Draft day is here in the WNBA. That brings with it smiles, tears… and plenty of drip.
The league’s iconic orange carpet doesn’t just represent the realization of a dream for young basketball talents. It also serves as a platform for fashion excellence.
Countless legends past and present have strutted down the runway, turning the draft into their own personal catwalk. Just last year, Zia Cooke, Haley Jones and Alexis Morris were among the prospects to impress under the glimmer of the spotlight.
WNBA DRAFT 2024: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades
Which draftees wore it best in 2024? The Sporting News is breaking down the best and worst looks of the 2024 WNBA Draft.
We just knew the gurlss was gonna eat the outfits up☺️
— Aliyah A. Boston (@aa_boston) April 15, 2024
WNBA Draft Orange Carpet outfits
Angel Reese
“Bayou Barbie” made the Brooklyn Academy of Music — the site of this year’s draft — her Dreamhouse. The Baltimore native opted for an almost Gothic look during this year’s draft festivities, pulling up to the event in a glint dress. The frock comes equipped with a hood and is adorned with what appeared to be silver sequins.
The devil was in the deals for Reese’s outfit. She topped off the ensemble with a silver-plated grill and acrylic nails designed by Angie Aguirre, a nail technician for the stars.
CLEARED 😍😍 @Reese10Angel is steppin’ for the 2024 #WNBADraft presented by @StateFarm pic.twitter.com/qVfAPwrHzq
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 15, 2024
Caitlin Clark
Clark was the star of the show during her collegiate days. She figures to maintain that status in the professional game, as well. And if Monday’s orange carpet showing was any indication, she’s well-equipped to look the part.
Clark sported an all-Prada outfit at this year’s draft, replete with all the leather trappings one would expect out of a future supernova. White-on-white-on-white with sleek black heels? That’s called making a statement.
THE FUTURE OF THE FEVER?!? 👀🔥 @aa_boston @CaitlinClark22 pic.twitter.com/JTA3rcO1sk
— Janaé Sims (@auntienae95) April 15, 2024
Dripped out @CaitlinClark22 has arrived in style at the 2024 #WNBADraft presented by @statefarm ✨ pic.twitter.com/0CHEy3T58i
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 15, 2024
Prada tends to drape only the biggest and best with its elegant fabrics — Frank Ocean, Alton Mason, Kerry Washington and Kacey Musgraves are among the captains of industry to don the luxury fashion house. Clark joins the ranks of Hollywood’s elite with her latest uniform. She made history in the process, becoming the first NBA/WNBA player to be outfitted by the fashion giants for a draft, per Front Office Sports.
Kamilla Cardoso
Few prospects enjoyed a better 2023-24 than South Carolina big Kamilla Cardoso, who recorded one of the most memorable buzzer-beaters in recent memory and starred en route to a national championship.
The prospective lottery pick added to her accomplishments with simple, but effective attire on Monday night.
Cardoso sported an all-red number on Monday. She paired a vermillion blazer with matching slacks and black sandals, topping off the look with a glistening heart-shaped pendant that dangled from underneath her neck.
Kamilla Cardoso looks REGAL#WNBADraft #WNBA
pic.twitter.com/gTZZf99TTg— The More Than Ball Show 🏀 (@MoreThanBall_) April 15, 2024
KAMILLA CARDOSO ESTÁ RADIANTE 😍 pic.twitter.com/CuJJjEddCb
— WNBA Brasil (@WNBA_Brasil) April 15, 2024
It’s easy to speculate on why Cardoso chose to wear bright-red vs. something else. Was it a tribute to her beloved Gamecocks?
Not exactly. Cardoso explained the reason why she strutted across the stage in such a manner.
“I feel like red sticks out on my skin,” Cardoso said.
Aaliyah Edwards
Edwards looked elegant as ever while stood atop the orange carpet, taking to the stage in a glossy white number.
Edwards pulled out all the stops to make her outfit pop. Her dress featured a high-cut slit crafted with a fringe trim. She also added perhaps the most stunning piece of the entire collective of would-be draftees, a sparkling Judith Lieber handbag that curiously resembles a basketball.
Aaliyah Edwards showing OUT tonight for the WNBA Draft 💙 pic.twitter.com/wuamViyGol
— UConn on SNY (@SNYUConn) April 15, 2024
The handbag: https://t.co/Y5HXyJFxVv pic.twitter.com/2b6tJedzN8
— Women’s Sports Watcher 🏀🌺🪬 (@taelorjae_) April 15, 2024
Cameron Brink
The Stanford standout looked to be right at home in front of flickering flashbulbs at Brooklyn Academy of Music, taking the floor with a faux two-piece dress accented with black and beige. The prospective No. 2-pick added a little bit of flair to her wardrobe choice, as well, shrouding her left shoulder in a black flower (a la prom).
Cameron Brink!!! pic.twitter.com/oNehIV2XTX
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) April 15, 2024
Angel Reese x Cameron Brink @wnba draft pic.twitter.com/aXYgV1hQWs
— Khristina Williams (@Khristina) April 15, 2024
Rickea Jackson
The Tennessee talent is a true scorer on-and-off the floor, gracing the orange carpet with the sort of presence one would expect out of a fashionista twice her age.
Jackson was outfitted in an elegant red two-piece, buffs (like a true Detroiter) and a diamond-plated necklace.
Rickea Jackson is here with Aliyah Boston and Hannah O’Flynn ! pic.twitter.com/XjCpujMoD1
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) April 15, 2024
…or did she? Jackson’s regalia during the actual draft strayed far from her initial look. She swapped the scarlet-red for a slick silver two-piece
Jackson took to social media to reveal the switch to her legions of disciples. Suffice to say, she’s one of few draftees to have had the daring to make such a change.
OKAY OUTFIT CHANGE 🤭 Rickea Jackson is DOING IT 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/DViBriAldi
— WSLAM (@wslam) April 15, 2024
This section will be updated.