How Living in Brooklyn Convinced WNBA Star Breanna Stewart to Embrace Fashion

Reminiscing on her start in the WNBA, Breanna Stewart remembered some of her more questionable fashion choices. “If you think about what you’re wearing 10 years ago, you’re probably like, ‘What was I doing?’” she said with a laugh.

Now a league veteran, Stewart — one of FN’s cover stars for August, along with A’ja Wilson — said her style has matured, and she has found a lane in fashion where she feels like her most comfortable and best self. And her fashion choices are more consistent.

Stewart — who joined the New York Liberty in February 2023 after winning two championships with the Seattle Storm — also recognizes her increased visibility now living in Brooklyn. “You definitely need to pay more attention to what you’re wearing. No matter where you’re going, someone will see you,” she said.

To help find her fashion lane, Stewart tapped wardrobe stylist Courtney Mays to craft her look. The two have worked together since the 2023 WNBA season.

“[Stewart] is one of the best dressed in the league, and she’s not in a miniskirt and pumps before the game,” said Velissa Vaughn, veteran publicist and founder of the style-focused WNBA Tunnel Instagram account. “She is the epitome of chic style, and she and Courtney have built that.”

Mays — whose clients include Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe and others — said that Stewart is clear about what she likes and dislikes, but is also willing to try new things. “Giving her those ruffly Margiela shorts [during the FN shoot] was pushing it, but she understood there’s a time for everything,” Mays said.

She noted that Stewart’s style often bucks current WNBA tunnel walk trends.

“Everything [right now] is ultrafeminine. You’re seeing miniskirts and crop tops, bralettes. What’s cool about Stewie [as Stewart is affectionately called by fans] is she’s stayed consistent. She likes the oversize, a bit more masculine presenting,” Mays said. “Also, she can do high-low. She might have on Acne pants, but her top might be from Zara, or she might wear a complete Marni suit with a New Era cap.”

Stewart’s favorite brands are diverse. While she is fond of Marni, Issey Miyake, Casablanca, Agolde, Fear of God and Dior, she also favors graphic T-shirts from Urban Outfitters and Target.

And when it comes to footwear, Stewart’s collection is dominated by Puma sneakers, as well as boots from Celine, Bottega Veneta, Golden Goose and Dr. Martens, lots of loafers (including Prada) and Birkenstock sandals.

“She is a men’s 12. That impacts what’s available,” Mays said. “But what’s cool now is men’s shoes are becoming a bit gender- fluid, and the way we’re dressing is not determined by our gender, but by what’s cool. I love that she’s able to incorporate things that are traditionally menswear staples — a loafer, a derby, a Chelsea boot — on top of incorporating Puma.”

For the August issue, FN profiled two of the WNBA’s most influential and beloved stars: A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart. The two spoke about activism, signature shoes and being role models for generations of female athletes to come.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.