The Most Stylish Athletes On And Of The Field

Athletes have always used fashion as a way of self-expression and individualism—and as of late, the connection between sports and fashion has only grown stronger. Designers are using tunnel walks as runways, dressing top athletes ahead of games, and then inviting them to sit front row at their shows during Fashion Month. We have been seeing more athletes transitioning into primary luxury fashion players, getting invites to the Met Gala, walking in Paris Fashion Week, and collaborating on collections with designers like Jacquemus. It begs the question: what exactly makes an athlete stand out in the world of fashion?

Ahead, we've rounded up the athletes who have stood out amongst the rest, and take fashion seriously both on and off the court.

Naomi Osaka not only is the youngest U.S. Open finalist in almost a decade, but she has also garnered a reputation as one of the most stylish—both on and off the court. She frequently tells a story through her clothing and often pays homage to her Japanese heritage in an artful way. She pushes boundaries with each outfit she wears and is stepping right into the fashion path that tennis icons like Serena Williams have paved the way for.

Stefon Diggs is one of the NFL's most prominent style icons. What sets him apart is that he handpicks all of his outfits, unlike many other who tap a stylist for support. He uses fashion as a form of self-expression and sets trends for other players on the field. You can spot the star sitting front row during Fashion Month, in looks where he experiments with different silhouettes, color combos, and layering.

Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee is one of the most recent athletes to venture into the world of fashion—and she certainly knows what she is doing. Her style is understated and classic, and she loves a structured silhouette. She's been seen wearing couture designer Andrew Kwon and a classic tweed Chanel suit as of late, both of which show her affinity for tailored jackets and pants.

Basketball player or off-duty model? If you didn't know anything about Devin Booker other than his fashion, you might think he was the latter. The NBA player has gone through a style evolution since his first draft and has become known for his outfits that blend high fashion with streetwear. To our delight, Booker completely understands the power of quality over quantity.

Jordan Clarkson jumps between the tunnel and the runway with ease, with style that's both creative and perfectly unpredictable. He credits his personal style with his love for fashion, which started at a young age. His style is the most versatile we've seen in the NBA, ranging from skirts to extremely oversized clothes, and we're loving every bit of it.

Skylar Diggins' most fashionable moments are typically seen in the tunnel before a WNBA game. She is an expert at layering pieces that you wouldn't think go together—but when Diggins throws them on, viola! She typically pairs her outfits with archival handbags from designers like Chanel and Céline. Her ability to bring a fresh take on timeless pieces has cemented her as one of the most fashionable women in the WNBA.

Jackson Irvine has been called soccer's "hipster king" and for good reason. He incorporates vintage sportswear into his everyday outfits, elevating them with tailored slacks or standout accessories. His love for music and, of course, soccer is incorporated into his personal style on and off the field, with jerseys, Sambas, and his iconic mustache making a frequent appearance.