The W in Designer: Flyest Fits of the Week (XI)
The WNBA players are pushing oversized purses, experimental designers, and iconic players in their pre-game outfits.
It was an exciting week for WNBA players to shine during key events like the Commissioner’s Cup Championship and ESPY awards. These opportunities remind fans of their skills, and the powerful energy behind these moments fuels their latest pre-game outfits. More players are gravitating towards independent brands. Whether mainstream sports culture understands their style or not, these players are pros at making experimental pieces look extremely wearable.
The eleventh edition of “The W in Designer: Flyest Fits of the Week” became an accidental battle of the oversized bags, which places a spotlight on the important female accessory. Although it’s become more common for players of any gender to wear purses in their pre-game outfits, the WNBA players are pushing the public’s perception of what a bag can look like. With players also rocking oversized graphics, it presents strong examples of how to wear bold items without feeling overwhelmed. This week’s players also take a curated approach to selecting unconventional designer brands, indicating their intentional style approach.
After attending the ESPY Awards 2022 in a regal green outfit, Diamond DeShields isn’t slowing down with her pre-game outfits. This week, she wears a knee-length Black Tunic #31 Shirt from JAN-JAN VAN ESSCHE that is paired with Charm-Studded Mules from TOGA PULLA. She rocks an equally big Heron Preston Orange Canvas Duffle Bag and a heavy 1017 Alyx 9SM chain to balance the oversized top. While DeShields can introduce avant-garde pieces to sports fans naturally, she also pays homage to classic basketball player eyewear with clear Oakley glasses.
This isn’t the first time that Skylar Diggins-Smith wears a jersey backwards and it probably won’t be her last. Wearing a rare Kobe Bryant All-Star jersey from Mitchell & Ness, this pre-game outfit accurately reflects her game-changing on-court energy. As she continues to work with stylist Kristine Anigwe, Diggins-Smith wears items that are less obvious pairings with a basketball jersey: white Jadon Boots from Dr. Martens and small gold-rimmed sunglasses. Known for her serious approach to the game, the Phoenix Suns player also layers with a white button-up shirt and carries an eye-catching Logo-appliquéd PVC tote from MM6 Maison Margiela.
LA Sparks Guard Brittney Sykes embodies the summer vibes of Southern California through the bright colors of her outfit. Working with her brother, who styles under @styledbycoz, Sykes wears a Wu-Tang Clan Outer Space Muscle Tee from Urban Outfitters to show her love of “throwback vibes.” He mentions that the colorful fit is their version of “an early 90s look,” which explains Skyes’ classic Air Jordan 1 sneakers. This pre-game outfit also balances the old school athlete swag with contemporary details like a FAKE LOVE TRUCKER HAT by Homme + Femme, small sunglasses and an acai bowl.
The New York Liberty looked extra chic in pre-game pics, but Han Xu wins extra points with her strong Burberry-heavy fit. She rocks a pair of Vintage Check Cotton Sneakers and a Mini Two-tone Canvas and Leather Pocket Bag, without getting overshadowed by its branding. Wearing an open leather shirt and khaki shorts, Xu brings playfulness into an otherwise serious look by adding a tiny Burberry bear keychain. She has a discerning eye for designer brands– Xu also wears a Yellow Gold and Black Onyx Pendant Necklace from Van Cleef & Arpels.
Aerial Powers brings a runway-inspired look from LUAR and Jordan Brand into her pre-game tunnel outfit for this week. Wearing the brand’s iconic Ana bag in a Tres Leches shade, Powers seems really natural with its oversized dimensions. Working with stylist Kyle Luu, she also wears a leather coat from LUAR’s spring 2022 show and a pair of matching leather boots. To add a bit of classic sporty flair, she rocks a pair of Jordan leggings and a seamless, form-fitting top. The outfit not only exudes power, but also presents an elevated version of a classic athlete style.
Seattle Storm player Gabby Williams is skilled at showing off her passion for Sailor Moon in a stylish way. Wearing her Sailor Moon Woven Button-Up from Hot Topic over a red bustier, she balances the oversized graphic with a smaller top. Williams also rocks her denim shorts with the waistband slightly rolled down, which has been a popular look for this summer. This outfit also creates an opportunity to debut her new thigh tattoo of Akira from Devilman Crybaby. To coordinate with her button-up, she also wears a unique pair of adidas Pharrell x Hu NMD_S1 Ryat sneakers.
Several players have paid tribute to W legend Seimone Augustus through their fashion, but Katie Samuelson stands out for her relaxed, cool girl pre-game outfit. She wears a Seimone Augustus T-shirt from PWRFWD that features an image of Augustus’ 1999 Sports Illustrated cover. For a seasonal twist, the LA Sparks player pairs the plain T-shirt with super shredded light jeans and chunky white sneakers. Apart from a bright smile, she also accessorizes with a Sense Women’s Barrel Bag from PUMA that creates the perfect balance between sporty and chic vibes.
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.
