A pair of white Nike shorts received an unusual slew of media attention and coverage. But what incited all the frenzy was who it was on and where it appeared.

21-year-old tennis pro Maria Sharapova, has been known to be quite the fashionista on the court. Mini sport dresses in all sorts of designs and colours accompanied by diamond-studded tennis shoes and even wristbands are what the public have been accustomed to. But at the Britain Wimbledon tennis tournament 2008 yesterday (24/6), fans anticipating the unveiling of Maria Sharapova’s next pretentious outfit were surprised because Sharapova opted not to wear a dress, but instead, classic white shorts and a sheer “tuxedo bib-fronted chiffon top”.

Nevertheless, she’s not the only star to bring more than just tennis to a game. Other tennis mega stars like sisters Venus and Serena Williams, has had their fair share of outrageous court attire. From a skin-tight synthetic leather cat suit to denim mini skirt paired with calf high sport shoes, the tennis arena has seen its fair share of fashion do’s and don’ts. Even male tennis stars like Andre Agassi and Roger Federer are not spared from public scrutiny.

For ordinary mortals like us, can dressing up, or sometimes over-dressing, be a problem? If yes, then I am guilty of the crime. My mom has remarked countless times that I seem to be getting ready for a fashion show instead of simply going to school to learn. No, I do not dress as if I’m participating in a pageant or look like I’ve come straight off Alexander McQueen’s runway line. I just try to spice up my outfits with accessories and adding a tinge of lip-gloss. Sure, there are days I’ll just want to wear something casual and comfortable. But even then, I simply don’t believe that a tee shirt, shorts and slippers can be a daily outing attire, unless you work at the beach, of course.

Looking good doesn’t cause anyone any harm. Moreover, it just might help other people have a better and lasting impression of you. If that’s not a good enough reason to get you trying, well, take dressing up for school as a practise run to find out what suits your body best. This will ensure that by the time you enter the working world, you’ll already be a seasoned pro.

If your excuse is that you’d rather concentrate on the books than be sidetracked by frivolous looks, well, let’s just say Sharapova’s looking good and still is a three-time Grand Slam winner.