Before stepping into the 2025 Draft, the wavy walls of the modern, multi-level building foreshadowed a new era of player style on the Orange Carpet. While last year's draft introduced style surprises, like Rickea Jackson’s suit change before her selection, this year's draftees are delivering new takes on show-stopping style. 

League-certified stylists are quickly teaming up with the latest talent, like Golden with Saniya Rivers; Sydney Bordonaro with Aziaha James; and Marc Desir with Deja Kelly. While these stylists are known for elevating their players’ aesthetics, working with draftees provides a rare opportunity for greater experimentation. Other notable stylist notes include Madison Scott teaming up with Liatu King, a current Notre Dame Women's Basketball Player; and Sania Feagin, who proudly credited her mom with choosing her shiny, white gown. 

A selection of custom Coach looks confirms the role of a player’s draft outfit as the first piece of storytelling around their personality– even when players rock the same brand, the resulting carpet is extremely diverse. Organizing style at the 2025 Draft into three major trends, these looks introduce this class’ style staples and unique approaches to one-of-one customization.

1. FULL SUITS

Since Tina Thompson's gray suit at the inaugural 1997 WNBA draft, players have confirmed that a full suit is a timeless option. This year, Madison Scott modernizes an AMIRI suit with a custom #24 piece from Johnny Dang with the help of stylist Liatu King, a current Notre Dame Women's Basketball Player. Dominique Malonga utilizes her Louis Vuitton suit's construction to pay homage to her French heritage.

Current players who also appeared on the Orange Carpet in suits include Allisha Gray and Nika Mühl, who represents her Croatian heritage with a suit by y/GIA. 

While past players have opted to keep their hands free from purses, this year's draft outfits expands upon the idea of a statement purse. Working with Russell Westbrook as her stylist, Georgia Amoore debuts an "H" shaped purse to finish her Honor the Gift look.

Saniya Rivers catches everyone's attention with a hand-painted "THE WNBA BEEN POPPIN" message on a collaborative purse by Saturday House and her stylist, Golden. From the actual suit to the details, Golden envisioned something "one of one that was curated just for [Rivers].” Transforming carpet-ready sparkle into something more abstract, Sarah Ashlee Barker wears a metallic Cult Gaia purse.

3. CUSTOM BRAND LOOKS

Orange Carpet looks are typically rooted in contemporary inspiration, but Hailey Van Lith stands out for bringing vintage glam to her custom Coach look. Stylist Victoria Jacobi adds that the dress features "20s inspired beading" and a "corset to enhance and modernize the vibe."Several draftees welcomed Coach's new partnership with the WNBA, but each player's custom look is highly reflective of their personality. Paige Bueckers wears a sparkly wool suit with an oversized bag; Aneesah Morrow wears a cropped black leather jacket with a dress; and Sonia Citron pairs her preppy set with white socks.

WNBA reporter Kirsten Chen writes a lifestyle & fashion column on WNBA.com throughout the season and can be reached on Twitter through @hotgothwriter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.