The W in Designer '23: Flyest Fits of the Finals
Keeping fans on the edge of their seats with exciting games during the Finals, the 2023 season has officially ended with another Championship title for the Las Vegas Aces. While the on-court action might have overshadowed the fashion spotted at each game, there were courtside appearances and storytelling details that made this season even more memorable. Fans present at each game could spot current players showing their support, former players cheering on the current legends-in-the-making, and various celebrities from coast to coast.
While the players were more focused on their performance, the attendees elevated their style with intentional messaging: signaling the fall season with chunky cardigans strategically building connections with other women’s sports through graphic t-shirts and color coordination from head to toe. As the final round-up of the Flyest Fits of the 2023 season, “The W in Designer” is pleasantly surprised with how the league’s style ended on its highest note. While players and their stylists have revealed how style often takes the backseat when it’s time to focus on the game, it leaves room for the game attendees to take their outfits more seriously. Even in the season’s final moments and post-win celebration, the Las Vegas Aces applied their slogan of “Raising the Stakes” and inspired everyone to raise their style.
After this season, it’s confirmed– Satou Sabally might be one of the sweetest players with an even sweeter, candy-colored approach to her style. Showing up to Game 1 of the Finals in a Nina Chanel x Timberland men’s graphic cardigan, Sabally pays homage to her time playing with the Oregon Ducks with a pink version of the standard uniform. Pairing the jersey with a light pink skirt and a limited edition “Poise Peach” version of Antoine Manning’s Homage Year Minimini purse, Satou takes to Instagram to share her excitement about seeing her sister, Nyara Sabally, play.
With a hot streak of winning multiple championships, fans were thrilled to see Candace Parker appear courtside with her team during the Finals. Although a foot surgery prevented her from playing, Parker amplified her presence during Game 1 with a brightly-colored matching set from Palm Angels. The “Palmity” allover print on her button-up shirt and loose pants provides a relaxing mindset amid an intense season. After continuing her partnership with Adidas through the season, Parker wears a pair of sneakers with an orange and purple gradient, which may hint at new products.
During each Finals game, former WNBA stars supported current players by attending games and posing for photos. Sheryl Swoopes appeared at Game One looking as fly as ever with a white graphic t-shirt and loose silk pants in a green color. She expertly pairs her gold hoop earrings with stacks of jewelry on her neck and wrists, which draws attention to her extra-long manicure. When Swoopes is present during the first Finals game, it hints at the excitement that would unfold before the Championship.
Flea and Melody Ehsani
While Flea and Melody Ehsani are typically spotted courtside at Lakers games, they appeared at Game Two. This celebrity couple has a well-documented history of coordinating outfits for each game, and they transform that energy into chic, matching sets. Flea wears a Homme Plissé Issey Miyake Technical-pleated suit, while Ehsani wears a brown set with feather details. Apart from giving A’ja Wilson a shout-out on Instagram, Ehsani (and Flea) make a surprising decision to forgo their typical Jordans for multicolored pairs of A Bathing Ape’s Bape Sta Low sneakers.
Most hardcore WNBA fans were probably looking for Sue Bird, who appeared courtside during multiple games in the Finals. Although her outfit for Game Three was more lowkey with a cream-colored T-shirt from the Gotham FC Shop, a black cardigan, crisp brown pants, and chunky black loafers, it sends a strong message about unity across women’s sports. Raising attention towards Ali Krieger, a recently retired soccer player, sports fans on Twitter noticed that both Megan Rapinoe and Bird coordinated their shirts amid both of their sports’ busy seasons.
Although Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon was focused on more important things than her outfits during Game Three and Four, she’s the champion of styling her blazers. Take some inspiration from Hammon’s signature look, where she wears a zip-up hoodie under a blazer to bring an athletic twist to a professional piece. While this combination is a little unconventional, Hammon adds other details like a variety of cross necklaces or matching her team’s colors to really own her look. She eliminates the need for additional elements to her outfit, a symbolic reminder to stay focused on what matters the most.
While no one is too surprised by A’ja Wilson being recognized as this year’s MVP, the post-win swag that Nike prepared was a jaw-dropper. With a bold slogan of “M’VPeriodt,” Nike’s designers nailed a simple T-shirt that perfectly captures Wilson’s personality throughout the season. The font on her shirt also matches the text printed on the side of the Las Vegas Aces’ goggles, which read “What’s Won in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.” If anything, Wilson’s swag after this Championship game raises the bar for future MVPs and winners for future seasons.
