Sports events are now a means of presenting high fashion and curating stylish outfits
In theory, sports events encompass a wide range of formats – tournaments, multi-sport competitions, regattas, races, knock-outs, leagues, round robins, and trials – all of which celebrate dedication, hard work, and athletic performance. Metaphorically, however, these events have the uncanny ability to turn men into emotional rollercoasters. One moment, they're crying like they've just experienced a tough break-up, and the next, they're screaming like the athletes have personally betrayed them (all because their favorite player missed a shot. It's pure chaos, and we wouldn't want it in any other way!
Many teenagers have flocked to these vibrant events, captivated by the electric atmosphere and the adrenaline rush that comes with the excitement. The thrill of the moment has a way of drawing them in, leaving a lasting impression that sometimes materializes in a wish to become the next Cristiano Ronaldo or Serena Williams. Sports events might be one of the reasons students eagerly apply to join school sports teams - they seek to experience the same sense of excitement and belonging that these events inspire.
Furthermore, the days when participants would wear the first tracksuit that fell out of the closet are long gone. Attendees are now dressing as if they're attending the red carpet, elevating the spectacle even further and inspiring adolescents to express themselves through fashion. Let's find out more about the factors that led to such a strong intertwining between sports and fashion.
The impacts of sports on pop culture
The inextricable connection between sports and pop culture has drastically transformed the way teenagers consume and engage with sports, and it also has a significant impact on many other aspects of society, such as:
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Fashion and Style: Arnold Palmer's classical elegance (one of the best golfers in the sport's history) and the usual flamboyant flair of NBA stars (for example, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) have significantly impacted the way people (especially Gen Z) are dressing now. For example, the days when backpacks served as the perfect ensemble for sports events are long gone. Gen Z is now wearing personalized bags that are both fashionable and clear and approved for stadium use.
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Language and Expressions: Phrases like "Keep it up" (which originates from badminton and means to persevere at a task), "Knocked for six" (which originates from cricket and refers to receiving bad news), and "Start from scratch" (which is rooted in horse searching and used to express the act of starting again from the beginning) are often employed in our everyday lives, including politics and business meetings.
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Cinema: Sports have served as a rich source of material for countless movies and TV shows, where directors depict athletes' struggles and triumphs.
Athletes are the new style icons
Not only have sports turned athletes into universal symbols of determination, resilience, and courage but also into full-blown fashion icons. The sudden surge in stylish athletes is indeed all about corporate sponsorship, but we have to give them some credit. Among the best-dressed athletes, there are:
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Basketball).
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Maria Sharapova (Tennis).
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Jules Kounde (Soccer).
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LeBron James (Basketball).
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Serena Williams (Tennis).
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Odell Beckham Jr. (Football).
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Jordan Clarkson (Basketball).
Celebrity endorsements at sports events speak volumes
Kendal Jenner in vintage Prada and Gianmarco Lorenzi boots, Kim Kardashian in "I Love Nerds" T-shirt, Katte Middleton in vintage Chanel, Nicky Minaj in Mugler, Cardi B in a fur vest with her Hermes Birkin bag, and Rihanna's pink bob and matching pink strappy sandals are just a few of the most iconic looks the NBA game has seen over the years.
Celebrity culture has undeniably shaped Gen Z to the point where being an "NBA girlfriend" has become a trend in itself – hair should be perfect, makeup flawless, nails nicely manicured, and lots of designer clothes, shoes, and handbags. This movement has blurred the lines between fandom, lifestyle aspirations, and social media spectacle, creating a utopic world where every girl wants to be in the front row to support her muscled-sweating boyfriend and flaunt chunky earrings, heels, and Birkin bags. Georgina Rodriguez (Ronaldo's girlfriend) has played a significant role in shaping this trend, showcasing her glamorous lifestyle that blends high fashion, luxury, and the world of elite athletes.
What to wear to a sports event for a stylish experience?
We figured that girls might appreciate a little guidance on how to look effortlessly stunning at a sports event, as for them, it is much more complicated to decide on the perfect outfit (one that strikes a balance between sporty and glamorous) than it is for boys (simple entities who don't spend 3 decades gazing at a closet full of clothes while stating "I have nothing to wear, let's call it off"). Let's see:
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Football Games: A fashion-approved look would be denim on denim with structured black accessories.
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Basketball Games: An iconic ensemble would consist of a black and white top, blue skinny jeans, a black leather jacket, and high cream heels.
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Tennis Matches: Imagine a long, light-yellow satin dress paired with a blue cap, simple sandals, and a blue waist-tied cardigan.
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Golf Tournaments: The "Old Money" aesthetic perfectly embodies the usual attire of golf tournaments. Think of a well-fitted polo shirt, high-waisted pleated tennis skirt, elegant ballet flats, silk scarf, pearl earrings, and minimalist sunglasses.
Final Thoughts
It's worth mentioning that sports and games play a pivotal role in education, teaching students valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership, patience, and accountability. Sports events are unleashed with an overwhelming surge of shouting, but considering screaming can improve our ability to stand the pain, this habit is very beneficial. As for insulting the opposite team, this falls short of ethical conduct, but it can still be a form of therapy.
Nevertheless, you, dear reader, should give sports a chance. They offer so much more than the game itself: electrifying atmosphere, camaraderie, and even fashion statements.