Analyzing two guards with undeniable on-court energy and bold pre-game fashion.

Entering the WNBA Semi-Finals, the energetic players of the Las Vegas Aces will meet the dynamic players of the Seattle Storm. Playing for the Las Vegas Aces, guard Sydney Colson presents an interesting matchup with the Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd. As two players with high-speed skills and an undeniable presence, several vital differences influence how they show their styles, on and off the court. Colson’s bright personality is reflected in her pre-game photos’ big smiles, bold poses, and eye-catching color choices. Loyd’s cool demeanor contrasts her blasé approach to pre-game photos and neutral color choices. 

While Colson entered the WNBA in 2011, Loyd joined the league during the 2015 WNBA draft. Colson’s seniority, in relation to Loyd’s career, influences how she supports her teammates and occasionally provides leadership during key moments. Although Loyd has garnered attention since she was drafted, she’s also proven to be a skilled team player who offers in-game reinforcements for the Seattle Storm’s Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. Colson and Loyd also have equally influential presences that extend beyond the game. Loyd’s pre-game outfit photos are widely shared across style-focused Instagram accounts, and Colson frequently goes viral on Twitter for her sense of humor and ability to speak her mind. 

Both guards have a robust, streetwear-inspired approach to dressing that introduces a contemporary twist on classic athletic swag. Colson and Loyd have worn some of the same pieces this season, like oversized basketball jerseys and baggy pants. Colson differentiates herself by adding a more mature touch to her pre-game outfits through accessories like tinted sunglasses. Colson generally wears brighter colors than Loyd’s neutral color palette, but Loyd always rocks flashy pairs of sneakers from her impressive collection. Comparing these two players at different points in their notable careers is difficult, but the latest Semi-Finals Style Matchup analyzes their extremely cool approaches to dressing. 

Matching Sweat Sets vs. Clashing Shorts Combos 

During the season, Colson’s go-to outfit for pre-game tunnel walks is matching sweatsuit sets. She’s been spotted in colorful variations with shorts and sweatpants, typically paired with subtle sneaker choices. Unlike other players who opt for more complex outfits, Colson stands out for wearing entire outfits in a single, eye-catching color. This guard infuses athletic swag into her sweatsuit sets through accessories like glasses, sports team caps, and hoop earrings. As a well-known jokester within the league and on the internet, Colson constantly flashes a bright, toothy smile in her pre-game photos.  

While Loyd has exhibited a strong style in her pre-game outfits, she frequently opts for a more casual look. Wearing a cool, typically basketball-related, graphic T-shirt and basketball shorts, Loyd brings out her boldest color and patterns with this classic combination. As a younger player in the league, Loyd frequently reps newer shorts brands like Ryoko Rain and Carlamar Jackson. Signing with Nike, she matches her shorts with a coordinating pair of rare Nike sneakers. Although this guard occasionally wears surprising color combinations, her look is extremely streamlined. 

Sporty Spice Swag vs. Star Athlete Swag 

To reflect Colson’s passion for the game, she’s worn multiple sports-inspired outfits with basketball jerseys. Colson has a generally streetwear-inspired approach to fashion, with baggier silhouettes and cool pairs of pants and shorts. But, Colson also has a more fun side that occasionally comes through in her style, as seen in Sporty Spice-like outfits with platform heels. Reflecting her versatile on-court presence, Colson also switches up her pre-game fashion to include more dramatic looks. While Colson styles herself, she has also worked with stylist Amadi Brooks to build some of her most eye-catching outfits. 

Working with stylist Sydney Bordonaro, Loyd elevates her athletic fashion by pulling inspiration from skateboarding style and mobster movie characters. An overall sense of toughness guides her fashion for this season and her in-game performance. Although Loyd wears many brightly colored sneakers, her clothing choices tend to be pretty neutral-colored. The Seattle Storm player stands out for the variety of unconventional materials she’s worn throughout this season, which include a shiny puffer vest, slick leather pants, and printed button-up shirts. 

Both guards have a strong approach to streetwear-inspired dressing that introduces a contemporary twist to classic athletic swag. Colson and Loyd wear similar core pieces, which include oversized basketball jerseys and baggy pants. But Colson adds a more mature touch to her outfits through her choice of accessories like colorful tinted sunglasses and less flashy sneakers than Loyd. Loyd matches her outfits with rare pairs of sneakers, boasting one of the most impressive sneaker collections in the WNBA and a growing relationship with Nike Basketball. It’s hard to make direct comparisons with each of these impressive guards at different points of their careers, but this Semi-Finals Style Matchup analyzes their equally cool approaches to dressing: 

Tight Abstract Prints vs. Patterned Breezy Fits 

With a positive presence, it’s fitting that Colson builds outfits around bold yellow, green, and orange pieces. She also gravitates toward unusual silhouettes through slouchy knits, tight mesh tops, and long, oversized jerseys. Colson has matched her clothing with coordinating pairs of tinted glasses in several pre-game outfits. Although Colson keeps up with the latest trends in fashion, there’s still a sense of maturity in her outfits. Overall, Colson oozes confidence and comfort in every outfit she wears, even if they’re in fluorescent colors or mind-boggling patterns.

While Loyd always goes viral on social media for her pre-game outfits, she always carries herself with robust and laid-back energy. She has a naturally calm aura, reflected in her choice of structured trucker jackets, crisp button-up shirts, and tons of strategic layering. Wearing many loose and oversized silhouettes, Loyd looks breezy in all her tunnel photos without having to strike a pose. Loyd’s strong reputation for style doesn’t include much accessorizing– apart from a few rubber bracelets, Loyd doesn’t have any staple pieces that appear from outfit to outfit. 

Always Bringing the Energy vs. Dynamic Energy Under Pressure 

Noted as one of the league’s best teammates, Colson helps hype up her team on and off the court. She has an undeniable locker room presence, offering support to her team through humor and energetic cheering on the sidelines. When playing for the Las Vegas Aces, Colson will go the extra mile to make fast passes or rush for loose balls. As a veteran player in the league, Colson also stands out for her leadership skills and knowing balance being hilarious on Twitter with being a professional athlete. Colson doesn’t wear many accessories during games besides a black athletic headband. 

Establishing her presence on the Seattle Storm, Loyd has proven to be an essential player during critical game moments. With her dynamic playing style, she’ll often score the final points during the last minute of the game and perform some of the sleekest steals. Loyd doesn’t add too many modifications to her standard uniform, but her personal style is still apparent in her choice of footwear. Recently, Loyd has been spotted in her colorway of Kyrie Low 5 Community sneakers, which marks another significant milestone for the impressive player. 

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.