The Best 2026 ESPY Awards Red Carpet Looks Prove the Summer of Sports Is So Stylish
Our take
The recent ESPY Awards red carpet, as highlighted in “The Best 2026 ESPY Awards Red Carpet Looks Prove the Summer of Sports Is So Stylish,” signals a fascinating convergence of athleticism, celebrity, and high fashion. It’s more than just athletes showing up in gowns; it’s a deliberate elevation of the sporting world's cultural footprint. We’ve seen this trend accelerating throughout the year, from the understated elegance at Larroudé's Rare Summer Sale Includes the Chicest Shoes of the Season to the sheer opulence of Zendaya’s recent appearances, culminating in her stunning dual “Goddess Gold” looks as reported in Zendaya Ends Her 'The Odyssey' Era With Not One, But Two Goddess Gold Looks. The visibility and influence of athletes are undeniably growing, and their fashion choices are increasingly viewed as statements of personal brand and cultural relevance, mirroring the broader trend of blurring lines between traditionally distinct spheres of influence.
The intentionality behind these red carpet moments is key. Alysa Liu, Simone Biles, and Jordyn Woods, among others, didn't simply choose pretty dresses; they curated looks that reflected their individual personalities and achievements, moving beyond the expectation of simply ‘looking good’ to presenting a powerful image of confidence and self-assuredness. This shift reflects a deeper societal change – a growing recognition of athletes as multifaceted figures, not just for their sporting prowess but for their style, intellect, and creative expression. The focus on "feeling" and "atmosphere" mentioned in our brand voice principles is evident here; these aren't just clothes, they are extensions of a carefully cultivated persona. Contrast this with the more demure, quietly elegant beauty choices of Princess Charlotte, as seen in Princess Charlotte Switched Up Her Manicure to Embrace Summer’s “Rich Bare Nail” Trend, and you see a spectrum of feminine style choices, both powerful in their own right.
What makes this year’s ESPYs particularly compelling is the implied luxury, the absence of overt branding and the focus on silhouette and quality over logos. It’s a move towards “calm luxury,” a quiet confidence that speaks volumes without shouting. This resonates deeply with the current cultural mood, a reaction against the ostentatious displays of wealth often seen in the past. The emphasis is on sophistication and a sense of effortless cool, reflecting a more mature and discerning audience who value authenticity and understated elegance. This isn’t about chasing trends; it's about defining them, establishing a personal style that transcends fleeting fads. The power lies in knowing what to wear, and, crucially, knowing *how* to wear it.
Looking ahead, this trend suggests a continued elevation of the athlete’s profile in the fashion landscape. We can anticipate more collaborations between athletes and designers, more curated red carpet appearances, and a greater emphasis on personal style as a key component of an athlete’s brand. The question becomes: how will this intersection of sport and fashion evolve beyond the red carpet? Will we see athletes shaping broader trends in everyday wear, influencing street style, and redefining what it means to be stylish and powerful, both on and off the field? And perhaps more importantly, will the industry continue to support and amplify authentically diverse voices and styles within this burgeoning space?
Don't underestimate The Summer of Sports on the fashion front. Whether at Wimbledon, the World Cup, or most recently, the 2026 ESPY Awards, the biggest athletes, WAGs, and VIP sports fans have been bringing their style A-game this season. At the latter, athletes like Simone Biles, Alysa Liu, and more styled red carpet looks as effortlessly as they do Team USA gear.
Following the success of the Winter Olympics and the New York Knicks NBA Finals win, style MVPs in the sports community had a lot to celebrate at Lincoln Center on July 15. Olympic figure skater Liu accepted the "Best Breakthrough Athlete" award in a backless Louis Vuitton dress, which flaunted her new lower back tattoo. Always on board for a high-low look, the hemline on Biles's champagne-gold satin style transformed her mini dress into an elegant ballgown. Meanwhile, Jordyn Woods, the designer behind the "lucky" New York Knicks bag, represented her fellow NBA WAGs in a nearly-naked Oscar de la Renta dress.
Ahead, Marie Claire put together a top-tier team of red carpet looks at the 2026 ESPY Awards.
Simone Biles
At the 2025 ESPYs, Simone Biles set a high bar for herself in a custom Athleta dress by Zac Posen. One year later, she stole the show again, thanks to the champagne-gold gown Eman AlAjlan created just for her.
Alysa Liu
For one of her first red carpet events as a Louis Vuitton ambassador, Alysa Liu dazzled in a plunge-neckline halter dress, which tapped into the chocolate brown color trend. Its open back dove just as deep, spotlighting a rosary-style cross necklace and the 20-year-old's new tattoo.
Eileen Gu
Freestyle skier Eileen Gu stuck the sartorial landing in a one-shoulder gown from Guo Pei's Spring 2026 Couture collection. The design's intricate pleating alternated between metallic green and purple, depending on Gu's step-and-repeat poses.
Jordyn Woods
To shine the spotlight on her Oscar de la Renta dress, Jordyn Woods left the Knicks' good luck charm at home. Its orange ostrich leather might've been too bold for the delicate strapless style made of gold chains.
Lauren Betts
Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts didn't walk the ESPYs red carpet. That said, winning the "Best College Athlete—Women's Sports" award allowed her to show off her bedazzled, cap-sleeve black dress.
Lindsey Vonn
Alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn attended the ESPYs despite still recovering from a broken leg injury. That didn't stop her from serving a look in a single-sleeve sequin gown.
Kate Upton
Before presenting an ESPY award with her husband, Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, Kate Upton posed in a royal blue velvet dress from Schiaparelli Fall 2025.
Ilona Maher
Believe it or not, professional rugby player Ilona Maher sourced T.J. Maxx for her cut-out column gown from Retrofête. The bodice's rhinestones sparkled as much as her bronze Paris Olympics medal.
Ayesha Curry
Steph Curry took home the "Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award," but his wife's spider web-inspired Christian Siriano dress made Ayesha Curry the real prize.
Madison Chock
The Christian Siriano streak continued once figure skater Madison Chock arrived at the ESPYs. Her dress's gravity-defying turquoise tulle would've made a theatrical Winter Olympics costume.
Morgan Riddle
Morgan Riddle, tennis-core's biggest influencer, brought the drama in a corseted Thom Browne dress. The black gown with pink lace detailing marked a surprising (but exciting) departure from her US Open-friendly neutrals.
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