In basketball, style is more than just how you play—it’s how you carry yourself off the court. It’s a game of consistency, like hitting a perfect three-pointer or finding the right rhythm on defense. Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky rookie sensation, has made headlines with her bold court performances and equally daring fashion choices. However, as she continues to establish her brand, a candid critique from a WNBA stylist has ignited a conversation about what it means to be truly stylish.

This discussion isn’t just about clothes; it’s about identity and self-expression. And, like a buzzer-beater that doesn’t quite land, the feedback Reese has received might just push her to refine her approach to personal style.

On a recent episode of A Touch More, hosted by Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, stylist Courtney Mays delved into the nuances of fashion and identity in sports. Reflecting on Angel Reese’s bold sartorial choices, Mays said, “But I think we have to really define what stylish is. I feel like I saw Law Roach or Angel interview Law Roach for her podcast, and the first thing he said was like, ‘I would have you put more clothes on.’ Like, being less dressed doesn’t make you more stylish. And I think also being less dressed doesn’t give us any window into who you are as a woman, um, and I think that part is unfortunate.”

The critique wasn’t about policing Reese’s choices but about encouraging a more layered and expressive approach to style—one that reveals who she is beyond the surface.

This conversation harks back to an episode of Reese’s podcast, where renowned fashion stylist Law Roach shared his thoughts on her style. “I just—I want to see you in more clothes, right?” he remarked. “Like, I understand you’re tall, you want to show your legs, that’s what you love about yourself, but I want to see you in more clothes, if that makes sense.”

Roach’s comment was less about modesty and more about versatility. His message to Reese was clear: embrace a variety of styles that reflect her complexity and individuality.

From bold moves to bold statements: Angel Reese faces fashion backlash and public scrutiny

Reese’s fashion choices came under renewed scrutiny after she shared her New Year’s Eve outfit—a daring brown dress with a cut-out design. While the look garnered attention, it also sparked debate about whether boldness equates to style. Shortly after the post, Reese deleted her Instagram account, leading many to speculate whether the backlash played a role in her decision.

The dress itself was a statement—much like Reese’s on-court moves. But just as in basketball, sometimes the flashiest plays don’t secure the win.

Even Stephen A. Smith weighed in during his podcast, offering his perspective: “By pulling it down, clearly you felt there was something wrong with it… That’s going to be part of the judgment that comes against you—fair or unfair.” His words underscored the reality of public scrutiny that Reese, like many young stars, faces as she builds her identity both on and off the court.

As Reese navigates the intersection of sports and fashion, she has the opportunity to define her brand in a way that reflects her true self. The question remains: will she embrace this challenge and step into a more versatile sartorial game, or will she stick to her current playbook?

Only time will tell, but as any basketball fan knows, the most memorable players are the ones who adapt and rise above.