Women’s Basketball Is on Fire—and So Are the Looks
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The spotlight on women’s basketball is shining brighter than ever right now. Earlier this month, when the South Carolina Gamecocks faced off against the Iowa Hawkeyes for the national championship, the game was watched by an average of 18.9 million viewers, making it the most-viewed college basketball game ever recorded by ESPN—men’s or women’s.
With the sport's growing popularity, we’re seeing excitement surrounding the players' skill and power, but also their style and inspiring attitudes. At the 2024 WNBA Draft on Monday night, many top picks chose seriously cool looks that felt notably sexier and more fierce than those we've seen in the last couple of years. These women know they’re worthy of the same respect and adoration as their male counterparts, and it’s thrilling to see that confidence translate to their clothes through body-hugging silhouettes, sharp tailoring, and bold cutouts.
Just look at Caitlin Clark, who experienced a number of firsts that night. Not only was she selected by the Indiana Fever as the first pick in the draft, but she also became the first WNBA or NBA player ever to be dressed by Prada for a draft event. Her look, a skirt set in white satin, was given a saucy twist when she left the top hanging open to reveal a rhinestone mesh bandeau top underneath.
Then there was Angel Reese, who stunned in a shimmering backless, hooded Bronx and Banco gown with a plunging neckline. Apparently, the look was a buzzer beater decision. “I got this two days ago," she told the Associated Press. “My original dress didn't fit.”
All across the red carpet, the court stars played up their sensuality in a strikingly empowering way, from the super-high slit on Cameron Brink’s two-tone dress to Nika Muhl’s navel-baring set that allowed her to display her sparkly belly button piercing.
Rickea Jackson ended up switching her outfit halfway through the night, changing from a bright red jumpsuit with three-dimensional details into a dazzling silver pantsuit with a matching bra top underneath. Then we have Aaliyah Edwards, who carried a cheeky diamond-covered basketball-shaped mini clutch, while wearing a white dress with a fringe detail that seemed to wink to the current cowboy trend.
These winning looks aren't necessarily about the flash, but rather the fierceness. The WNBA athletes are engaging with their visibility in a way that we haven’t quite seen before. They’re dunking on traditional modes of off-court dress by playing with trends while still embracing their singular styles and just simply having fun. If this shift is a sign of more inspiring off-court style to come once the season begins on May 14, we’re hoping the shot clock doesn’t run out.
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