It might sound a little unhinged to pick up tennis in the middle of a sweltering Texas summer, but that’s exactly what my husband and I did. After spending long days glued to our desks, we were craving something active—something that felt more intentional than just another walk around the neighborhood. He suggested tennis, and while I was skeptical (to put it kindly), I agreed.
Let’s just say I am not what you’d call a “natural athlete.” Coordination has never been my strong suit, and my competitive streak barely exists. My husband, on the other hand, is intensely competitive, the kind of person who turns even board games into Olympic-level events. I thought maybe tennis could be my chance to surprise us both—to suddenly awaken catlike reflexes I never knew I had. Unfortunately, during that first match it became clear that these reflexes were either buried deep or nonexistent. Hitting the ball felt like an achievement in itself.
And yet—despite the struggle—I had so much fun. We worked up a serious sweat, laughed through the chaos, and for the first time in a long time, I was actually excited to play a sport. Slowly but surely, I’ve started to improve, and what I lack in skill, I make up for with enthusiasm.
Of course, if I’m being honest, part of what keeps me coming back is the style. I grew up watching Dynasty, where tennis matches were practically as important as the plotlines. The outfits alone were enough to make me want to pick up a racket—crisp whites, preppy collars, effortless chic. So after just one game, I was already daydreaming about what I could wear on the court. Surely that’s a perfectly valid reason to commit to a sport, right?
Curiosity led me into the new Tory Sport boutique here in Dallas. I tried on a sleek tennis dress “just for fun,” and shared the moment on my Instagram stories, asking if it was completely ridiculous to buy a tennis outfit when you’ve only played a handful of games and are objectively terrible. To my surprise, the overwhelming response from readers was: Do it! So many of you insisted that the right outfit doesn’t just make you look better—it makes you play better. I loved that logic, and it was all the encouragement I needed.
Now, I have to admit, there’s something transformative about slipping into that Tory Sport dress. Do I suddenly play like Serena Williams? Not quite. But I feel like I do, which counts for a lot. There’s a psychological shift that happens when you look the part—you carry yourself differently, you put in a little more effort, and the whole experience feels elevated. And honestly, if looking chic helps me stick with this new hobby, then it’s worth every penny.
To round out my little tennis starter kit, I picked up a tote bag that has a built-in racket holder. The best part? It’s discreet—you can tuck the attachment away when you’re not on the court. It’s roomy enough that I’ve already decided it’ll double as my weekend bag. That kind of versatility makes me feel just a little more justified in my splurge.
What started as a skeptical experiment has turned into one of the most refreshing parts of my week. Tennis gets me moving, challenges me without feeling overwhelming, and lets me indulge my love of fashion in a new way. It’s proof that you don’t need to be the most coordinated or competitive person in the world to enjoy a sport—you just need a willingness to laugh at yourself and maybe a great dress to go with it.
Who knows? Maybe my reflexes will sharpen with time. Maybe they won’t. Either way, I’ve found a new hobby, a new excuse to shop, and a new way to connect with my husband. And for me, that’s game, set, match.
