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Inside the NBA’s New Style Wars

By Becca Smith

It was MARCH MADNESS on the college scene, but all the madness now is on the most fashionable men of NBA basketball! The NBA has come a long way from oversized throwback jerseys, and multi-colored fitted caps that dominated the late nineties and early twenties. Players today are more comfortable wearing high end brands and straight off the runway.

The rivalry among the NBA’s elite has spilled off the court and into an arena where athletes have historically feared to tread: high fashion. Players are now showing up for games wearing leather pants, lensless glasses, and printed silk shirts. Take notice, basketball’s biggest names—Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Kobe, D-Wade, LeBron are turning the league into a runway for the world’s tallest peacocks. We know they have endless talent on the court, but now they have skills in their closets. LeBron James is always looking sharp, as is Dwyane Wade. Not to be outdone, big guys like Shaq and Amar’e Stoudemire also know how to present themselves.

For whatever reason, NBA players have always been a stylish bunch. Whether we’re talking the funky fashions of the 1970s or the different ways that today’s players choose to spice up the NBA’s dress code, basketballers have always seem to be dressed at the height of fashion.

In this REAL Style report we share the 10 NBA players with the Best Style. Some of the players on this list are not only considered to be some of the best-dressed men in the league, but in the world.

Checkout REAL Style list of the 10 Most Stylish NBA Players:

• When Carmelo Anthony is not dominating Madison Square Garden, he can be caught around the world at different fashion events. His style as simple and classical. He has stated that his favorite fashion lines include Simon Spurr, Thom Browne, and Rag & Bone.
• James Harden established himself as one of the best players in the league last season. Though his fashion game might be slightly overshadowed by his ex-teammates Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, Harden still has fashion sense. Some of The Beard’s favorite brands are 7 For All Mankind and Christian Louboutin.
• Dwight Howard, is like Superman where he changes from a mild mannered and often bespeckled citizen off the court, to a genetic freak capable of seemingly impossible athletic feats, on the court. During the offseason, Howard cannot only be found attending runway events but also modeling for them. Dwight’s favorite brands include Ralph Lauren and Armani. He is also currently a spokesperson for Armaan Swiss diamond watches.
• Unfortunately, Amar’e Stoudemire was battling a litany of injuries during this last season, but his fashion did not suffer. Amare is known for his love of Gucci and his extensive collection of Waraire Boswell custom apparel.
• Kobe is one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game and a style icon. His time spent living in Italy may have helped influence his impeccable style. Kobe’s favorite items include dark pallet V-neck sweaters and custom made suits.
• Kevin Durant has few weaknesses on the basketball court. He also has few weaknesses when it comes to style as well. Durant can often be seen wearing geek-chic glasses and tailored suits complete with a vibrant pocket square.
• King James not only has a dominate style on the court but also off of it. Lebron has appeared on the cover of numerous fashion magazines and is a creator of trends. Lebron’s favorite clothing lines include Ralph Lauren and Michael Bastian.
• Russell Westbrook, the other half of the powerful Thunder duo, will be spending more time wearing high fashion clothing than a NBA jersey over the next few months. This year, GQ magazine rated Westbrook the 24th best-dressed man in the world. His favorite fashion lines include superdry and Black Doc Mates. The Thunder’s hyper-athletic guard is known for pushing the boundaries of fashion, and much like on offense, loves being the center of attention.
• D-wade is a perennial all-star in both the league and in the fashion world. This year, Wade was rated the 12th best-dressed man in the world by GQ magazine. Rocking clothes including form fitting suits with pants hemmed above the ankle. Much like Westbrook, Wade is not afraid to take chances when it comes to fashion. He can often be spotted donning pinstripes and polka dots
• When it comes to fashion, Tyson Chandler is in a league all of his own. Chandler describes his personal style as Amish chic. He can often be seen sporting an Amish style with a form fitting suit jacket. This year Chandler was rated the 8th best-dressed man in the world by GQ magazine. Chandler not only wears high fashion clothing he also participates in the design process.

The NBA Style Wars are well underway, and these top 10 NBA superstars are the center of it all.

^[1]Rebecca Z. Smith, a fashion stylist/image consultant, is founder of We’ve Got Style. She offers wardrobe planning, closet consultations and is available for styling/personal shopping services. Rebecca knows fashion: the looks, the trends, the runway buzz, and how to put an outfit as well as a sustainable wardrobe together. More importantly she takes pride in knowing each client personally. This combination of professional expertise and highly personalized service ensures every client has the wardrobe that expresses their best self. For your entire wardrobe needs contact Rebecca at (941) 223-6643, beccarealstyle@gmail.com ^[2] – www.wevegotstyle.biz ^[3].

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