WNBA fashionistas showcase their styles at the draft with spotlight on women’s hoops

NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark. Cameron Brink. Kamilla Cardoso. Angel Reese.

All stepped into the glaring spotlight of Monday night’s WNBA’s draft having faced the challenge essentially every woman can identify with: wearing just the right outfit for a special occasion.

When a woman finds what she wants, it’s not a question of whether alterations are needed, but how much. The taller the woman, the bigger the challenge.

This draft, thanks to Clark and others, more people should be watching than ever before.

“There’s never been a bigger spotlight on women’s basketball, thanks in large part to players like Caitlin Clark and coaches like Dawn Staley,” Rose Minutaglio, ELLE senior editor of features and special projects, wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

That makes it the perfect time for a fashionable splash just like NFL and NBA players do on their draft nights. Last year, Taylor Hendricks of UCF wore a pink suit with the jacket lined with photos representing his journey to the NBA and the people who meant the most to him.

From left to right, LSU’s Angel Reese, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and Stanford’s Cameron Brink pose for a photo before the WNBA basketball draft.
“With more eyes on the league, players recognize the opportunity to showcase their personalities through their style,” Minutaglio said. “Because of glaring pay discrepancies, fashion partnerships and brand sponsorships will continue to play a big role for female athletes.”

Staley and her South Carolina Gamecocks’ victory over Clark and Iowa in the women’s national championship game outdrew the men in television ratings, and this is shaping up to be the WNBA’s most-watched draft.

The 6-foot-1 Clark was joined in New York by the 6-7 Cardoso, 6-5 Brink and 6-3 Reese, among others. They’ve been busy since the NCAA Tournament, too, especially Clark, who made a surprise appearance on “Saturday Night Live.”

Clark went with a white jacket and skirt with a sparkly cut-off top, sunglasses and black heels. She credited having people help her prepare keeping it less stressful.

“The first time Prada has ever dressed a male or female for WNBA or NBA draft so pretty cool,” Clark said during the WNBA’s livestream from its orange carpet.

Stanford’s Cameron Brink is escorted off the state after being selected second overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA draft.
Brink and Reese wore outfits that wouldn’t be out of place during Fashion Week or a red carpet in Hollywood. Brink wore a diagonal black and white dress showing off both shoulders with a slit exposing her right leg.