Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky rookie, is no stranger to making headlines, and recently, it wasn't her on-court performance that grabbed attention, but her pregame outfit before a matchup against the Indiana Fever. The game, notable for Caitlin Clark's absence due to injury, became a backdrop for Reese's bold fashion statement, which quickly became a topic of discussion among WNBA fans, with many mocking the fit.
Reese arrived at the United Center sporting an all-black, high-gloss leather trench coat, tightly cinched at the waist. She completed the look with black stiletto boots. The focal point of the ensemble, however, was a dramatic fur hat that commanded immediate attention. The WNBA's official Twitter account shared a photo of Reese's arrival, captioning it "ANGEL REESE ARRIVES FOR ROUND 2 VS. INDY," igniting a flurry of reactions.
While some fans lauded her bold fashion sense, others were less impressed. One fan commented, "It's giving royalty, queen," while another quipped, "Girl acting like a fashion show or sum." Some critics suggested that Reese was prioritizing her appearance over her game, with one writing, "She cares more about her outfits and how she looks coming into the arena than how she plays on the court." Others simply found the outfit unappealing, with one fan stating, "Not my fav fits of hers, but she still serves!!!"
The criticism of Reese's outfit choices isn't a new phenomenon. Earlier this year, she faced backlash for a New Year's Eve outfit. The Chicago Sky player promoted the cover on X, writing: “COVERGIRL.” In a follow-up tweet, the WNBA star added: “I 'covered up' and gave y'all COVERGIRL [kiss emoji].” Some followers deemed that particular outfit "too revealing" and "not befitting of a professional athlete." In December 2024, she was criticized for wearing a see-through black top with cheetah-print shorts, with some fans calling it "inappropriate".
Despite the critics, Reese remains unapologetic about her fashion choices. She has stated that "It's always been both: basketball and fashion," noting that she's been interested in fashion since childhood. She told Vogue: “It's always been basketball and fashion. But I was a fashion girlie from young too... I was always in my mom's closet, putting on her stuff. I liked to carry a purse. Hair done. I wanted to look put together. I still do.” She sees fashion as a way to express herself and showcase her personality.
Reese's approach mirrors that of other athletes like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is known for his tunnel fits. However, while Gilgeous-Alexander often receives praise for his style, Reese's choices frequently spark controversy. This disparity highlights the double standards that female athletes often face, where their appearance is scrutinized more heavily than their male counterparts. Criticism is nothing new to women in sports, but the focus on Reese's fashion rather than her athletic prowess speaks to a broader issue.
Ultimately, Angel Reese's pregame outfit serves as a reminder that athletes, especially female athletes, are often judged for more than just their performance. While some fans appreciate her bold style, others find it a distraction. Regardless, Reese continues to use fashion as a means of self-expression, challenging conventional expectations and sparking conversations about the intersection of sports, fashion, and identity.
