Chic at 60ish!

Are sports & fashion an unlikely pair or a natural match? What do you think? Let’s start with college basketball’s Caitlin Clark. In a two-week span, she toppled a series of never-to-be-busted records that left her standing as the most decorated scorer in college hoops history—putting a tres-chic bow on a one-of-a-kind college career.

THE NEW MEANING OF “TREND-SETTER:” Caitlin Clark, setting records on the basketball court & in fashion

Important for fashionistas? Yes! At the WNBA draft, Clark made history again—this time without touching a ball. Hitting the orange carpet in full Prada, she became the first player—WNBA or NBA—to be dressed by the brand for a draft. “Prada’s very me,” she remarked. “I’m a pretty simple girl.” That’s one way to look at Prada!!

BASKETBALL & FASHION STAR AT ONCE: Caitlin Clark in head-to-toe Prada at the WNBA Draft in Brooklyn, the first time Prada has dressed a player, WNBA or NBA!

As Clark went from college hooper to WNBA rookie, social media quickly decried that her WNBA salary leaves much to be desired—certainly true—yet it seems a sure bet she’ll rack up an unprecedented series of off-court endorsement deals, including a Nike signature sneaker. In other words, Caitlin Clark will be able to afford as much Prada as she likes!

“LOVE ALL!” Tennis superstar & fashionista Serena Williams, on the court in one-shouldered Nike at the US Open & in Gucci at the Oscars

What does this mean & why is it important to fashion? Like Serena Williams—also a fashionista—this changes the silhouette from the super-slim model or actress’ body to the equally-aspirational powerful body of an athlete. It’s a new mind-set too—one to be applauded.

TENNIS ANYONE? Zendaya, who plays a tennis star in “Challengers,” dressed for tennis in NYC; on the film’s press tour, in Loewe in Rome & Thom Browne in London—notice the tennis ball on her heel in the left photo & the racquets & trim on her dress in the right

While marveling over Caitlin Clark, those who love clothes can also marvel over the beautiful Zendaya—a fashionista if there ever was one, now starring in the tennis movie, “Challengers.” Always noted for her cool fashion sense—young & hip, but elegant—combining couture & tennis, both her press tour & on-screen wardrobes (designed by Jonathan Anderson of Loewe) have us drooling.

WHEN FASHION & SPORTS COLLIDE IN THE BEST WAY: Zendaya on the “Challengers” press tour, in Erdem on “Good Morning America” & Celia Kritharioti in L.A.

Spring looks are all over the board; this new “sport-ish” fashion—where top sports icons become fashion icons—adds one more option. Which is most you? No need to choose—we’re all a bit of everything, change your style as you change your mood. From “The Swans”/60’s nostalgia, think elegance & pearls—to Twiggy/60’s hippie-chic, think flowy boho—to “in” again preppy crew-neck sweaters—to pretty dresses. In the words of Caitlin Clark: “That’s very me!” Wear what feels like YOU!   

THE CLOSEST I GET TO SPORTS! With my son Jonathan, a former basketball player & huge fan–he’s given it up for skiing & golf!–at our Passover seder last week, my flowy dress is from neimanmarcus.com, candelabra from Home Grown in Haverford, flowers from Longstems in Merion

At 60ish, we are beyond low-cut, high-slit, nearly-nude dressing. Wear what looks & feels best. As prices soar, buy what you love, then wear it again & again; I cannot imagine a better investment. As the weather turns warm, we get outdoors & take better care of ourselves—pretend you’re Caitlin Clark, pretend you’re Serena Williams, pretend you’re a tennis star, Just be yourself—healthy & fierce. There’s nothing more fashionable than that! Enjoy every strong, powerful moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft