Image via Complex Original
Wednesday night’s ESPY Awards brought the who’s who in the sports and entertainment worlds to the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. Athletes from every sport left behind their helmets, cleats, and matching uniforms, and instead stepped out in red carpet-ready suiting and floor-length gowns. Accessorizing all of that natty tailoring, was perfectly styled locks—shout out to Shaun White—plush velvet loafers, miles of gold chains, and tons of #Menswear Posing.
We can’t forget the daring few who tossed out the black tie event rule book altogether and decided to do keep it all the way casual. Style trailblazers like Odell Beckham Jr., who stepped out in a HypeBeast’s take on suiting, and Kevin Durant, who rocked a throwback T-shirt that looked like it was straight out of Brian Procell’s vintage NYC boutique, did it up in their very own way.
Here, we break down 10 winning looks from last night’s show, dissecting each of the individual elements that resulted in championship looks all around.
Jarrius Robertson
While he may not be an athlete in the traditional, super fan Jarrius Robertson brought his A-Game to the ESPY stage as he received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. His look balanced the black tie dress code with the ease of a new pair of kicks.
Call Outs:
1. Well-tailored tux
2. Crisp Air Jordans 11s
3. Statement Glasses
4. Gold Chains swinging
Michelle Obama
None other than First Lady Michelle Obama came through to stunt in an all-black Cushnie et Ochs dress. Mrs. Obama was on hand to present the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage to the family of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded the Special Olympics.
Call Outs:
1. A killer, jutting neckline
2. Angular heels to match
3. Sleek, pared back hairstyle
Ayesha and Stephen Curry
Power couple Ayesha and Stephen Curry opted for coordinating all-black everything outfits. The duo expertly played with texture and fabrication to heighten the look, all while keeping accessories to a minimum.
Call Outs:
1. Multi-textured Shoe (him.)
2. Satin Accents (Him. Bowtie, pant trim, lapel, pocket square.)
3. Minimal Jewelry (Both. Her, necklace & earrings. Him, watch.)
4. Hello, Sequins!!
Shaun White
Professional snowboarder and skateboarder Shaun White came through with a professionally sleek fit. His single-breasted suit, worn without a tie, exuded ease and confidence.
Call Outs:
1. Slick hair, don’t care
2. No tie
3. Pants hem perfectly hits the top of his shoe
4. Chunky Gold Bracelet
Russell Westbrook
As Westbrook took the stage to accept his Best Male Athlete Award, the first thing he said into the microphone was “Lemme make sure I look good first.” Westbrook has proven to be a force to reckon with on the basketball court as well as in the fashion world.
Call Outs:
1. Two buttons undone
2. Two Chains
3. Classy Watch
4. Statement Brogue
5. Contrast stripe trouser
Orlando Scandrick
There was nothing timid about the look that Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick pulled up in. A camera flash-catching pink suit, Scandrick definitely stole some of the spotlight from his gorgeous fiancée, Draya.
Call Outs:
1. Silk Shantung Suiting (Say that 3 times fast)
2. Millennial pink never looked so chic
3. Contrasting pocket square
4. Rose gold sunglasses
Odell Beckham Jr.
Ever the style peacock, Odell Beckham Jr. turned up to the ESPY Awards in what could only be described as a Hypebeast Tuxedo. Who knew that Supreme’s Box Logo would pair so well with red satin lapels? Also, per usual, Odell’s hair is all of the #goals.
Call Outs:
1. Exquisitely dyed locks
2. Double Supreme x Louis Vuitton Box Logos (shirt & phone)
3. Coordinating Satin/Silk Lapel
4. Custom Box logo Kicks
Mike Conley Jr.
Mike Conley Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies went for a strong, matching-moment on the red carpet.
Call Outs:
1. Sunglasses match the suit’s circle motif
2. Peek of the cuff exemplifies shrunken tailoring
3. Statement-making suiting
Malcolm Jenkins
Philadelphia Eagles’ strong safety Malcolm Jenkins—dressed in a crimson suit and regal Kufi—hit the red carpet in a look that was strong and anything but safe.
Call Outs:
1. Monochromatic for the win
2. Chelsea Boot
3. Patterned Kufi
Kevin Durant
Newly minted NBA MVP Kevin Durant is definitely deserving of the Unbothered Award. While his fellow Golden State Warriors Steph Curry and Zaza Pachulia rocked tailored suits, Durant broke out a vintage T-shirt and satin bomber. Even in demeanor, Durant remained unfazed and unbothered by ESPY Award’s host Peyton Manning’s jokes.
Call Outs:
1. Million Woman March Tee
2. Satin Bomber Jacket
3. Unimpressed face