Forget the tennis – at the US Open, a subset of spectators and television viewers have watched the year’s final grand slam tournament as a source of fashion inspiration they can use to serve looks off the court. It may have escaped people who do not pay attention to clothing trends, but cities all over the world are awash in short pleated skirts, tennis dresses, polo collars and other garments that can make everyone look like they possess a country club membership and a respectable backhand. Students are sporting skorts – a skirt-short mash-up often worn by tennis players – and crew socks as they return to school.

Young professionals and middle-aged parents are also adopting the posh, preppy aesthetic..