Madness in March: Women’s College Basketball Fashion
Courtesy of NBC News
By Abby Adamo
Women’s college basketball has become quite the topic of conversation this March as players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have revolutionized the game with their skill and competitiveness. Because of this, their games are recording record numbers of viewership and receiving attention from the press like never before. While the talent and rivalry of the players are the main focus, the fashion choices of players and coaches must not be overlooked.
Coaches like Kim Mulkey and Dawn Staley break the stereotypical idea of what a coach should wear and push the boundaries of fashion on the sidelines. Kim Mulkey is known for glitter, feathers, and genuinely any fashion choice you can think of as in each game her outfit is eye-catching and unique. Through her fashion choices, she has contributed to the buzz over women's basketball and has made a name for herself in the industry. While her outfits may receive some criticism for being unprofessional or too flashy, she is unfazed by the media and continues to outdo herself each game. On the other end of the fashion spectrum, coach Dawn Staley rocks street style and designer brands on the sideline of her team, University of South Carolina, games. Bomber jackets, matching tracksuits, sweaters, etc. make up her wardrobe and you would imagine her outfits on the streets of New York City, nevertheless on the court of a basketball game. Both of these women stray from the typical idea of a coach wearing some form of pantsuit on the sidelines and have revolutionized women's basketball in their way through their fashion self-expression.
While the players have to be in strict uniform on the court, they still find ways to express their taste in fashion through accessorizing and subliminal fashion choices. Angel Reese plays each game for LSU with one full-leg sleeve, matching her uniform, along with a Nike headband in the same color. This has become her signature look, whether intentional or not, and, when fans watch a game, they are promised this look by Reese. Paige Bueckers, another big name for women's college basketball, plays every game in a slick ponytail with two French braids in the front. While this isn't necessarily a fashion choice as it doesn't involve clothing, it has become a way for her to reveal her taste and preferences when it comes to expressing herself. In a similar sense, Caitlin Clarke plays every game in a ponytail with a thin piece of pre-wrap. Hair is a valuable and important aspect of the uniform as players don't have much freedom for what can be worn clothing-wise. It is with that in mind that I mention players' hairstyles as it is the easiest way for players to express themselves and can be considered part of their overall look and game fashion.
Despite all this frenzy over these players’ and coaches' fashion, their fashion choices are a minor part of what they have done for the sport of basketball. We must commend these women for their bravery to express themselves in front of so many critical eyes as women's basketball is still subject to much hate due to sexism in our society. It is their love for the game and confidence in themselves that has taken women's basketball to new heights and I can not wait to see what the future has in store for women in this sport.