Off-Court Fashion Hits and Misses: Serena Williams

by Kait O'Callahan

Tennis players are constantly the subject of scrutiny when it comes to what they wear on the court.  Male or female, if you’re a top player, you can bet everyone will be giving the thumbs up or down to your Nike duds when a Grand Slam rolls around.  Looking at on-court photos, we can deduce that the likes of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer all have spectacular style. 

But do they really?

Off-court might tell a different tale.  Free from the restrictions of sponsorship, tennis players can choose exactly what they want to wear.  And that’s not always a good thing.

On The Go Tennis will be analysing the off-court style of a top player every week. Shoes, earrings, cardigans... nothing will go unnoticed.

This week we will take a look at the ever-changing style of Serena Williams.

Serena Williams is no stranger to fashion.  Much like Maria Sharapova, she has a side-career in designing everything from nail polish colours to NFL women’s clothing.  She’s designed for her own label, Aneres, and for HSN.  But just because you’re rich and famous, doesn’t mean you should be allowed to design clothes, as anyone who has checked out Paris Hilton’s Dollhouse label would know.  And as a former victim of cat-suits and revealing clothing on the court, who knew if Serena would come into her own off it?

Especially after she was snapped wearing the same dress as Miss Hilton.

Twice.

Serena’s style on the court has gone from crass to class, but has she found her own style away from tennis too?

Her best look

With her voluptuous figure, Serena would be forgiven for steering clear of those high-end dresses often better designed for a coat-hanger than a woman.  But instead of shying away from tight-fitting fabrics and bright patterns, she makes them work for her.  And work it she does. 

Late Show with David Letterman 2012

Serena knows exactly how to draw attention to her best assets without looking like she’s trying too hard.  It’s a piece of advice she would do well to share with close friend, Kim Kardashian.

ESPY Awards 2011

Serena also trends towards bright pieces that pop against her dark skin, but she barely ever goes over-board with patterns or gaudy colours.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images North America

Well, except this one time... 

Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2012

But hey, everyone looked bad that day, including Maria Sharapova.

Her worst look

While Serena does a great job on the red carpet, off it she can go for a little too much. Like, way too much.

Shorts seem to be a particular weakness for Serena, and while she certainly has fantastic legs, there’s just no need to wear shorts quite that short. 

Unlike the form-fitting dresses she wears so well, Serena looks uncomfortable in shorts that strangle her butt and cling to the top of her thighs.  We recommend Serena tries something a little looser and adds a few extra inches.  After all, hiding a little something is always more attractive than letting it all hang out.

Her accessories

Serena enjoys wearing make-up far too much.  As she gets older, Serena is covering her natural beauty with colourful lipsticks, perfectly lined eyebrows, and carefully done eye makeup.  There’s no doubt she’s good with a brush, but Serena needs to focus on one area and leave the rest alone.

Serena gets it right when she leaves the highlighter pens and super-shiny foundation behind.

For the most part....

Serena is an inspiration for women everywhere.  She may not have the shape of a model, but she looks like one anyway with a style that is very much her own.  She exudes confidence and class without looking as if she is trying to copy one of her celebrity friends.  While she may push the boundaries of sexy from time to time, and she certainly needs to STEP AWAY FROM THE MAKEUP CABINET, Serena’s often looks more comfortable on the red-carpet than those who work it for a living. 

Some more of our favourite Serena moments...

BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis 2012Fashion Night Out 2010

Kait O'Callahan also has her own tennis blog Any Given Surface.  To follow her on Twitter, click here.