New York Fashion Week might only happen twice a year, but luckily for us, our favorite athletes are turning the walk into the tunnel before the game into their personal runway to get their fits off. This makes perfect sense because who better to show off a garment’s true potential than a person in peak physical condition — the ideal hanger in the form of a human, if you will.
Below, we look at 10 standout NBA and NFL game day outfits for January, ranked in order of my favorites. As a woman, it’s fun to take inspiration from men in terms of mixing textures and silhouettes. This month, I was especially taken with the green outerwear and fuzzy, more textured knitwear. But you’ll see what I mean. Keep scrolling to see my favorites this month.
Jarred Vanderbilt
Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images
Starting off with my absolute favorite, Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt. I am immediately in love with his caramel-colored fuzzy sweater. But the way I gasped when I saw the sweater from the back? Those stripes on under the arm and the teal on the back is chef’s kiss. Add in the Louis Vuitton x Murakami re-edition bag, and it’s the ideal winter outfit.
Get the look: Vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolor Boulogne, $1,850
DeVonta Smith
Suiting doesn’t have to be stuffy and boring, and Philadelphia Eagles Devonta Smith’s game day looks have been proof of that all season. The denim on denim keeps the silhouette fresh. The turtle neck, the pocket square, and his tiny waist? Yeah, no notes.
Get the look: Ganni Denim Fitted Blazer, $158 and Ganni Denim Jeans, $118
Jordan Clarkson
David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images
Utah Jazz player Jordan Clarkson is doing something really hard. He pulls off wearing a button-down with a tie, long shorts, high socks and loafers. This works mainly because he’s tall, but the plaid blazer with the Yankees logo is an absolute yes.
Get the look: Polo Ralph Lauren Yankees Plaid Jacket, $998
Jaylen Brown
Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images
Next up, we have Bottega Veneta baddie and Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown doing three things I love: mixing two colors people usually shy away from — black and brown — matching his shoes to his jacket, and playing with proportions. Mixing black and brown together could have easily been the most interesting aspect of this look if not for the Avenue maxi Intrecciato leather bag he’s wearing across his body.
Get the look: Bottega Veneta Nappa Intrecciato Garda Bag, $895
Jalen Hurts
It’s hard to make khaki-colored slacks look like you’re not stuck making photocopies in the ‘80s. But leave it to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts to not only wear that color, but tuck his shirt into belted pants and have it still look good?!?! Extra points for the beret.
Get the look: Kangol Furgora Big Monty Beret, $85
Tyrese Haliburton
Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Here’s another green jacket courtesy of Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. While I would like to say that I love this look because he’s wearing sunglasses indoors, the bomber-style jacket really caught my attention.
Get the look: Sandro Shearling Collar Aviator Jacket, $447
Jerami Grant
Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images
Now, Jerami Grant was photographed mid-stride, so the Portland Trail Blazers forward might look slightly disheveled in the above image. But to me, Grant is showing how to do layers well. And the color coordination keeps the look feeling very intentional.
Get the look: L.L. Bean 3 Season Bomber Jacket, $99
Jalen Green
Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images
Houston Rockets phenom Jalen Green is letting his inner rockstar shine bright with his (extremely) graphic T-shirt, wallet chain on his belt, and slouchy jeans. The fuzzy white coat makes the look feel playful, like a gothic teddy bear.
Get the look: Apparis Sai Coat, $445
Russell Westbrook
Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
The thing about getting dressed in the dead of winter is that vanity flies out the window for the sake of being warm. Denver Nuggets’ guard Russell Westbrook’s look is a good formula for the girls (and maybe the guys): a cropped bubble coat, the coziest knit turtleneck you own, a statement belt, wide-leg jeans, and a lug-sole boot will always work.
Get the look: Weekday Cole Puffer Jacket, $132
Malik Monk
Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images
Another example of how pairing basics can just work is Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk’s baggy jeans, white T-shirt, and Timberland boots. As you know, the star of this outfit at this point is the purple fuzzy pull-over. The layered diamond tennis necklaces don’t hurt either.
Get the look: Frame Faux-Fur Half-Zip Sweater, $490
