Sparkles, Lace & a Whole Lotta Muscle On the ESPYs Red Carpet
EntertainmentWhy don’t sports events have red carpets more often? Wednesday night’s ESPYs was a blast to look through, and not just because the most prominent trend was glittery, sparkly, splashy sequined gowns. The amount of physically strong, happy looking athletic idols on the photo line was inspiring, and their clear confidence trickled down to their outfits. One more time: congratulations to the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team! You’re all champions.
Kylie Jenner, there to support Caitlyn, did my absolute favorite trend for fall, the sequined turtleneck, gussying the buttoned up nerd staple for a luxe take on librarian gone wild. Dior made my favorite, in silver, with a much higher neck; this one’s Shady Zeineldine, and a little bit more of a mockneck. Soccer pro Hope Solo followed suit, covering her arms in an elegant gunmetal grey; I will refrain from making a goalie pun about how this outfit scores.
Rocsi Diaz was a little less demure, breaking up the dazzle with a sheath of a neckline, and pro surfer Stephanie Gilmore went for simplicity, which I love in this Grecian silvery number.
Britney Spears, notable patron of groceries, brought some old-world, ‘30s showgirl glam in a beaded Davidson Zanine, while Carli Lloyd, superstar of the Women’s World Cup, celebrated her win like a queen in a long, beaded inky gown with a train.
Model Hannah Davis really broke out one of the best sequin numbers there, a shimmering Mikael D runway piece with what looks like a reptile snaking down the front. Gorgeous. Jessica Alba’s color is definitely iridescent cream, though the angle of this shot makes the neckline seem dog-eared. Hmm.
Soccersplosion! These three athletes are real winners (see, I couldn’t help it) in these great looks, all of which use minimalism and clever cutting to prove a point. Christen Press is showing the Hollywood stars how to utilize a cut-out dress without looking like a trend victim—that subtle slit really makes it—while Megan Rapinoe looks like a really chic Chicago gallerist in Prabal Gurung. Side hustle, maybe? I saw like eight googly-eyed tabloid posts about Sidney Leroux’s abs, which yes, are impressive—she’s a professional athlete, what do you want—but I would also like to commend her on really working minimalist crop-top chic in a very upscale and classy (Hervé Léger) way on the carpet, both dressed for the occasion but not so fussy she’s not gonna forgo a good time.
Mo’ne Davis is a star in the making, and her red carpet style supports it—the lovely white origami dress is very Viktor & Rolf, and her baby hairs are the perfect touch. Micha Hancock, a Penn State student athlete, went more Hollywood glamour in a very pretty navy gown, good for summer.
I cannot gush enough over this Ronda Rousey photo, not particularly because I’m in love with her dress (though it suits her), but because of the way she is standing, feet wide, strong legs, not afraid to strike a commanding pose and take up space. In a world where most red carpet flicks feature withering model types with one leg crossed across the other in hopes that their silhouettes will shrink, it’s fucking great to see someone staking some claim on their surroundings. Claim that carpet, Ronda Rousey! OWN IT! BODYSLAM THAT RED CARPET!
At right, pro snowboarder/Dancing with the star Amy Purdy is also showing that damn carpet what the hell time it is, in a gorgeous sheer-and-crystal party dress and strappy sandals.