Vanessa Williams has never been afraid of bright and bold colour, so while Wimbledon whites have been dominating the courtside dress code, we knew to expect something a little more eye-catching from the actress.
She didn’t disappoint when she turned up in SW19 wearing Karen Millen’s blurred orchid twill collared maxi dress. Offering a unique take on the floral frocks that have been a mainstay this year at Wimbledon, Vanessa’s look brought a new take on the florals we’ve seen across many of the best summer dresses at the event thanks to its artistic, painterly pattern.
The floor-length design, with its chic structured collar, shirt-inspired buttons and voluminous skirt, created an eye-catching silhouette that played up the floral print beautifully. And Vanessa didn’t hold back with her accessories, balancing out the look with a structured raffia bag and a pair of Baldan’s discontinued cork wedge heels – sometimes more is more, and no look encapsulates this quite like Vanessa’s.
Vanessa's Karen Millen dress is currently on sale with 40% off, meaning you can snap it up for less than £100. As well as being a steal, it's also a sure-fire way to make a sophisticated statement at any dressed-up event this season, with its sleek shape and bold pattern proving to be ultra-flattering.
While Vanessa's heels are no longer available to shop, recreating her style is a breeze thanks to the current revival we're seeing of cork wedge sandals. This pair from Dune London are a great alternative, thanks to the tan suede pairing beautifully with the natural texture of the cork.
The black stripe details on Vanessa's bag make it a real statement piece and this Dune London bag emulates that look brilliantly. Black leather accents give an elegance to the style, with the mix of materials creating a lovely contrast.
The elegant, tailored shirt dress is a staple silhouette for Karen Millen, with the collared maxi Vanessa wore to Wimbledon also available in this beautiful khaki-dominated floral print design. The bold hues in the pattern are so striking, with the same painterly effect giving the florals a unique look.
While these cork heels might look daunting with their 13cm wedge heel, their cork platform balances out the height. Plus, they boast cushioned insoles for added comfort, while the chic crossover straps and sleek slingback offer a secure fit and sophisticated look.
This bag is chic thanks to its natural straw texture and black trim detailing; it's also a practical choice for events and everyday, with an adjustable crossbody strap and roomy interior for all your essentials. Super summery, this is a bag trend that returns every summer.
If you’ve managed to snag a ticket and are wondering what to wear to Wimbledon, or you’re turning to courtside fashion for inspiration when it comes to what to wear to a wedding or summer event this season, Vanessa’s outfit is a great one to bookmark – especially if you’re looking to set yourself apart from the crowd.
She nails the polished dress code while also injecting her own personality into the look, and the bold hues in her dress reflect the warm and bright weather we're enjoying so far. It’s playful yet sophisticated, eye-catching yet elegant, an ideal addition to any summer capsule wardrobe.
She lent into the summery feel of her dress through her choice of accessories, opting for cork and raffia, to tone down her look. While raffia bags never fail to make a comeback as the weather warms up, her cork heels are a revival in this season's spring/summer shoe trends for 2026, and a style we have missed. Inspired by the likes of bohemian brands like Chloé, we love how they can be dressed up or down.
