The Style Experts

Athletes were evaluated for more than simply how they dress, but how they wear it, where they wear it and why they wear it. Designer collaborations, attendance at fashion shows, social media presence, investment in fashion, endorsements and other partnerships were all considered. The below panel of stylists, executives, models, journalists and other influencers in the fashion industry worked with SI’s Jamie Lisanti to help shape the list.

 

Rachel Johnson

CEO and stylist, Thomas Faison Agency

Brandon Williams

Athlete stylist and creative director

Kesha McLeod

Stylist and brand consultant, KMCME

Walt "Clyde" Frazier

Former NBA player and style icon

Faye Penn

Executive editor, InStyle

Sharon Kanter

Deputy Style Director, People






Best in Suits and Bow Ties

MALCOLM JENKINS

Philadelphia Eagles | NFL

“I’m very observant. So when I see things that I like, I’ll incorporate it into my own style. Everything that I do, whether it be Damari Savile with the bespoke suits or Rock Avenue with the accessories, I only make what I actually want to wear. So that’s kind of my inspiration. I open up the fabric book and I’m like, what do I want in my closet? And I start there.”

(Credit: Al Tielemans)





The Statement Maker

Conor McGregor

UFC

The Notorious dresses as strong as he fights in the octagon—and he does it with just as much fearlessness and swagger. You'll often find him head-to-toe in designer threads: from Louis Vuitton animal-printed shirts, to custom David August suits and colorful fur coats, all the way down to the Gucci socks.

(Credits: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Getty Image; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Image)





Best Beard Style

James Harden

Houston Rockets | NBA

From high-end designer pieces, to bold prints and gold chains, Harden isn't afraid to take risks and he's proven his style is so much more than just his signature facial hair. But damn—that beard is the best in the game.

(Credits: Bill Baptist/NBAE/Getty Images (2); Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)





The Swag Award

Odell Beckham Jr.

New York Giants | NFL

It may be the hair—which has become a standard in barber shops around the country—or his hip-hop influenced personal style, but OBJ is a fashion killa. Whether he's wearing his Supreme F***'Em sweatshorts, deconstructed denim or his layers on layers of gold chains, Beckham is confident in his clothes and always carries himself with an unmatched level of coolness.

(Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images)





The Athleisure Leader

Venus Williams

WTA Tennis

“I love putting different pieces together. Recently I went monochromatic, sophisticated and sexy, whereas my style before was colorful, artistic with interesting silhouettes. I always reinvent myself every few years. My mottos are: update, don't be late (my sister, Lynne, inspired this) and accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!”

(Credits: Courtesy of Zebe Haupt)





Best Effortless Style

Mike Conley

Memphis Grizzlies | NBA

He may not be the NBA's biggest name but Conley's style is diverse—from cropped bomber jackets to pairing graphic tees and blazers, he's never afraid to take a risk—and he always looks at home no matter what he wears.

(Credits: Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images (3))





The Difference Maker

Ibtihaj Muhammad

U.S. Olympic fencing

“As a clothing designer, I’m always thinking: Who is the Louella dress for? And I think of myself, as a millennial, as someone who wants to be on trend with what I’m wearing. I also want to express myself and present myself in the best way. When we feel good, we look our best and we present ourselves in the best manner. I think now more than ever athletes are expressing themselves with what they wear.”

(Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)





The Mad-Hatter

Tyson Chandler

Phoenix Suns | NBA

The 7'1" center does not let his towering frame prevent him from being fashion-forward—Chandler knows how to choose and pair the perfect pieces to complement his muscular figure. From Clydes to baseball caps, Chandler also boasts one of the most impressive hat collections.

(Credits: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images; Chelsea Lauren/Getty Images)


“He plays around with silhouette and is not afraid to push the envelope.”




Best Red Carpet Style Award

Aly Raisman

USA gymnastics

A two-time Olympian, Raisman is a stunner on the red carpet, sporting everything from curve-hugging bodycons, to elegant gowns and chic mini dresses, all of which accentuate her chiseled physique.

(Credits: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images; Rob Kim/FilmMagic/Getty Images; D Dipasupil/FilmMagic/Getty Images)





Best Street Style

Miles Chamley-Watson

Olympic fencing

“People ask me, ‘What kind of style do you have?’ There’s no box you can put me in. I like to mix luxury and street wear. I think David Beckham is the best-dressed person and I’d say my style is similar to his. We are both British.”

(Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)





The Rising Star Award

Simone Biles

USA gymnastics

After winning gold at the Olympics and competing on Dancing with the Stars, Simone's style is evolving and she's learning how to find sophisticated looks that complement her petite frame.

(Credits: Allen Berezovsky/WireImage/Getty Images; Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)


“Simone Biles goes for unfussy, all-American silhouettes that show off her best assets: her wondrous shoulders and gorgeous smile.”




Most Consistent

Tyrod Taylor

Buffalo Bills | NFL

The Bills quarterback easily transitions from tailored, three-piece suits to polished street-style looks—and he always does it with ease.

(Credit: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)


“When it comes to style he can be completely versatile in every moment.”




Most Likely to Pair an Outfit with Sneakers

Chris Paul

Houston Rockets | NBA

CP3 is an all-star when it comes to finishing off his well-thought-out looks—ranging from casual pairings with jeans to more dressed-up suits and tuxedos—with a fresh pair of kicks.

(Credits: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Sports Spectacular; Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)





The Classic Man Award

Kevin Love

Cleveland Cavaliers | NBA

The Cavs are one of the NBA's best-dressed teams and Love has definitely taken notes from his stylish teammates. His layered looks and his eye for timeless pieces even landed him a deal as a style ambassador for Banana Republic.

(Credit: Courtesy of Banana Republic)





The Fashion Designer

Robbie Rogers

LA Galaxy | MLS

You may know Rogers for his play on the pitch, or for his gay rights activism, but he's also one of the most stylish pro athletes—and a designer, to boot. With his stylist Warren Alfie Baker, Rogers created the menswear brand Hampton + Baker, which offers a line of denim jackets as part of its first collection.

(Credits: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for GQ)


“Style always resonated with the footballer, who had applied to the London College of Fashion and worked in the fashion department at Men’s Health before landing at the LA Galaxy.”




The Glasses Guru

Jerome Boateng

Bayern Munich | Soccer

“My style is influenced by hip-hop music and the culture behind it, and I appreciate the style of icons like Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando. I try to follow my feelings and my mood, not any trends. I think it is important to have and show a certain attitude with the clothes you wear. Glasses are my go-to—I’m always looking for new and special designs that fit my personality.”

(Credit: Jesse Reiter)





The Selfie Award

Dominika Cibulkova

WTA tennis

A top-10 player in the WTA, Slovakia’s Cibulkova is super stylish off the court—and she's known to document every one of her put-together, on-trend looks in an elevator mirror selfie.

(Credit: Courtesy of Dominika Cibulkova)





The Attention to Details Award

Kyrie Irving

Cleveland Cavaliers | NBA

From a dressed-up, luxury approach to sweatpants, to his understanding of layering, Kyrie's sense of style—accented by his facial hair—proves he has a larger stake in the fashion game than just his signature Nike sneaker line.

(Credits: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images; Dave Mangels/Getty Images)





The No Muss, No Fuss Award

Kevin Durant

Golden State Warriors | NBA

He finally became an NBA champion this season, but Durant has been winning the style game since his years with OKC. His looks are comfortable, simple and efficient, and he chooses pieces that balance his 6'9" frame.

(Credits: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Image (2); Bruce Yeung/NBAE/Getty Images)


“He gets to the point when he’s dressed, whether in his infamous 2014 MVP award suit or just going to the game.”




Mr. Minimalist and Monochromatic

Shaun White

Snowboarder + skateboarder

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, 30-year-old White has definitely come into his own since he first burst onto the action sports scene. Accented by a sleeker, shorter version of his famous red hair, White's style is simple and full of blacks, grays and whites—an aesthetic that's reflected in his men's clothing line, WHT Space.

(Credit: Taylor Ballantyne)


“Gone are White's wild-style days (RIP free-flowing red hair and wide-open suede vests revealing nothing underneath). Now, he favors a more sophisticated, tailored look.”




The I-Look-Good-In-Anything Award

Eric Decker

Tennessee Titans | NFL

Decker admits that his wife, country singer Jessie James Decker, helps him put together outfits and pushes him to try new trends, but he makes that task easy for her. From a simple jeans and t-shirt look, to a suit and tie for away-game trips or red carpet appearances, Decker wears it all with ease.

(Credits: Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)





The Always-on-Trend Award

Genie Bouchard

WTA tennis

The 23-year-old Canadian has her finger on the latest trends and she easily switches back and forth from sporty, street-style pieces to feminine dresses and heels, showing off her enviable and versatile personal style.

(Credits: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images; Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images; John Parra/Getty Images for AYS)





The Confidence Award

Lindsey Vonn

Four-time World Cup alpine skiing champ

Off the slopes, Vonn's simple but sleek looks show off her strong physique. And no matter what she puts on, it's always worn with confidence.

(Credits: Todd Williamson/Getty Images; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)


“When it comes to style, the World Cup-winning skier prefers three things when she’s not in her snow-protective layers: Thigh-high slits, bodycon dresses and showing lots of skin—all at the same time. Her look doesn’t just say confidence; it screams it.”




Most Accesorized

Von Miller

Denver Broncos | NFL

From cowboy hats and glasses to studded belts and those gold chains, the Super Bowl 50 MVP loves to accessorize his looks, which range from custom suits to distressed denim and tees.

(Credit: Robert Beck)





The Always-on-Point Award

Caroline Wozniacki

WTA tennis

“As I got older I got more interested in fashion and started buying all of the magazines. Having the opportunity with adidas to sit down with Stella McCartney and help design some of the dresses I was wearing on the court really helped spark my interest and boost my love for fashion.”

(Credits: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images for WTA Tour; Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)





Mr. Always Fresh

Jimmy Butler

Minnesota Timberwolves | NBA

“My style is not too crazy but I’m willing to go out on a limb here and there. My go-to’s are bomber jackets in different colors and Jordans by the dozen. I love designer pieces but also love my sneakers. I hate dress shoes!”

(Courtesy of Bonobos/Chris McPherson/August)





Best Head-to-Toe look

Alex Morgan

Orlando Pride, USWNT

Whether it's casual weekend attire or an elaborate red carpet look, 28-year-old Morgan is always put together, from her hair and makeup down to her accessories and shoes.

(Credits: John Shearer/Getty Images; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Glamour)





Most Relatable Style

Danica Patrick

NASCAR

“I’ve always been interested in fashion. When I was a little girl, if I didn’t like my clothes, I would just cut them and make them look different.” In January, she made her passion official with the launch of her own activewear line for HSN, Warrior by Danica. “I feel like a warrior. I think it’s the perfect name; it conveys strength.”

(Credits: Larry Busacca/Getty Images Portraits for People.com; Michael Kovac/Getty Images for ESPN; Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)





Best Instagram Fashion Game

Andre Branch

Miami Dolphins | NFL

The Dolphins defensive end knows which brands work for his 6'5", 258-pound frame, and his passion for fashion is so strong that he recently took an internship with Rag & Bone. By the looks of his 'gram game, he's set himself up for a post-NFL career as a fashion influencer.

(Credit: Andre Branch/Instagram)





Best Newcomer

Ezekiel Elliott

Dallas Cowboys | NFL

The Cowboys RB made waves in the fashion world before he even played a down in the league, rocking a crop-top dress shirt with his suit at the 2016 NFL Draft. He's learning what defines his personal style and it won't be long before he makes another big fashion statement.

(Credits: Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic/Getty Images; Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images)


“Bothered by the feeling of ‘loose jerseys,’ Elliot converts them into crop tops, a signature look he also took off the field. Because, really, who needs all that material when you’ve got abs to show off?”