Soccer Star Bruninha Keeps Her Wardrobe Simple & Sharp
Our take
The quiet revolution in personal style continues, and it's increasingly embodied by women who prioritize substance over spectacle. Bruninha, Gotham FC’s talented midfielder, perfectly exemplifies this shift with her refreshingly simple and sharp wardrobe. Her “Fashionably Late” feature in *The Zoe Report* isn't just about offering outfit formulas; it's about presenting a philosophy of intentional dressing that resonates deeply with a growing audience seeking authenticity and ease. We've seen similar sentiments expressed in our own coverage, like the unveiling of Mugler’s First Handbags By Miguel Castro Freitas Are Here, which, despite the high-fashion label, prioritizes clean lines and wearable design, and the ongoing appeal of curated selections like Shop My Cheat Sheet: 50 of the Best Anniversary Sale Items From Nordstrom's In-House Brands, demonstrating a desire for accessible, well-considered pieces. Bruninha’s approach – foundational pieces, impeccable tailoring, and a focus on functionality – feels like a direct response to the often overwhelming and performative nature of contemporary fashion trends.
What’s compelling about Bruninha’s perspective isn’t just *what* she wears, but *why*. It’s about maximizing efficiency and minimizing decision fatigue, a pragmatic approach born from the demands of a professional athlete’s life. There’s a powerful message here: style doesn’t require constant reinvention or chasing fleeting trends. Instead, it thrives on a bedrock of quality, fit, and personal understanding. This aligns with a broader cultural recalibration, a move away from fast fashion and towards a more mindful consumption model. The emphasis on core pieces and classic silhouettes—the "go-to" outfits—reflects a growing desire for enduring style over disposable trends. Think of it as a visual embodiment of the "less is more" philosophy, a principle that resonates with our audience's appreciation for quiet luxury and understated elegance, a feeling we’ve explored through our coverage of sales events featuring pieces from brands like I've Waited All Year for These 21 Designer Pieces to Go On Sale at Nordstrom, where enduring quality takes precedence over momentary hype.
Bruninha’s style also speaks volumes about the evolving role of female athletes as style icons. For too long, athletes have been confined to restrictive uniforms and limited stylistic expression. Bruninha's embrace of personal style, outside of her athletic gear, demonstrates a reclamation of agency and a broadening of what it means to be a visible, influential woman. It’s a rejection of the notion that athletic identity must preclude individual style. Her choices are deliberate, reflecting her confidence and self-assuredness – the very qualities that make her a successful athlete. This isn’t about showcasing designer labels; it’s about curating a wardrobe that supports her lifestyle and reflects her personality, creating a cohesive and authentic visual narrative. It contributes to a narrative where strength and style aren’t mutually exclusive, but rather complementary facets of a dynamic and powerful woman.
Ultimately, Bruninha's approach to fashion represents a powerful shift in perspective. It’s a move away from the constant pursuit of “newness” and towards a more sustainable, personalized, and purposeful way of dressing. The rise of athletes like Bruninha championing this understated elegance signals a significant evolution in the broader fashion landscape—a space increasingly valuing authenticity, intentionality, and quiet confidence. The question now is: will this trend continue to gain momentum, reshaping our collective definition of style and influencing how we approach our personal wardrobes, and will brands adapt to cater to this discerning consumer seeking substance over superficiality?
Few feelings ignite more panic than running behind because you don’t know what to wear. File away some fail-safe outfit ideas to fall back on with TZR’s Fashionably Late series, where we tap our favorite tastemakers for the looks they reach for in a rush — and, naturally, the exact products you need to follow suit.
Lately, female athletes have been rising in the spotlight — and in the fast-paced world of soccer, it’s clear that Bruninha is a star to watch. Originally born Bruna Santos Nhaia, the 24-year-old has become known for her skills as an intense right-back on both the Gotham FC and Brazil national teams, earning her two National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) championship titles and a CONCACAF W Champions Cup. Off the field, her personal style is equally impactful and versatile. It’s a value she shares with womenswear brand Aligne, which has partnered with Gotham FC for the last two years and dressed Bruninha for her tunnel walk at this month’s Queen’s Classic tournament. The event itself, held before an audience of over 42,000 fans, was notably the first women’s sporting event at Citi Field; Gotham won, which pitted the team against the Washington Spirit in a rematch of 2025’s NWSL championship.
When putting outfits together in her downtime, Bruninha favors practicality and versatility with clean, classic details. This can clearly be seen in her go-to outfit formula: a T-shirt with jeans or dress pants, which she wears for a range of occasions. “It’s not too casual, but it’s not overly formal either,” Bruninha tells TZR. “Streetwear, on the other hand, is much more casual and sporty, while still having its own style and appeal.”
The soccer star’s closet masters both with aplomb. Comfortable tees in any hue are mainstays for the star, who pairs them with bottoms from labels like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Aritzia, and Zara. Of course, there’s plenty of sporty separates like sneakers, cargos, and technical jackets in the mix, often from Nike — and a mutual focus on endurance makes sense, as no day is the same for Bruninha. “If I have a day off and I’m going to a restaurant and then stopping by the grocery store afterward, I would wear the first outfit [T-shirt and jeans],” she said. “But if I’m heading to the club for a regular training day, I would usually choose the second option [sweater and trousers].”
Bruninha brings a similar attitude to her outfits on game days, too. Her most recent have been from Aligne, which she favors for the brand’s polished aesthetic and tailored fit. “Their structured pieces create a look that’s effortlessly chic while still feeling modern and comfortable,” Bruninha says. “I always pay attention to elegance and color combinations. If I’m in a hurry, I tend to go with streetwear. But if I have more time and the occasion is more formal, I like to put together something more refined. Overall, I prefer clothes with a more fitted silhouette rather than oversized pieces.” Given Aligne’s commitment to supporting female athletes — and further uplifting girls’ participation in sports in the process — Bruninha’s alliance with the brand is a perfectly stylish match.
Below, take a closer look at Bruninha’s top pieces for comfortable and sharp day-to-night looks.
Cynthia High Neck Waistcoat
“This Aligne look is one of my favorites because it blends tailored elegance with a playful silhouette, making it feel polished yet easy to wear.”
Aligne -
Short-Sleeve Cable Knit Sweater
“The thickness of this Tommy Hilfiger T-shirt gives it a unique touch and makes the outfit look more refined and elegant.”
Tommy Hilfiger -
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