The Style Experts

Athletes were evaluated for more than simply how they dress, but how they wear it, where they wear it and why they wear it. Designer collaborations, attendance at fashion shows, social media presence, investment in fashion, endorsements and other partnerships were all considered. The below panel of stylists, executives, models, journalists and other influencers in the fashion industry worked with SI’s Jamie Lisanti to help shape the list.

 

Rachel Johnson

CEO and stylist, Thomas Faison Agency

Brandon Williams

Athlete stylist and creative director

Kesha McLeod

Stylist and brand consultant, KMCME

Walt "Clyde" Frazier

Former NBA player and style icon

Faye Penn

Executive editor, InStyle

Sharon Kanter

Deputy Style Director, People




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MARCEDES LEWIS

Jacksonville Jaguars | NFL

The Jaguars tight end is the king of layering and he's a pro when it comes to mixing basics with a few statement pieces. His signature is definitely a snapback or baseball cap—our favorite one is the "Resting, Dressing & Finessing" hat—but he also excels in tuxedos and formal wear without one.

(Credit: Courtesy of Jeremiah Lazo)


“Whether it’s bomber jackets, slim pants or fitted tees, he makes everything fit his 6’ 5” stature.”



Russell Wilson

Seattle Seahawks | NFL

With his wife Ciara by his side, Wilson has become a staple on red carpets and fashion events and he's usually sporting a perfectly tailored, dark-toned suit with subtle design details and patterns. His off-duty style is typically a laidback layered look, always complemented with a solid pair of shades.

(Credit: Brian Ach/Getty Images)


“From Calvin Klein to Armani, this quarterback doesn’t shy away from leading the style on his team.”



CARMELO ANTHONY

New York Knicks | NBA

It’s been over a decade since Melo entered the league and he’s come a long way in the NBA style game. He’s smart when it comes to tailoring, choosing slim suits and pants. And, no matter what outfit he decides to wear, you can always count on him to rock a flashy, statement-making hat.

(Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images)


“Whether he's rocking a fur trapper hat or a three-piece suit, Melo exudes a wicked level of confidence.”




Bryce Harper

Washington Nationals | MLB

Harper’s hair might be his distinguishing look, but don’t sleep on his style. The 24-year-old usually keeps it casual, but when he does dress up, his choices are clean and simple, and his suits are always well tailored.

(Credit: Joey Terrill/MLB Photos/Getty Images)



SKYLAR DIGGINS-SMITH

Dallas Wings | WNBA

Skylar’s headband has become her signature (and superstitious) look on the court. But when she’s not in athletic wear, you can find her leading the way for fashion in the WNBA. Her self-described “tomboy chic” style mixes athleisure pieces with jeans and blazers, but she also pulls off sleek, sophisticated red carpet looks with ease.

(Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)


“A basketball player who looks like a movie star, Skylar Diggins-Smith is clearly having a ball with fashion, moving seamlessly from gala glam to edgy athleisure looks.”



P.K. SUBBAN

Nashville Predators | NHL

On his fashion inspirations: “My style is true to who I am and definitely different than everyone else’s style. I’m always looking for things that are uncommon and unique. But my mom and my sister, Natasha, they have great style. And my celebrity fashion icon is definitely Michael Jackson in the 1980s.”

(Credit: Harry How/Getty Images)




Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers | NFL

Cam’s fashion choices have certainly earned him the title of “Most Meme’able” style. From his matching floral set at Coachella to his eggplant-colored Versace tux at the 2017 Met Gala, he’ll always bring something you won’t expect—and he’ll top it all off with that distinctive hat and a sweet pair of shades.

(Credit: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images)


“Zany, crazy and yes, even a little cool, this QB's extremely uninhibited and totally audacious fashion choices are practically as celebrated as his stats.”



Misty Copeland

Ballet dancer for American Ballet Theatre

Ballet has certainly influenced Copeland’s style, which she likes to describe as “casual elegance.” In order to find clothes that fit her proportions and flatter her 5’ 2” frame, she often asks a tailor to alter pieces so she can complete an outfit.

(Credit: Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic/Getty Image)


“Defying conventions is Copeland’s specialty—after all, she is the first African-American principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre—and she’s done just that by expanding her Under Armour activewear collection this year. Her red carpet choices are equally on point.”



Tom Brady

New England Patriots | NFL

The five-time Super Bowl champion isn't just an UGG ambassador—Brady's style prowess extends beyond his brand partnerships. You'll see him wearing Tom Ford designs and tailored suits at fashion events and red carpets around the world, usually alongside his supermodel wife.

(Credit: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)


“Tom Brady’s love of clothes—especially Tom Ford—comes through from the airport to the red carpet. From body-skimming sweaters to perfect suits, Brady consistently scores.”




Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid | Soccer

Sleek, slim and sharp are the three words that encompass the Portuguese footballer’s sought-after style. He already has four FIFA Ballon d’Or awards, 21 trophies and hundreds of goals on his resume, but Ronaldo is also a designer. He recently launched a new CR7 denim range for ultra-active lifestyles, so you too can wear his signature skinny-fit, distressed denim look.

(Credit: CR7 Footwear/Getty images)


“Ronaldo's style has versatility for miles, but he’s at his best in a leather jacket, t-shirt and denim.”



Maria Sharapova

WTA Tennis

When she's not in a sporty look for a workout session, Sharapova chooses simple but stylish pieces with clean lines and muted colors. On the red carpet, she opts for bold, powerful pieces that complement her 6' 2" frame. No matter what, Sharapova dresses for the occasion and seems to draw inspiration from the city she's in.

(Credit: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)


“Everything looks great on model-athlete Maria Sharapova, who's lately been acing the elusive art of casual cool street style.”



Andre Iguodala

Golden State Warriors | NBA

On why fashion is important: “What are you most comfortable in? That’s what’s most important. In everything you do, you represent yourself, your family and your brand. This is the business that we’re in and everyone’s watching. It was instilled in me from a young age. You have school clothes, you have church clothes, you have play clothes. It was laid out like that the way I grew up. So whatever perception you want people to have of you, you gotta show that.”

(Credit: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images)




Lewis Hamilton

Formula One driver

On who inspires his style: “As a kid I was heavily influenced by hip-hop. Tupac is my favorite artist and he had mad style when he was alive. But if there’s anybody, Pharrel has really been a style icon for me. He’s never shied away from doing something quite bold. He doesn’t really care what other people think, he just goes his own way with it. And I love that.” Read more

(Credit: Courtesy of Hugo Boss)



Dwyane Wade

Chicago Bulls | NBA

On his must-have piece of clothing: “Joggers. I have so many pairs. I can dress it up or down. I don’t wear a specific brand, I’m all over the board. But it has to be a tighter, ribbed bottom, so I can pull it up over my sneakers. And they have to be stylish—not the dad ones. I’m a dad, but I don’t want dad joggers.Read more

(Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)



Henrik Lundqvist

New York Rangers | NHL

On fashion in the NHL: “It's a big difference now than 12 years ago when I got here. Hockey is very old school and traditional thinking when it comes to everything around the game. When I first got into the league, I remember all of the older guys, they were making fun of my suits, my skinny ties and my skinny jeans. Now it's changing a little bit with the younger guys—they care a little more about fashion.” Read more

(Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)




LeBron James

Cleveland Cavaliers | NBA

The King is known for his sartorial expertise—we remember the cream turtleneck and jacket he wore for his 2016 Sportsperson of the Year cover shoot—but recently, LeBron has been rocking a more casual style on the NBA’s pre-game tunnel runway, with bleached jeans, hats and a layered look. Either way, he owns it.

(Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)


“I'd call LeBron omnipotent. When you see his body, he’s like Adonis.”



Roger Federer

ATP tennis

An 18-time Grand Slam champion, 35-year-old Federer keeps getting better with age. His timeless style extends to his looks on and off the court, but he really excels in classic pieces, such as blazers and slim suits. Lately, he's been taking risks with these staples, adding in different fabrics, textures and designs, including a Gucci tuxedo with an embroidered crystal king cobra at the 2017 Met Gala.

(Credit: Courtesy of Rolex)



Serena Williams

WTA Tennis

On her pregancy style: “I definitely plan to remain stylish and wear heels throughout the pregnancy. I'm really looking forward to making a statement by showing the bump off. I am proud of my body and want my clothing to reflect that. If anything, I hope that I'll be even more stylish during pregnancy than I normally am!”

(Credit: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images For Entertainment Weekly)


“Strong isn’t just sexy, it’s incredibly chic in Serena Williams’ case. Power is her style statement, and everything flows from that.”




Victor Cruz

Chicago Bears | NFL

On how his style has evolved: “I’ve been in the safe zone. I’ve cemented my style and what I like—the baseball jackets, t-shirts, the suits. Now it’s time to experience new things and go outside the box a little bit. Create looks people wouldn’t think I would wear. It’s about being able to let people judge you a little bit.”

(Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)


Crowning

the

Fashion King





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Russell Westbrook

Oklahoma City Thunder | NBA

“My mom has been a big inspiration because from Day 1 she always made sure I was up to date on fashion, even though we weren’t always able to afford everything. She always made sure that I was looking fresh.” Read more

(Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)


“He’s the most provocative, eccentric, enigmatic dresser and player in the NBA.”