy Gou – Sunday 1 February 2026 (post men’s final)
AO 2026 Is A Whole Lifestyle
The Australian Open isn’t just a sporting event – it’s Melbourne’s most fashionable summer playground. The players are serving looks, the brands are building experiences, and the precinct is becoming a cultural festival of food, music, style and sun-soaked energy.
So whether you’re going for a day session, a rooftop drink, or a finals-week moment, consider this your AO uniform: a tennis-inspired silhouette, a statement accessory, and SPF that deserves its own outfit credit.
Australian Open 2026, supported by major partner Kia in association with ANZ, Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao, and Rolex, will take place at Melbourne Park from 12 January to 1 February 2026.
Tickets on-sale via Ticketmaster. Visit ausopen.com for more information.
Written by Bailey Doyle.
