The Best Looks at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend Are a Masterclass in Slam Dunk Styling
Our take
The convergence of high-performance athleticism and elevated style is rarely so elegantly displayed as it was at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend. Beyond the thrilling games and celebrations, the weekend showcased a masterclass in personal branding and intentional styling, particularly from players like A'ja Wilson, Azzi Fudd, and Paige Bueckers. It’s a moment that speaks volumes about the evolving intersection of sports, fashion, and celebrity influence, moving beyond mere endorsements to a space where athletes actively curate and define their own aesthetic narratives. This isn't just about looking good; it's about projecting confidence, power, and a distinct sense of self, mirroring the dedication and skill they bring to the court. The level of detail and thoughtfulness in their choices resonates with a growing audience that appreciates both athletic prowess and sophisticated personal style - a sensibility we’ve seen reflected in recent trends like Zendaya’s vintage Versace 'Spider-Man' Look Is Method-Meets-Naked Dressing [/post/zendaya-s-vintage-versace-spider-man-look-is-method-meets-na-cmrz8yydy08sfdjxxz6a3rpf5], showcasing a similar blend of iconic references and modern interpretation.
The shift we’re witnessing isn't solely about the athletes themselves, but also the brands and stylists who are increasingly collaborating to create these compelling visual stories. Gone are the days of generic athlete sponsorships; now, there's a genuine partnership focused on aligning with the individual’s personality and aesthetic vision. This meticulous approach elevates the entire experience, transforming the All-Star Weekend into a runway of sorts, with the players as the ultimate muses. It's a departure from the often-forced and inauthentic celebrity endorsements of the past, opting instead for a quieter, more impactful form of self-expression. We’re seeing a parallel shift in broader consumer consciousness, reflected in the recent surge of interest in accessories, as highlighted by the article Suddenly, Fashion People in London, NYC and Paris Are Elevating Their Outfits With This Sought-After Accessory [/post/suddenly-fashion-people-in-london-nyc-and-paris-are-elevatin-cmrz8y29e08q7djxxgx8p4t7n], demonstrating a desire for considered, meaningful additions to personal style. The WNBA players, in this context, are leading the charge, demonstrating how intentional styling can become an integral part of their professional identity.
The impact extends beyond the immediate visual appeal. The way these athletes present themselves communicates a different kind of power – one rooted in self-assuredness and authenticity. It’s a particularly poignant message in a landscape where women in sports are often scrutinized and objectified. Their choices subvert those narratives, demonstrating that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive, and that style can be a tool for empowerment. Consider the careful navigation of tradition and modernity we’ve also observed in the British Royal Family, as discussed in Princess Kate and Prince William Have a "Relatively Small Window to Shape" One Aspect of Prince George's Life, According to Royal Experts [/post/princess-kate-and-prince-william-have-a-relatively-small-win-cmrz8xz6x08pxdjxx4hzkz4hc], where curated appearances serve a complex purpose of upholding heritage while signaling forward-thinking values. The WNBA players are similarly using their style to shape their image and inspire a new generation.
Ultimately, the elevated styling at the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend signals a larger cultural shift. It underscores the growing recognition of athletes as multifaceted individuals with distinct personal brands, and the increasing sophistication of the fashion industry's approach to collaborating with them. As athletes continue to gain greater control over their narratives and the brands become more attuned to authentic partnerships, what previously felt like a niche trend may very well become the new standard, blurring the lines between the court, the runway, and the everyday lives of influential figures. The question now is: how will this heightened level of stylistic awareness translate into other areas of professional sports and beyond, and will we continue to see a celebration of individuality and self-expression as a core component of athletic identity?
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend officially begins on July 24, but even basketball's best athletes need to warm up. So, 36 hours before players Paige Bueckers, A'ja Wilson, and Azzi Fudd go head-to-head, they practiced serving red carpet looks at the welcome event.
While the All-Star Game will take over Chicago's United Center, the best of the WNBA initially rubbed elbows inside McCormick Place on July 23. Not everyone on Team Coop and Team Spoon (led by Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, respectively) RSVP'd "yes," however. Clark and Angel Reese reserved their style slam dunks for future step-and-repeats. (Perhaps their tunnel walks?) But plenty of athletes held down the fashion fort in their stead.
Team Coop captain Bueckers set high style expectations for her teammates: Stylist Jason Bolden (who was behind Nicole Kidman's and Gigi Hadid's 2026 Met Gala gowns) dressed the Dallas Wings guard in a two-piece pants set from Prada. Fudd matched her Wings teammate's effortlessly cool energy in a peekaboo bra, distressed jeans, and Coach's Tabby Bag.
Meanwhile, Wilson started the evening's naked trend in a corset dress from Rahul Mishra, complete with a transparent sheer skirt. Chicago Sky forward DiJonai Carrington won't play during Saturday's All-Star Game, but her semi-sheer catsuit deserves an honorary trophy for "Most Daring Look of the Weekend."
The 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend is just getting started. Ahead, see all the best looks from basketball's Met Gala. Be sure to bookmark this page, because Marie Claire will keep highlighting red carpet and tunnel walk serves until the final free throw.
A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
Former Marie Claire cover star is not one to turn down a naked dress. Last year, her vintage Mugler dress showed skin on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. This time around, the beaded skirt of her stunning LBD was see-through.
Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings)
Prada teamed up with Bueckers at the All-Star Weekend. She posed for photographers in a sleeveless cool blue button-down, khaki trousers, an ivory suit tie, and the white sneakers trend.
Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings)
In April 2026, Fudd wore custom Coach as the WNBA's No. 1 draft pick. For the All-Star Weekend, she returned to the brand. The athlete styled the Bella Hadid-beloved Tabby Bag with a leather bralette, a plaid blazer, distressed jeans, and pointy black pumps.
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
Bermuda shorts were the MVP at the start of the WNBA All-Star Weekend. Breanna Stewart picked a leather pair to complement her Public School New York blazer and Christian Louboutin loafers.
DiJonai Carrington (Chicago Sky)
Carrington followed Wilson's lead in a lacy black jumpsuit, which boasted see-through sleeves and form-fitting leggings. Oversized bangles and gold ankle-strap stilettos elevated the lingerie-adjacent look.
Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
Jackie Young sported similar Bermuda shorts and loafers on the Orange Carpet, swapping a button-down for a lacy bralette.
Flau'jae Johnson (Seattle Storm)
At the 2026 WNBA Draft, Flau'jae Johnson brought the drama in a black velvet gown and a carpet-sweeping fur stole. Fast forward a few months, and she stole the show again in a polka-dotted yellow look from L.A. label Bent Kahina. She accessorized with a Coach Tabby Bag.
Kahleah Cooper (Phoenix Mercury)
It wouldn't be a WNBA affair without some sneakers on the Orange Carpet. Kahleah Cooper's dressed down her textured suit with low-tops from Rick Owens.
Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream)
Allisha Gray's black barrel-leg pants played with proportions, just like her cropped shoulder-padded jacket, shield sunglasses, and bulky combat boots.
Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty)
The Bermuda shorts series continued once Jonquel Jones arrived. Black leather moto boots, a cropped white button-down, and a waist chain separated her take on the trend from her teammates'.
Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever)
Aliyah Boston's royal blue dress—which featured a high neck, waist cut-outs, and ruching atop her hips—paid tribute to her team colors, without being too on-the-nose.
Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries)
Gabby Williams turned heads in a leather bandeau top, a high-low skirt, and leather opera gloves, but her metallic accessories (especially her kisslock clutch and bracelets) went for gold.
Natasha Howard (Minnesota Lynx)
Natasha Howard twisted traditional suit styling on its head in a cropped, stand-collar jacket and matching pinstripe trousers. Even her two-tone loafers felt unconventional, thanks to white leather vamps.
Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics)
Kiki Iriafen isn't your average basketball star, so she couldn't attend the All-Star Weekend in an average LBD. Her strapless style boasted velvet paneling, semi-sheer lace sides, and feather trim from knee to hem.
Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks)
To put her own spin on the Bermuda shorts trend, Kelsey Plum paired a flared navy blue pair with a plunge top sculpted out of suit ties. The burgundy slingbacks added a pop of color.
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