The tunnel walk has become a runway of sorts for many top WNBA players to show off their personal style. Famed stylist Courtney Mays believes there are dos and don’ts to make the most of the moment, sharing nuggets of wisdom including, “Don’t wear high-heeled shoes if you can’t walk in them.”
Mays’ roster of clients is stacked, a lineup boasting some of the most stylish men and women across all sports. It includes sports fans’ favorite power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, as well as WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Tina Charles, NBA veterans Chris Paul and Kevin Love, and several others.
With the WNBA regular season winding down, Mays reveals to FN how the league’s style stars can make the most of their pre-game walks into the arena.
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Why should fashion brands pay attention to the WNBA for their next big ambassador? What do players in the league offer these brands?
“You’re getting a window into who that person is off the court. That is such an interesting way of storytelling through fashion. You already are a fan of the game, why not learn more about that person through what they wear? Financially, I think there’s so much money being lost in fashion by not paying attention to athletes. I can talk about the size inclusivity thing a million times. In sports in general, no matter what sport you’re talking about, you’re getting to see such a diverse group of people — colors, sizes. It’s such a great platform to showcase whatever your collection is. Also, there’s conversations that women in sports are having about pay disparity and the experience of being a woman athlete. Fashion brands could jump into that conversation because those same things are happening in the fashion space. A Skylar Diggins [Smith] has a different vibe than a Natasha Cloud. There are so many ways that different brands could jump in there. Kysre [Gondrezick] who did the whole ’90s thing, I feel like that was a moment. She basically created a brand for herself. Her throwback moment, I wish there was a brand attached to her for that because I feel like that could have been a great conversation. Even if it was like a vintage Levi’s or something, there could be a cool fashion conversation there.”
What are some of the dos of tunnel walk outfits?
“Confidence is one. Be authentic to your style sensibility. Understanding fit, and I don’t mean fit in the way that we say it in slang. I mean actually how the clothes fit you. I want to say take risks, but I want to be cautious about saying that because you have this five second window where you’re getting the opportunity to tell a story of who you are. You want to make sure that you’re telling the right story because there’s a lot of eyes on you and you’re influencing people, kids and different ages. The do’s are simple. The don’ts? [Laughs]”
Conversely, what are some of the don’ts?
“Don’t wear high-heeled shoes if you can’t walk in them (laughs). We’re starting to see a lot of women who dress similarly. I have to question, ‘Is that just what’s in style right now?’ Are they like, ‘I like that so let me do it’? Or is it, ‘That thing is working for that person so let me do it’? And the posing is a bit awkward for me. I always like the women that just kind of walk and you see these cool street style moments. When we’re posing it gets a little bit weird. At the end of the day, walking into the game, the tunnel is a moment, but you’re also going to work. When we’re making it a fashion show, it’s cool, but let it be a little bit more like ‘we caught you in a street style moment.’ Clothes that don’t fit well is not flattering. Showing too much skin is getting a little bit crazy. All these women have beautiful bodies, they’re super fit, they should show them off — but modesty works sometimes. I think you show cleavage, you don’t have to show thigh. Maybe that makes me sound old, but I think there’s a way to be sexy and provocative without being basically naked.”
What are some of the most common mistakes made during the tunnel walk?
“I don’t like those kitten-heel pumps. I know it’s difficult for women with larger shoe sizes to find a huge selection, but I feel that there are ways to style around that without having to wear cheaply made shoes. It’s also the fit of the clothes that’s a common mistake. A lot of people are wearing things that are either too short or too small. The mistake a lot of times is no one’s paying attention to how the clothes fit. And I wish that there was a little bit more diversity, that it wasn’t just so ultrafeminine.”
What tips do you have for WNBA players who are looking to elevate their style?
“It’s defining what your look is. It’s as simple as going through your closet and discovering three of your favorite pieces — whether it’s a leather jacket, a pair of jeans, a skirt, a dress — and create a uniform around that. That’s my advice in general to everybody. You find the pieces that you feel confident in, you make sure they fit, whether it’s you go to the local dry cleaner and get them altered. I’m not saying hire stylist at all. You can figure it out on your own. You find the people that you are inspired by style-wise, whether it’s another athlete or an entertainer or a throwback picture of Halle Berry, and recreate those looks. And it’s not a literal uniform, but if the silhouette works well for you, or you find two silhouettes that work well for you, it’s kind of cut and paste. That’s the easiest way to be stylish in a way that feels effortless. And I’m a big accessories fan. I love sneakers as a defining moment for your look, but I also love accessories like jewelry or sunglasses or a hat to help accentuate a simple look.”
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
