Basketball and fashion savants: The Lynx continue their playoff run
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Two things are undeniable about the WNBA and the Minnesota Lynx: the players know how to bring it on and off the court.
With the playoffs in full swing — the Lynx host the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of their semifinal series on Tuesday after winning the first game of the series Sunday 82-69 — players aren’t just the center of attention on the court. Increasingly, their off-the-court style is attracting views and likes.
In recent years, basketball arena tunnels have been transformed into fashion runways with “Tunnel Fits,” or pics of players walking to the locker room before games. It has become a cultural phenomenon of fashion-forward looks and self-expression, including several sizzling looks at this year’s All-Star game in Indianapolis.
The WNBA has reached new attendance heights and thanks to social media, fans can tune in to every part of a team’s process from game and practice videos to “outfit of the day” posts. It has revolutionized what being a professional athlete means.
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It has also blossomed into a branding opportunity. Before the season’s start, luxury brand Coach announced a multiyear partnership as the league’s “official handbag partner.”
On draft night in New York, rookies brought the looks. During the regular season, so did the Seattle Storm’s Skylar Diggins, who was paid by the Milk Processor Education Program to sport a bubbly, futuristic milk coat.
Here are some of MPR News staff’s favorite looks of the season.
Napheesa Collier’s All-Star sparkle
Submitted by Anika Besst
Napheesa Collier brings it on and off the court, but one look that lives rent free in my head (in a good way) is her 2025 All-Star fit. This two-piece sparkly sheer duo in black brought the drama during a weekend about the best of the best in the "W.” While more revealing than other fits she has sported, she embraced the glamour of the evening through an edgy, yet classy look.
I thought she glistened both literally with the sparkles, but also in the way she brought her ever-present and unequaled confidence that is inspiring, beautiful and so unstoppable. The fit was designed by her stylist, Kimberly Stewart.
Alanna Smith’s Starpower
Submitted by Alanna Elder
Lynx forward Alanna Smith is at the center of the team’s revenge tour. She was on the receiving end of a controversial foul call that opened the way for the New York Liberty to take last year’s championship.
I’d also say Smith’s fierce tunnel fits this season have been a revenge tour of their own. Number 8 has fabulous style. I love the way she layers block colors and combines structured pieces with smooth or flowing ones.
It was hard to pick just one fit, but this sparkly denim two-piece from July 22 is especially stunning. It works with her slicked hair and a sleek leather bag, belt and shoes. This look stole the sky from that night’s opposing team, Chicago.
Additionally, Smith was voted WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, sharing the award with the Las Vegas Aces’ star A’ja Wilson.
Courtney Williams takes on Vogue
Submitted by Emily Reese
The black plaid suit from the Vogue spread. I love how she manages (often with her fits) to combine things that are form-fitting but also baggy — it resonates a careful nonchalance that I really like, and her hair pops and the tie is sexy. I also love the sleeves rolled and pushed up.
Dijonai Carrington’s playoffs round one look
Submitted by Sam Stroozas
Dijonai Carrington joined the team in August, and on and off the court she has embodied effortlessness. While usually sporting chic pastel track suits or black sets, for the first playoff game she went for a more vampy look.
Her all black look is perfection and topped with a deep pink blush and full glam. And she sported a mock neck during a heat wave — not an easy task. Her accessories include hoops, a thin black belt, wide framed black glasses, two hair tie’s (for sport mode) and of course, her signature Starbucks cup.
Unfortunately, Carrington injured an ankle in a game against Golden State and is out for the rest of the season. Hopefully we see more of her style icon looks next year (or from the sidelines).
Carrington from the archives
Submitted by Grace Praxmarer
Dijonai Carrington has a lot of great looks, but for the sake of picking one, I chose this one. It is both bold and striking in color, with the vibrant red commanding attention, but also sophisticated.
The accessories add another level to the look, with the gold watch that catches the audiences eyes and adds a touch of luxury, but also the simplistic necklace with her name that ties it all together. The addition of the gloves makes for a perfect blend of bold and elegant, making a statement that's not too over the top.
Rookie Anastasiia Olairi Kosu proves to be a new fashion addition
Submitted by Kyra Miles
In her previous "tunnel fits" Anastasiia has shown a liking for colorful and unique matching sets and this True Religion camo-leopard set fits right in. Denim is SO in right now and this take on it with the print and color is really giving The Cheetah Girls meets Cadet Kelly in the best way (iykyk).
I LOVE a vest as a top and the coordination of the silver buttons matching the silver jewelry. The sunglasses, black boots and bun really tie it together for an effortless, chic and fun look that I lowkey want to copy.
Minnesota’s own Paige Bueckers
Submitted by Lisa Ryan
Sorry everybody, but Paige Bueckers has some of the best tunnel fits in the WNBA. She may not be a Minnesota Lynx player, but she is one of our own — the Dallas Wings guard grew up in Minnesota.
My favorite outfit might be her fit for the All-Star Game. Her loud orange vest matched the WNBA orange carpet. The outfit gets even more eclectic with her necklaces (with beads evoking an elementary school teacher, like a pencil and an apple) and her futuristic sunglasses. She told the WNBA that the designer is Marni and the shoes are Prada.
