Serena Williams' Perspective on Being Featured on a 'Worst Dressed' List

Serena Williams doesn't dwell on fashion regrets. Despite receiving the Fashion Icon award at the 2023 CFDA Fashion Awards and being recognized for her bold on-court outfits, such as the controversial catsuits she wore while playing tennis, Williams hasn't always been praised for her fashion choices - but she isn't bothered by it.

"I believe being on worst dressed lists is important," Williams shared with People in the magazine's 50th Anniversary Issue. "I have cherished every style I have worn. Looking back, I may not love them all the time, but I do value them."

She added, "Fashion is a way to showcase your personality, express yourself, and reveal who you are. Sometimes, your style is the only glimpse the world gets of you. So, for me, whether I make the best dressed or worst dressed list, it's all pretty cool. Well, at least I made a list. I have experimented with various looks, and you know what? I embrace them all. You can't undo any of it, so I embrace every style I have tried."

Williams previously told the publication in a 2008 profile, “I’ve been on the worst dressed lists and I don’t care.” 

Serena Williams on Being Called Worst Dressed

At the 2023 CFDA Awards, Serena Williams made a stunning appearance on the red carpet. Just months after welcoming her second child, daughter Adira, with husband Alexis Ohanian in August 2023, Williams wore a gorgeous plunging black sequin gown by Thom Browne. To complete her elegant look, she paired the gown with a billowing cape.

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At the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March, Williams looked stunning in a fitted black gown by Off-White. The dress had red and white embroidery on the bodice and her ballroom gloves.

Serena Williams on Being Called Worst Dressed

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Williams was known for her preference for Off-White attire during tennis matches. One of her most memorable moments was when she wore an Off-White x Nike tutu at the U.S. Open in August 2018. This unique ballerina-inspired dress was part of the brand's "QUEEN" collection, designed by the late Virgil Abloh.

The iconic outfit choice came shortly after Williams faced criticism for wearing a black Nike catsuit at the French Open. The French Tennis Federation disapproved of the catsuit, enforcing a new dress code rule that banned such attire. Despite the controversy, Williams explained that the catsuit served a dual purpose. Not only was it a stylish choice, but it also functioned as a full-body compression garment to assist with her ongoing battle with blood clots, a health issue that worsened after giving birth to daughter Olympia in September 2017.

Editor's P/S:

Serena Williams's acceptance of both praise and criticism for her bold fashion choices is a testament to her unwavering self-confidence. Her belief that even the worst-dressed lists hold value reflects her understanding that personal style is a journey of self-expression, not a pursuit of perfection. By embracing the full spectrum of her fashion experiences, Williams empowers others to embrace their own unique perspectives and find joy in self-expression.

Williams's influence on the intersection of fashion and sports is undeniable. Her iconic catsuit, despite its controversy, sparked a broader conversation about the functionality and representation of women in athletic attire. Her collaboration with Off-White, led by the visionary Virgil Abloh, further blurred the lines between fashion and athleticism, creating a unique and unforgettable style that left an indelible mark on the world of tennis and beyond.