In the public eye, professional athletes and industry figures are often celebrated for their impeccable style, yet the creative minds behind their looks often remain in the background. Amadi Brooks, a renowned fashion stylist, has not only made her mark working with top- tier WNBA talent, but has also established herself as a key influencer in the fashion industry. Brooks’ journey began during her college years when she studied fashion merchandising, later enhancing her expertise pursuing a master’s degree in sports administration. Determined to bridge her two passions, she networked to secure an internship with a designer/ stylist specializing in the WNBA, a pivotal experience that ignited her love for styling professional athletes. Since then, her career has grown organically. Today, she works with a diverse clientele from professional athletes, reporters, journalists, and more. Her portfolio includes styling for everything from All- Star Weekend events to high- profile campaigns.
As a stylist, especially for high- profile clients, Brooks has a meticulous approach to personal styling. Her process begins with a consultation call, where she discusses the client’s styling goals, measurements, and any upcoming events requiring her expertise. She then curates a mood board to ensure both she and the client are aligned on the overall vision. From there, she reaches out and connects with designers and brands to source out the perfect pieces. Once these selections are made, she moves on to fittings, collaborating with tailors to ensure each look fits flawlessly. “It’s all about collaboration and making sure every detail aligns with the athlete’s personal style and the occasion,” she emphasizes.
She also explains that the creative process and inspiration typically comes very naturally for her when styling a client. When a potential client expresses interest in working with her, an immediate vision takes place, a gift that she was blessed with. As she gets to know the client better, she begins incorporating details that capture and bring out their personality and preferences. Her ultimate goal is to always ensure that they feel both confident and comfortable while still presenting an image that feels authentic to who they are.
Brooks admits that one of the major challenges in styling WNBA athletes is sizing. Prior to 2025, she explains that building authentic relationships with designers and brands that recognized the value and marketability of WNBA players was a struggle. To address this issue, she prioritized working closely with tailors during fittings and sought out brands willing to offer extended sizing or create custom pieces. While progress is still being made, the fashion industry is finally beginning to embrace WNBA players in the same way it has long celebrated NBA stars. She also notes the growing spotlight on WNBA athletes and their evolving style. More sports fashion platforms are highlighting their amazing standout looks and personal style journeys beyond the court. One of her personal favorite pages, @hertunnel, founded by Velissa Vaughn, does an exceptional job of showcasing and highlighting these athletes.
Brooks states that the current fashion trends in the WNBA are evolving in an exciting way, with players embracing their unique individuality and using their wardrobes as a form of self- expression. As a result, a diverse range of aesthetics are emerging, from hyper- feminine styles to androgynous looks. The tunnel walk has transformed into a true showcase of diversity, where athletes seamlessly blend sporty casual ensembles with custom designer pieces. These athletes are not just competitors, they are redefining what it means to be stylish in sports and proving they have the potential to become fashion icons. More players are embracing the fashion world and using their platform to set trends. Oversized silhouettes, vibrant colors, tailored pieces, and the fusion of streetwear with high fashion are becoming increasingly prevalent. This shift is drawing in a wider audience, including those who may not have previously paid much attention to the game.
As a stylist, Brooks loves seeing WNBA players embrace fashion by blending different pieces to create their own unique styles. She appreciates the diversity and creativity on display in the WNBA tunnel, where one week, a player may piece together a mini skirt with boots, and the next, effortlessly pair a crop top with baggy jeans. “What excites me most is that these athletes don’t feel confined to being just sporty or just feminine, they have the freedom to express both sides of themselves,” she says. Brooks has also noticed a growing trend of players incorporating suiting and tailored looks into their wardrobes often pulling from menswear but making it their own. She highlights Smash Shoes and other size- inclusive brands as go- to options for the “heel girlies”, while also recognizing MNML LA and Alexander Wang for their standout pieces. “These brands truly understood the marketability of styling women athletes early on, and it’s inspiring to see them consistently support the WNBA.” And of course, as professional athletes, “their sneaker game is always on point,” she adds. Ultimately, many players are not just wearing these styles, they’re embracing them, making them their own, and redefining fashion in the world of women’s basketball.
Brooks is grateful for the growing recognition of women’s sports and the fashion industry’s increasing embrace of female athletes. However, she still hopes to see WNBA players receive the same level of opportunities and visibility as actors, musicians, and male athletes. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go, but the possibilities are endless. Brooks remains optimistic about the continued evolution of this space and hopes to play a role in shaping its future.
When it comes to refining your style as a public figure or athlete, Brooks emphasizes the importance of building a wardrobe that not only reflects who you are, but also prioritizes comfort and personal branding. A well- curated wardrobe, combined with confidence and attention to detail, can leave a lasting impression both on and off the court or stage. One of her biggest styling tips? Work with a tailor! No matter what people say, clothes are never truly one size fits all. Even those without unique body types often struggle to find pieces that fit just right. For athletes, this challenge is even greater. When your clothes are tailored to fit your body perfectly, it transforms your confidence and how you feel. And as the saying goes, “when you look good, you feel good!”
Brooks shares that the most rewarding part of her job is helping athletes shift and redefine their perception of their personal style and recognize the power of fashion in shaping their brand beyond the court. She loves watching their confidence grow as they begin to feel comfortable in what they wear. She especially enjoys working with athletes who have never had a stylist before, guiding them through the process and ensuring they feel heard and understood. For Brooks, the job is complete when they walk away from a fitting feeling like an elevated version of themselves, with a sense of relief knowing they no longer have to stress about their appearance.
As the worlds of fashion and sports continue to evolve, Brooks remains dedicated to helping athletes embrace their personal style and build a strong brand beyond the game. She believes that clothing is more than just what you wear. It’s a statement, a source of confidence, and a reflection of each individual’s personal identity. By bridging the gap between sports and fashion, she hopes to continue to inspire more athletes to step into their own unique style, proving that what you wear can be just as powerful as the game you play.
Photo Credit: WNBA & Amadi Brooks
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