Whatever the reason – and many have been posited – it made me sad to see so many empty seats at Wimbledon. What a freaking waste. What with this and British legends Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu being knocked out earlier than hoped, tennis fans can at least be consoled that the fashion made up for these disappointments.

There was nothing particularly noteworthy on court, but off-court, guests didn’t disappoint – not least because their choices often came with a message. 

Some might say it was boring that the Duchess of Cambridge wore the same polkadot Alessandra Rich dress she’d already worn one month previously at the Platinum Jubilee. But actually, it was significant, given that Wimbledon’s sponsor, Evian, this year encouraged guests to follow a “summer-smart and eco-conscious dress code”. By leading the way, Kate undoubtedly encouraged others. Among celebrities, the pressure to wear a new outfit every time they set foot out of the door is huge. Kudos to Kate for taking a stand. 

Other than sustainability, the biggest fashion lessons from Wimbledon were that when it comes to smart summer dressing, white is the new black. It’s not a new message, but PRs could do worse than offer up examples of crisp tailoring, smart trousers, Broderie Anglaise, miniature handbags and plimsolls in this hue, since there is sure to be a demand for it.