For many years, fashion wasn’t synonymous to basketball and vice-versa. Cagers were more known for their slamdunk moves rather than their sartorial savvy. Style was more the realm of models and entertainment stars.
But times have changed! The basketball arena has now become a runway with players donning swanky. Think Dwyane Wade with his colorful socks. Or Russell Westbrook in his funky outfits that only he can pull off.
Just like the miniskirt revolutionizing fashion, the turning point in the NBA came in 2005, when Commissioner David Stern instituted a dress code that stipulated players should wear a “business casual” attire every time they were “engaged in a team or league business.” The range of activities covered by “league business” turned out to be wide: all games (pre-game and post-game), press interviews and charity events throughout the season.
Since then, looking sloppy has become a “foul” in the NBA.
We sifted the Instagram accounts of some of the NBA’s best dressed, searched for their best looks and picked up a style tip or two that we are sharing here with you.
Amar’e Stoudemire: Keep it classy
Even in casual clothes, Miami Heat’s power forward likes to keep it elegant in a hoodie that’s the same color as his jogger pants, plus white shirt and immaculately white sneakers. A gold bracelet and a wristwatch provide that touch of class.
Carmelo Anthony: Be well-coordinated
NBA’s prolific scorer makes a perfect shot in this set of black jacket, white shirt, black jogger jeans and matching kicks. But the pièce de résistance is definitely the black cap with the powerful statement.
Dwyane Wayde: Try preppy elegance
Comfy is key for this dude who’s been included in the best dressed lists of both GQ and Esquire magazines. Here is Dwyane sporting a light lavender shirt with beige slacks, accented by printed bow tie from his own line of ties. Don’t forget to flash a winning smile a la Wade for that put-together look.
LeBron James: Go for made-to-measure
NBA Commissioner Stern would be so pleased that four-time MVP LeBron James is so impeccably dressed even off-court. The right fit is important especially in wearing a suit and King James does no wrong in this brown-colored ensemble.
Russell Westbrook: Personalize your style!
Perhaps no other NBA player today epitomizes fashion like Russ Wes. He dresses up as he pleases without the assistance of stylists. As a result, his looks range from minimalist to chic to downright crazy chic. Whatever he wears, his colorful personality always shines through. Without a doubt, this brody is hard to ignore.
Want to emulate these Fash Five? Swagger to the NBA store to check out the sporty and hip stuff that the iconic store offers. Get more ideas from the Project Runway Philippines NBA-inpsired episode on ETC that will have a replay tomorrow, Saturday, August 22 from 1-2 pm and on Sunday, August 23, 8-9 am. Catch fresh episodes of Project Runway Philippines on ETC every Sunday from 7-8 pm.
