The W in Designer '23: Flyest Fits of Week Five
After announcing the All-Star rosters, WNBA players add fun outfit details to let loose in the last week of June.
This week, the WNBA players are preparing to play the first of four games leading up to the WNBA finals. Their focus on this critical moment, combined with the recent All-Star team rosters announcements, might have taken some of their attention off of their outfits, as several players are opting for more simple summer uniforms. While there are still many denim-focused looks in their pre-game outfits, there are also brighter colors as they approach the middle of summer.
Some players work with stylists through the season, but there’s a discrepancy in how many pre-game looks they’ll prepare for the player. In previous interviews, stylists have said that they only work on certain home games or key games with the player. When identifying which games or dates are the most important for a player’s style visibility, it’s interesting to think about the number of league-related factors that may shape these decisions– for example, if a player is named as on the All-Star roster, is it a moment to bring out their most powerful outfit? Or is it an opportunity to keep it simple and focus on their on-court game?
As June comes to an end, this installment of “The W in Designer” features players who incorporated elements of fun into their outfits. Whether it’s a toy, like a Chelsea Gray bobblehead peeking out of a purse, or a designer briefcase, it’s refreshing to see unexpected touches in their pre-game looks. Although it’s tempting to pack black or monotone-colored outfits while traveling to games, these players bring the energy with their unexpected choices.
Trading her signature, voluminous curly hair for a more slicked-back version, Shakira Austin takes a very serious approach to pre-game style. The Washington Mystics player wears oversized sunglasses, a laced denim dress with a white shirt top, and, nude heels. Instead of a more conventional purse or athletic bag, Austin carries an eye-catching Louis Vuitton briefcase for a truly boss outfit. Perhaps she’s got serious on-court business to attend to, even her typical big smile for pre-game photos has been toned down with a more serious expression!
Las Vegas Aces player Alysha Clark is the queen of styling pastel colors into comfortable and chic outfits. In this pre-game look, she wears a pair of line green pants that coordinate with the panels on her Rolling Stones graphic t-shirt. She wears a pair of white and yellow Adidas sneakers and carries a small white leather purse with a Chelsea Gray bobblehead, which is strategically placed to make a cameo! Clark has found the most fashionable way to show some love for Gray, who’s a two-time WNBA champion.
Jasmine Dickey presents another pastel, color-coordinated outfit for her pre-game look. The Dallas Wings player pairs pink cargo pants with a pink Louis Vuitton purse, and a crop top with a fun, manicured hands graphic. Whether intentional or not, Dickey matches the hand graphic by holding two cell phones. She also wears a pair of Nike Air Max Plus in a matching pink and orange colorway. There’s a balance between being casual and comfortable, without trying too hard, and being sharp, with the structured tailor of her pieces.
Kalani Brown manages to exude attitude and confidence with a relatively simple look, which feels so authentic to the Los Angeles Sparks player. She wears an oversized Boyz N The Hood Mineral Wash Top from FASHIONNOVA, then pairs the acid wash with a distressed pair of micro denim shorts. Brown also includes touches of traditional athlete style with Nike Dunks in a blue and white colorway, some light chains, and a black functional backpack.
Dallas Wings player Natasha Howard has elevated her signature style for the new season. Still drawn to skinny jeans and colorful, button-up shirts, this pre-game outfit features an eye-catching Prada poplin men’s shirt with an interesting double print. Howard has expertly left enough buttons open to show off her iced-out “NH” chain. To finish her outfit, she matches the flames on her top with a pair of shiny red sneakers. Her black-framed eyeglasses also add another sharp touch to this look.
Kayla Thornton brings cool vibes to the New York Liberty with this casual and futuristic pre-game outfit. She wears a distressed blue graphic t-shirt with a motorcycle and a simple pair of black biker shorts, which are a city staple. Matching the colors of her top, she wears a square-shaped pair of green sunglasses. Thornton finishes her look with an underrated choice of New Balances, with the 650 high-top sneakers in a white and cream colorway, and her signature Louis Vuitton pouch that she brings to games.
Known for bringing retro, hip-hop vibes into her pre-game outfit, Monique Billings presents a bold pop of colors in this look. She wears an Axel Moto Jacket from Jagger & Stone, which is paired with a white pleated ATHLETA skirt for true throwback sports vibes. To match the classic sports styling, she also wears a pair of Reebok Question sneakers with yellow and purple details. Lastly, this Atlanta Dream player adds a pair of metallic, angular sunglasses to finish her look.
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
