The Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, commonly known as the ESPYs, is an annual event that celebrates the best athletes in the sports world. This year, the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles was filled with athletes decked out in their finest attire, but not everyone hit the mark when it came to fashion. The glamorous evening turned into a showcase of both stunning looks and some serious fashion faux pas.
Hosted by none other than tennis champion Serena Williams, the 2024 ESPYs were particularly special. Among the attendees were Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, with Harry receiving the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for service. While many athletes such as Caitlin Clark and Patrick Mahomes looked fabulous, a few others left us scratching our heads with their fashion choices.
As always, the ESPYs provided a platform for athletes to not only celebrate their achievements but to also express their personal style. However, some stars fell victim to fashion missteps that had us wondering if they should have consulted a stylist before stepping onto the red carpet!
Damar Hamlin's Schoolboy Look
Damar Hamlin certainly knows how to score touchdowns on the field, but his red carpet style at the 2024 ESPYs left much to be desired. The Buffalo Bills safety arrived in a suit and tie, but took a surprising turn by opting for shorts instead of traditional pants. To add to the confusion, he accessorized with a Dr. Martens purse that contained yet another purse—what was he thinking?
This unexpected choice of attire caught many off guard, as it blended elements of childhood nostalgia with high-fashion expectations. Hamlin's attempt to stand out ultimately resulted in a look that was more puzzling than polished.
Mickey Guyton's Unflattering Two-Part Dress
Country singer Mickey Guyton usually makes waves with her stunning looks, but her appearance at the ESPYs this year was less than stellar. Her outfit started off strong with a classic black dress, but quickly transformed into a sheer, crystal-adorned mishap that failed to impress. Despite her flawless hair and makeup, this outfit felt like a confusing battle between two styles, and neither emerged victorious.
Guyton's fashion misstep serves as a reminder that even the most fashionable can occasionally falter. Cohesion is key, and unfortunately, her ensemble missed the mark entirely.
Natalie Joy's Cutout Dress Failed to Slay
In a year where cutouts have seemingly taken over the fashion scene, Natalie Joy's choice of a black dress with torso cutouts left much to be desired. While the body-hugging maxi dress could have been a hit, the cutouts instead resembled distracting potholes, detracting from her overall appearance. Paired with stilettos and a small silver bag, the dress ultimately fell flat.
This choice highlights a growing trend of cutout dresses that may not always flatter the wearer. It's a fashion statement that risks becoming a hit-or-miss, and in Joy's case, it was certainly the latter.
Russell Wilson Veered into Casual Territory
While simplicity can be stylish, Russell Wilson's all-white ensemble at the ESPYs leaned too far into boring territory. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's outfit consisted of a white polo, cream trousers, and sneakers, making it seem more suited for a casual brunch than an awards show. Even with luxurious accessories, his look seemed uninspired and lacked the effort expected at such a prestigious event.
Wilson's appearance serves as a reminder that even casual looks should have some flair. Dressing up for special occasions should involve more than just showing up in basic attire!
Sedona Prince's Effortless Outfit
TCU Horned Frogs star Sedona Prince also missed the mark with her choice of a white shirt and blue velvet trousers. While the Prada loafers added a hint of interest, the overall look felt flat and uninspired. Though her tattoos could have served as visual accessories, the ensemble failed to leave a lasting impression.
This highlights the importance of thoughtful styling, even when aiming for effortless chic. A well-coordinated outfit can elevate even the simplest pieces!
Michael 'Venom' Page's Adam Sandler-Core Ensemble
Michael Page is known for his fierce persona in the ring, but his outfit at the ESPYs was far from intimidating. Instead of showcasing his usual flair, he opted for a relaxed floral shirt, cargo pants, and trainers—more suited for a Sunday stroll than a high-profile awards ceremony. While his date looked dapper, Page's choice left fans disappointed.
This illustrates the importance of dressing for the occasion. A red carpet event should inspire a little more effort than casual wear.
Myles Garrett Went Full-on Country
Myles Garrett made a bold statement at the ESPYs, but perhaps not the right one. His patterned tux, striped pants, and cowboy hat left many wondering if he had mistakenly wandered in from the Country Music Awards. While taking fashion risks can be commendable, a more cohesive approach would have better suited the event.
Garrett's look serves as a reminder that while trying something new can be exciting, it’s crucial to stick to a theme that aligns with the event's vibe.
Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet's Corset-Style Dress Looked Out of Place
Mary Fitzgerald Bonnet's attempt to impress with a corset-style gown fell flat. The tight dress, complete with thigh-high cutouts, paired with minimal accessories, resulted in an overall eyesore. Despite her success in real estate, her fashion choices at this event were far from impressive.
This moment highlights that even those well-versed in their careers can struggle with fashion choices. Dressing for an event involves more than just picking something that stands out; it’s about finding a balance between style and appropriateness.
Sugar Ray Leonard's Funky But Icky Tie
At the ESPYs, Sugar Ray Leonard attempted to break away from the classic suit and tie formula but ended up with an outfit that didn’t quite hit the mark. His tie resembled a tablecloth and, combined with a red belt, left fashion critics scratching their heads. While taking risks can be admirable, execution is key.
This serves as a valuable lesson: it's often best to stick with classic styles that are known to work rather than trying to reinvent the wheel at high-profile events.
Nikki Glaser's All-Red Get-Up Lacked Spice
Nikki Glaser’s bold choice of an all-red outfit at the ESPYs came with mixed reactions. While the mini dress was beautiful, the unnecessary train in the back turned it into a fashion faux pas. Paired with knee-high red boots and lacking accessories, Glaser's look felt more like a distraction than a statement.
This illustrates the importance of thoughtful dressing; a cohesive look is often more impactful than simply going all out on a single color.
