I've learned the hard way that dressing for a basketball game is its own category of fashion—somewhere between "comfortable enough to navigate stands and sit for three hours" and "cute enough that you might end up on the Jumbotron." The first time I went, I ended up a bit overdressed, so now, like any diligent fashion editor, I study the courtside set like it's street style at fashion week.
Celebrities have basically turned basketball games into street style runways with clear bags (just ask Kylie Jenner about her Coperni bag) and perfectly stylish yet comfortable outfits that somehow still look effortless after sitting in those unforgiving arena seats. Since I'm manifesting an invite to a game this season, I pulled together the bags you can actually bring, celebrity-inspired outfit ideas that always hit, and the mistakes NBA WAGs say to never commit again. Trust me. They've seen it all.
Meet the WAGs
Kate Love, Utah Jazz
This Miami model just headed out west to cheer on the Utah Jazz, and her personal-style shifts—think leather jackets and suede—are already catching my eye. She shares every step of her game-day routine, so following along feels like getting a front-row seat to her evolving wardrobe.
Ana Zortea, New York Knicks
Ana Zortea's courtside style is exactly what you'd expect to see in New York's arena: streetwear chic. The Brazilian influencer always pulls out the coolest things to wear on game day, but now that she has a baby in tow, I'm even more tuned in.
Emma Pritchard, Boston Celtics
Emma Pritchard is a beloved influencer whose audience follows her every move and every shopping link. A longtime Celtics WAG, she brings effortless outfit inspiration to every game day.
Lessons They've Learned
1. Watch Your Colors
Emma Pritchard:
"When getting ready for a basketball game, I always avoid the other team's colors and anything that doesn't make me feel confident or comfortable. The other team's colors are an obvious no. I do try to have at least a little green in my outfit to support the Celtics, of course!"
Ana Zortea:
"I do not wear the opposite team's color! Always check their colors beforehand because, unfortunately, I have made this mistake before and did not enjoy being confused with any other fan rather than a Knicks girl!"
2. Dress for You
Kate Love:
"[Avoid] anything too uncomfortable to sit in and anything where your skin is touching a seat. Arena seating isn't the cleanest environment in the world. Keep a piece of fabric between your skin and an arena seat. Trust me."
Pritchard:
"If an outfit doesn't make me feel good, I'm not wearing it. These games are long, and I want to actually feel like myself. I don't go super over-the-top with what I wear, as I just want to feel cozy and like me!"
3. Practicality Is Key
Love:
"Don't go without a jacket. It might be a Miami game or a game after a day in the L.A. sun, but arenas are freezing. A lot of the time, they double as hockey rinks, and they need to keep the air cool so the athletes do not overheat."
Zortea:
"I don't wear dresses because I have yet to find a way to make dresses look sporty. However, that might be my next mission."
Celebrity Outfit Ideas
If I could pick any outfit to wear on a game day, I'd mirror Shakira's look. Cool statement jeans, a white tank top, and sneakers are all you need on game day.
If you get asked to a basketball game and it's date night, take notes from Kendall Jenner. She usually opts for jeans and a tee, but for the special occasion, she wore heeled boots and a fun skirt.
When a fashion person enter an arena, they do it in style. Chloë Sevigny brought her fun and printed pants along with a leather bomber to watch the Knicks play, and it was the perfect remix on classic jeans and a tank.
Hailey Bieber and Justine Skye both brought a unique take to game day. Skye went for a graphic tee and jeans, and Bieber dressed up a tailored vest and trousers. Pick your fighter.
Now, Let's Talk About Clear Bags
Kylie Jenner
No one has ever done a clear bag justice like Coperni did with this sculptural glass style that Kylie Jenner is a proud owner of. Let this be your inspiration so your look is worthy of courtside tickets, even if you got your clear bag for $25 on Amazon.
Winnie Harlow
If you thought fanny packs were cheugy on game day, think again. This style might be the most convenient thing ever, and if you choose correctly, you'll be the chicest person on the courts.
Shop stadium-friendly bags:
Introducing Jenner's bag of choice.
Harlow went with a fanny pack, and this is a cool one.
You can get your team name embroidered on this one.
Just because there's a bag policy doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. This one clears most stadiums—just double check before you go.
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