What were LSU coach Mulkey’s best outfits this season?
Palpable anticipation pulses through the arena in the moments before LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey emerges from the tunnel for the first time.
A guessing game occurs: What Mulkey be wearing?
Maybe a top that includes every color of the rainbow. Maybe a jacket fringed in feathers. Maybe she’ll shimmer in sequins. Or maybe all three.
This 5-foot-4 pistol in heels turned LSU into a national power while dropping jaws with game-day fashion choices that have become a college basketball phenomenon.
All eyes on her. All eyes on her Tigers. “She’s created this brand that I think is really powerful,” said Tracy Richardson, a Vancouver-based stylist and image consultant who works with television personalities and corporate executives.
“Whether people are complaining about it or living in awe of what she comes out in, more power to her. You can tell that she is just very confident.”
Confident, and comfortable in her own skin – and comfortable in feathers, sequins, sparkles and neon colors.
Mulkey, the four-time national championship coach, is slaying it in Baton Rouge. Her third-seeded Tigers (28-5) will try to repeat as national champions when they begin play in the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
What did Mulkey wear today, and did LSU win?
These are questions that will be asked, sometimes in that order, throughout March Madness.
“This is fun for her, I believe. People are tuning in to watch the sport,” Richardson said, “but they’re also tuning in to see her.”
Whether you love what you see or you hate it, admit it: You can’t look away.
I spoke with four fashion experts to gather their take on Mulkey’s top sideline fits of this season. Some of Mulkey’s boldest choices emerged in their
rankings.
LSU fashion professor appreciates Kim Mulkey’s variety
Casey Stannard, an associate professor of apparel design at LSU, says Mulkey’s game-day fashion choices tend to fall into three categories: the more traditional coach look featuring a suit; the “LSU casual” fits featuring team colors or tigers; and the “full-glam look,” in which she’s bedazzled in sequins.
An LSU women’s basketball fan herself, Stannard has witnessed Mulkey’s fashion influencing the apparel choices of Tigers fans. Earlier this season, Stannard bought an LSU shirt with a sequined tiger on the front.
“You’ve got to have the right look,” Stannard said. “I love that her fashion is a way she can help get attention to the women’s game.”
Stannard’s choices for top three Mulkey fits this season:
1. Sequined Tigers jacket (vs. South Carolina, Jan. 25)
Stannard’s take: This coat has some really fabulous sequin embroidery. The tiger also fits perfectly along the back of the jacket and of course has a championship crown! This is a good example of her full-glam coaching look.
2. School spirit in a sweater (at Vanderbilt, Feb. 8)
Stannard’s take: I like these more toned-down looks, too. They’re still LSU colors, and the embroidery is playful. She also has the perfect shade of pants to match the sweatshirt cuffs.
3. Sizzling in pink and white (vs. Virginia Tech, Nov. 30)
Stannard’s take: This whole look is on point! The fit of the pants and jacket is excellent. The jacket is also featuring tigers but uses something fresh and not the typical LSU logo. The touch of feathers at the cuff makes her hand gestures really stand out, which is always important for coaches.
Baton Rouge stylist loves Kim Mulkey’s suits and blazers
Baton Rouge fashion stylist Elle Marie can’t get enough of Kim Mulkey’s outfits, especially her suits and blazers.
“Her game-day fashion is very bold, vibrant, and in your face,” said Elle Marie, who owns Elle Marie Brand.
Elle Marie’s choices for top three Mulkey fits this season:
1. A jacket for a champion (vs. Queens, Nov. 9)
Elle Marie’s take: I love the sleek look of this suit. It gives chic with a touch of edge.
2. Springing into action in blue (vs. Texas Southern, Nov. 20)
Elle Marie’s take: The light blue color gives spring vibes. I love how the suit is tailored to fit her well with a monochromatic touch. The silver buttons bring it up a notch to give a fashionable feel.
3. Fun and vibrant blazer (vs. Virginia Tech, Nov. 30)
Elle Marie’s take: This blazer is creative, vibrant and elegant. It shows how fun and stylish fashion can be.
Bold is best for Kim Mulkey, says image consultant
Bold as ever, and radiant in color. That’s Richardson’s take on Mulkey’s top fits. She says Mulkey looks her best while popping with vibrant colors. She’d steer Mulkey clear of anything in black, brown or beige.
“I think Kim is great when she’s dressed flamboyantly,” said Richardson, the Vancouver image consultant. “If I could get my hands on her, I would even go bigger, with her personality.”
Richardson’s choices for top three Mulkey fits this season:
1. Popping in color and armor (at Tennessee, Feb. 25)
Richardson’s take: This is No. 1, for so many reasons. It’s a statement. It’s strong. Blazers are armor, and she wears her armor well. These colors are her colors.
2. A jacket to challenge norms (vs. Mississippi Valley State, Nov. 12)
Richardson’s take: Those colors look fantastic on her. The sparkle just livens up the outfit, and then you’ve got the fur again at the cuff. It just says, I am here, I am fashionable, I’m having fun, and I don’t really give a damn what you think of me. I love that about her.
3. A blast of color (vs. Missouri, Jan. 4)
Richardson’s take: When you want to look your best, you wear the right colors. She’s wearing her colors. The blotches of color are strong, and they’re out there, and so is she. Then you’ve got the feathers at the end of the sleeve. It just adds personality. All of those colors really look good on her, including her pants and her heels. Cracks me up, she’s running around in heels. It suits her.
Revolve stylist says Kim Mulkey keeps it chic and flatters her figure
Mulkey succeeds in fashion by embracing playful outfits that work well for her figure, says Kimberly Contreras, a stylist at Revolve, an online fashion retailer.
“Most of the garments she wears flatter her waistline, her length,” said Contreras, who assists shoppers’ experience at Revolve with a personalized styling program. “Most of her outfits elongate her frame. I love how she’s very playful with colors, with statements, embellishments. Nothing is really off limits.”
Contreras’ choices for top three Mulkey fits this season:
1. Tigers, tigers, everywhere (vs. Auburn, March 8)
Contreras’ take: This look is my top favorite! Obsessed with the sparkly tigers in various colors, the statement earring and the chic black collar, keeping the overall look polished. She’s really wearing this head-to-toe look with pride as her Tigers are killing it on the court!
2. Blue meets feathers and heels (vs. South Carolina, March 10)
Contreras’ take: This tonal look is everything! From the light shades of the statement blazer to the electric blue tailored pants, this outfit is chef ’s kiss! The tailored blazer highlights her natural waistline, and the pointed heels paired back to the pants really elongate her legs. The embellishment details from sequins to feathers truly make this game-worthy statement look exude confidence.
3. ‘Sporty chic’ sweater (vs. Texas A&M. Jan. 11)
Contreras’ take: Elevated sporty chic! While this is more of a neutral look, it still has the glam touches that Kim is known for. The double sparkly basketball hoops are perfect for the big game, and her accessories truly tie the look together. This cropped cardigan length also hits her at the perfect spot at her hip, and the knit sweater is a versatile piece she can wear with so many other pieces!
Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.