It matters less how you look on the court, but off the court, players better show up and show out. The WNBA Draft and pregame photoshoots are opportunities for players to show personality and identity. Momentum is seemingly at an all-time high as the spotlight on individual players grows. Professional Basketball Player is not the only job title for the people in the WNBA now; it’s also ‘Style Icon.’

As the league evolves, players are choosing to make more creative style choices than ever before. “Gone are the days of the stuffy pants suit or simple blouse and pencil skirt,” 

 the Los Angeles Times. A league that once pushed a traditionally feminine image for its players, the WNBA now embraces “androgynous fashion and streetwear alongside gowns, mini dresses and heels.”

And where better to get a sense of a player’s fashion sense and personality than in the WNBA draft? The draft allows the newest players to make a statement. To honor the league’s trend-setting legacy, 5wins highlights our five favorite WNBA draft looks:

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The white suit is a classic look, and Griner pulled it off when she signed with the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 draft. Her orange nails were also a subtle but clever nod to the league and its signature color. Fast-forward ten years, and Griner has become one of the league’s biggest fashion icons, inviting magazines into her home and closet and showcasing signature looks at marquee events like the Met Gala.

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In the 2023 draft, Haley Jones wore an all-green getup that served as somewhat of a crossover between a suit and a cutout dress. The look was designed by Sergio Hudson, who dressed Michelle Obama for Biden’s inauguration. Jones was praised for this look, not only because she slayed, but also because it connected her to something political – not an irregular occurrence for the WNBA.

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For the 2018 draft, Gabby Williams chose another classic look – a sleek jumpsuit – and pulled off the classy look. The red lipstick was a nice touch for an otherwise fashionably understated image. Williams went on to be featured in the WNBA’s “Flyest Fits of the Week” feature, in what would become her signature bold patterned shirts.

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At the 2023 draft, Zia Cooke stunned in a black evening gown with flowy, draping sleeves and a bedazzled chest design when she signed with the Los Angeles Sparks. The look, finished off with Chanel earrings, appeared to transform the 22-year old Cooke from a college student to a professional overnight.

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One of the more memorable looks from a WNBA draft was Amanda Zahui B.’s suspendered suit, polished off with a blue bowtie. Zahui B. has since disavowed the bowtie look, but it was certainly an iconic choice that made for an unforgettable draft appearance. Today, Zahui B. can be seen sporting bold prints and bright colors to go along with her bright reddish-pink hair.

A look back at the icon fashion that made the WNBA Draft 

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