All-Star Swagger: Frontcourt Edition
Discover the signature styles of the six WNBA players who will debut as All-Star 2022 Game starters in the Frontcourt.
The AT&T WNBA All-Star 2022 brings back some of the top names in the WNBA for another exciting experience. This article profiles the signature styles and themes of the Frontcourt players to celebrate those selected as game starters. Watching these players shows the range of mindsets they turn on during each game; some are exceptionally alert and intelligent, while others are energetic and versatile. For frontline players, pre-game style is a way to supercharge their sense of confidence or allow them to make a subtle entrance before exploding with on-court energy.
West Conference players A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart earned the highest votes, both becoming team Co-Captains, along with Sue Bird and Sylvia Fowles. The duo of Wilson and Stewart also share similarities like releasing collaborations with major sportswear brands. While the Co-Captains of Wilson and Stewart lean on the sporty side of fashion compared to more mature players like Sylvia Fowles or Candace Parker. But, structured outfits are not exclusive to the Eastern Conference, as Nneka Ogwumike has an elevated approach to pre-game style. Multiple Frontcourt players share a strong affinity for bold graphic T-shirts and denim jeans, which most people don’t typically associate with pre-game fashion. Together, this starting lineup is adding an energetic and contemporary edge to classic athlete styles.
Often described as one of the greatest Centers in W history, and an even greater person off the court, Sylvia Fowles returns for her 8th All-Star game as a Co-Captain. Playing for the Minnesota Lynx, Fowles has a consistent approach to her pre-game style that proves why simplicity is best. Her pre-game outfits consist of perfectly ripped skinny jeans cropped for the 6-foot-6 player, bold graphic t-shirts, and color-coordinated Nike sneakers. Throughout the season, the organic activist that Sylvia is, Fowles uses her style as a muse to raise awareness for important movements and highlight basketball legends like her former teammate, Seimone Augustus. The 15-year veteran has recently announced her plans to retire after the 2022 season, and Fowles’ uncomplicated approach to style will be missed.
In recent years Jonquel Jones has added a variety of milestones to her career, such as becoming the June cover star across ESPN platforms and being named the league’s MVP in 2021. There’s been a significant shift in Jones’ style since she was drafted in 2016, and her style reflects more of her personality every season. Jones creates strong pre-game outfits that include her signature round shades, color-coordinated sweatsuits, and a wide variety of the flyest Nike sneakers. The Connecticut Sun forward is great at looking extremely cozy, but there’s also a technical side of Jones that explains her unique Apple Watch with a half red and half green strap.
Representing Los Angeles, Nneka Ogwumike maintains a relaxed, West Coast state of mind while helping elevate WNBA players on a larger scale. This year, Ogwumike made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut and continued her ongoing work as the leader of the WNBA Players Association. She’s known for wearing all-black outfits to games to create an instantly sharp look at any event. Almost all of her pre-game outfits include a pair of sunglasses, which is essential for Southern California residents. The LA Sparks player has also revealed a penchant for incorporating shiny materials into her outfits, like a reflective silver jacket or a pair of eye-catching latex leggings.
Returning for her seventh All-Star Game, Candace Parker is known for her structured approach to off-court style. Many of her pre-game outfits for this season have included bold, confident pieces like leather motorcycle jackets or blazers that reflect her impressive basketball skills. Although Parker is a two-time WNBA champion herself, she incorporates her love for other basketball legends, like the Chicago Bulls or Kobe Bryant, into her outfits with graphic T-shirts. Other signature style details from Parker include wearing her curly hair at the top of her head, adding more height to her 6′ 4″ posture, and a Chicago Sky-colored headband.
Breanna Stewart uses her voice to amplify social issues throughout the season, fueling the Seattle Storm’s success with her athletic prowess. She’s a brilliant player on and off the court, and her fashion choices are equally complex. Nearly all of her pre-game outfits build around an unusual pattern by top streetwear brands like Gucci and Kith. Stewart frequently rocks menswear casually and coolly, which helps to expand people’s perception of female sports players’ style. Apart from wearing more colors than the average WNBA player, Stewart also stands out with pairs of PUMA sneakers after releasing a collaborative Overdue Collection earlier this year.
A’ja Wilson experienced another year of profound fan love during the voting period for the All-Star Game, which earned her the title of team co-captain. The impressive Las Vegas Aces player showcased her versatile playing style throughout the season and even made time for accomplishing new achievements like a player edition Cosmic Unity “Generations” sneaker with Nike. Wilson is known for her contemporary take on classic athlete style, including functional Nike headwear, customized jerseys that shout out legends in WNBA history, and the occasional airbrushed T-shirt. She’s previously shared her passion for fly sneakers in interviews and introduced new pairs of rare Dunks and Jordans, each pre-game look.
Newly hired WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.