More Personality, Less Polish
Unlike the Oscars or Golden Globes, where actors are often styled to project a specific image for a campaign or to fit a couture mold, athletes at the ESPYs dress for themselves. Their careers aren't defined by a critic’s review of a film but by points
scored and records broken. This creates a palpable sense of freedom on the red carpet. The dress code is famously fluid, described as a fashion free-for-all since its inception in 1993. This encourages personal expression over industry-approved polish. The result is a vibrant mix of streetwear-inspired suits, audacious color choices, and custom pieces that reflect an athlete's personal brand, not a stylist's strategic vision for awards season. It's less about playing a part and more about celebrating who they are off the court or field.
The Power of the Physique
Hollywood style often aims to create a specific, slender silhouette. Athlete style, however, celebrates a different kind of body—one built for power, speed, and endurance. Instead of hiding muscle, ESPYs fashion often highlights it. We see strapless gowns that emphasize powerful shoulders and high slits that show off toned legs. Last year, skier Lindsey Vonn's minimalist gown featured a dramatic slit that quietly emphasized the strength of her comeback physique. This embrace of athletic form leads to different and more dynamic silhouettes than you'd typically see on other red carpets. Gymnasts like Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles have worn gowns that play with structure and form in ways that complement their powerful frames, rather than trying to conform to a traditional couture ideal.
A Different Relationship with Luxury
The definition of luxury is different in the world of sports. While Hollywood leans on heritage fashion houses, athletes are often at the nexus of high fashion and high-performance streetwear. This is the world that gave us the Air Jordan phenomenon, a collaboration that revolutionized both sports and fashion. On the ESPYs red carpet, it’s not uncommon to see a custom suit paired with pristine, high-end sneakers, or a look that blends a luxury label with an athletic brand. For example, Simone Biles famously wore a custom Athleta gown designed by Zac Posen, a look inspired by her favorite comfortable T-shirt—a perfect blend of personal comfort and high glamour. This fusion feels modern and authentic, reflecting how many people dress in their own lives: mixing high and low, comfort and style.
The Freedom from 'For Your Consideration'
Perhaps the biggest difference is the pressure—or lack thereof. For actors, awards season is the final leg of a marathon campaign. Their red-carpet choices are part of a broader strategy to be seen as serious, elegant, and worthy of a vote. Athletes, on the other hand, arrive at the ESPYs with their victories already secured on the field of play. The celebration is about tangible achievements, not subjective industry approval. This absence of campaigning pressure fosters a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere. The fashion risks can be greater because the professional stakes are lower. When an athlete tries a wild suit or a daring dress, it's a celebration of personal style, not a calculated career move. This freedom makes the ESPYs red carpet a more genuine and, ultimately, more exciting style showcase.
