Off-Court Fashion Hits and Misses: Roger Federer

by Kait O'Callahan

While many may argue the likes of Rafael Nadal or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga look better without clothes, few would say the same for Roger Federer.  While that may sound like a dig at the Swiss star, it’s actually a testament to how well he wears any polo Nike throws at him. He may not have the kind of body girls squeal over, but the likes of Anna Wintour certainly go ga-ga for how Roger looks on the court.  But how does Nike’s favourite son cope off the court? 

His best look

Roger doesn’t stray too far from his winning on-court formula when he hits the streets, opting for collars, neutral colours and knitted jumpers.  It gives him a classic European-style look which suits the man who is always considered classy over cool, suave over sexy.  Roger agrees that what he wears fits his personality, "Fashion helps me understand who I am a little more," he said in 2009.

Roger with Giorgio Armani in 2009

While Roger also excels in the art of wearing suits, we think he looks best when dressing down.  We love the fact Roger looks like any other 31-year-old dragged out of the house by his wife who wants to go shopping. 

His worst look

I’ll admit, it took some digging around to find pictures of Roger’s biggest weakness.  But after hours worth of searching, we finally found it.  Roger can wear some god-awful shoes. 

Occasionally Roger appears to become bored of the classic look and likes to remind us that he’s still a reasonably young man.  Who knows trends.  And isn’t afraid to wear them.

Which is how he ends up with his usually loyal wife grimacing while pretending she doesn’t know him.

It isn’t the only time Mirka has been embarrassed of her husband.  Banished from high-top sneakers, Roger went for the casual ‘I play tennis’ look.

His accessories

Since his teenage years, Roger has had a strange relationship with his hair.  While many consider his curled glossy locks to be one of his best assets, Roger hasn’t always treated his hair so kindly.

There was his boy-band phase.

Then, to make matters worse, Roger insisted on growing out the bleach naturally. 

And he kept on growing it.

He then discovered straightening irons.

Thankfully, Roger eventually cut his hair and let his curls grow free, giving us the haircut we all know and love today. 

Not that that means Roger never gets carried away.  In fact, we’re still not convinced he knows what he’s doing.

Lindt Premium Chocolate Party 2012

For the most part...

Roger looks as good off-court as he does on it.  With a style to compliment his personality, Roger has no trouble mingling with the fash-pack without looking as if he is trying too hard. Well, unless you tempt him with a pair of ugly shoes and a hair straightener.  Then it’s nothing short of a disaster.

More of our favourite Roger looks:

Roger with Lleyton Hewitt at the Gerry Webber Open 2010