Kaia Gerber’s US Open Dress Channeled Cindy Crawford
Our take

Kaia Gerber’s appearance at the US Open this year, specifically her choice of a sleek black dress by Yana Matkivski, speaks volumes about the current direction of understated elegance in fashion. It’s a move away from the maximalism that has characterized recent trends and firmly aligns with a sensibility that prioritizes timelessness and quiet confidence. This resonates powerfully with the aesthetic we champion – a world where luxury is felt, not flaunted. The dress itself, a simple sleeveless silhouette, is elevated by its impeccable tailoring and the overall mood it evokes. It’s a visual echo of the effortless chic we explored in [The Chicest People I Know Are Already Wearing Autumn’s Coolest Colour Combination], demonstrating how a considered color palette and minimalist design can create a powerful impact. Furthermore, the pairing with classic mules and a Fendi Baguette bag—a timeless accessory—reinforces this message of enduring style, a concept we also highlighted in [Not Loafers, Not Mules: The French-Girl Flats You'll Wear From Summer to Fall (and Beyond)].
Gerber's choice isn’t merely about the dress itself; it’s about the narrative it constructs. It’s a deliberate nod to her mother, Cindy Crawford, and the supermodel era known for its sophisticated, almost austere, approach to style. This isn't a costume; it’s a lineage, a quiet inheritance of a certain kind of cool. The black dress, a staple in any well-curated wardrobe, becomes a vessel for this legacy, embodying a sense of self-assuredness that transcends fleeting trends. It’s a powerful statement of personal style, one that doesn’t rely on overt branding or ostentatious details. This approach is particularly compelling in a fashion landscape increasingly saturated with logo-mania and performative dressing. The intentionality behind this choice—the deliberate curation of a look that whispers rather than shouts—is what makes it truly captivating.
The broader significance of this development lies in its reflection of a shifting consumer mindset. There’s a growing desire for pieces that offer enduring value, both in terms of quality and style. Consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking out garments that represent a commitment to craftsmanship and a rejection of disposable fashion. The rise of “quiet luxury” as a dominant aesthetic is a direct consequence of this shift. It’s a movement that prioritizes understated elegance, impeccable tailoring, and luxurious materials over flashy branding and fleeting trends. This aligns perfectly with our brand ethos, which emphasizes a refined lifestyle rooted in self-expression and intentionality, not simply the acquisition of material possessions. The focus on denim refresh, as explored in [Not Barrel Jeans—These Are the Denim Trends Replacing Last Fall's Biggest Styles], also points to this desire for classic pieces with a modern twist.
Ultimately, Kaia Gerber’s US Open look serves as a compelling case study in the power of understated style. It's a reminder that true elegance lies not in the accumulation of trends, but in the confident embrace of timeless pieces and a deeply personal aesthetic. As we move further into a world demanding authenticity and mindful consumption, we can expect to see more individuals embracing this approach – choosing quality over quantity, intention over impulse, and quiet confidence over fleeting trends. The question now becomes: will this shift towards quiet luxury continue to gain momentum, reshaping the fashion landscape and redefining what it means to be stylish in the years to come?

At this year’s US Open, Kaia Gerber looked to timeless pieces when getting dressed. On Monday, the star stepped out in a classic black dress by Yana Matkivski for the first day of the tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Her Donna style featured a sleeveless bodice and pencil-style skirt for a flattering silhouette inspired by vintage bathing suits. Gerber’s look also fit into the business-casual style of the Open, which she attended with her The Shards co-stars Homer Gere and Owen Painter. At the event, the group watched tennis matches from the Center’s presidential suite, which was taken over by Vogue for the occasion. It also marked a reunion for Gerber and Gere with the magazine, which featured them on the cover of its viral September issue.
The model and actor’s accessories were just as versatile as her dress, which she paired with oversized black sunglasses, black mules, and a thin gold watch. A Fendi Baguette bag with a tiger-striped print and brown leather trim completed her outfit with a nostalgic feel. The style was actually a re-edition of the same bag from the early 2000s, which was released in Fendi’s Baguette 26424 capsule by chief creative officer Maria Grazia Chiuri earlier this summer.

All of Gerber’s pieces were instantly streamlined, which followed the minimalist looks she’s worn while promoting The Shards this season. However, they also nodded to her supermodel mom Cindy Crawford, who wore an identical outfit when the pair attended an Omega party in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

Gerber’s sharp look marked a stylish start to this year’s US Open, which is still in its first days of Fan Week events and qualifying matches. Its 2026 edition will last until September 13, making this the longest tournament in the Open’s history. Since the athletic event overlaps with New York Fashion Week, it’s sure to feature even more celebrity guests in addition to sports stars like Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Jannik Sinner, and more.
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