I know you were all wondering what happened to this week’s Friday Fashion Face-off. Well, we have something special for you today–the Saturday Sartorial Showdown!
Moving our fashion fun back one day had nothing whatsoever to do with my post-hiatus fatigue and disorganization. It was all part of my master plan. A new day for a new feature–the evening wear competition!
The women’s tour has reached the end of its 2018 season, and the finals begin next week. Up until a few years ago, I had no idea a “final” existed in tennis. In a nutshell, the final involves only the top eight players in a round-robin format tournament. Which players play when is decided at the Gala Evening and Draw Ceremony–a fancy shindig for which the players get all dolled up.
Seeing the players in something other than tennis clothes provides a little glimpse into their personalities. These aren’t clothes the players are contractually required to wear. These are the clothes they want to wear.
Unfortunately, I can’t include all eight players in this face-off…er, I mean, showdown. That would just get unwieldy. Instead, I picked my favorite three styles from the evening.
1. Elina Svitolina
It’s strange–Svitolina’s ranked #6 in the world, and yet I know virtually nothing about her. I can’t even tell you how she plays. I’m not sure how she has managed to fly so completely under my radar.
And after seeing this photo of her, I’m even more surprised. This young lady has some serious style! And confidence–she is the only one of the eight to buck convention and wear pants. I love the scalloped lace edge along the neckline of the tuxedo halter top, and the ultra-modern shoes perfectly complement this youthful, edgy outfit. If she’s this bold in her fashion choices, I definitely want to check out her tennis game.
2. Naomi Osaka
The last time we talked about Naomi Osaka in this blog was after the unfortunate U.S. Open women’s final. She was in tears and pulling her visor down to hide her face. I think she broke the hearts of everyone who watched that match.
So what a pleasure to see her looking so put-together here! I wouldn’t think a young person could pull off a mature dress like this, but Osaka is blowing me away with her grace and poise. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised after her mature dismantling of Serena in the final. Osaka continues to earn my admiration.
3. Karolina Pliskova
Pliskova’s already a tall lady, and everything about this outfit serves to stretch her out even more. The uninterrupted column of black. The sheer skirt showing off her impossibly long legs. And the minimalist gold-toned shoes–themselves adding several inches to her frame. All the elements combine to form an imposing, goddess-like image. Simple and elegant.
I wasn’t impressed with Naomi Osaka’s dress. To me it looked like a big, red beach towel was wrapped around her and about to fall off. I think she would look better in a clingy, short, youthful dress. Is it just me?
I like your beach towel analogy! Very funny. I don’t see it that way, but I’m sure plenty of other people would agree with you. A couple of players wore the short, clingy dresses, and I guess I’m a little tired of that look. Or maybe I just didn’t like those specific dresses. I wondered if Osaka’s dress was intended as a nod to her Japanese heritage. It’s not a kimono, but I see an Asian Pacific influence in it.
Or maybe I’m just seeing what I want to see.
I have to agree that Osaka’s dress wasn’t a winner. It hid her shape completely, which seems an odd thing to do when one is fit. Despite the bare shoulders, I’m left wondering what she’s hiding. I’m also not a fan of tan lines. That did make it seem like a beach towel! Good call.
The pants are definitely gutsy. That outfit is flattering and well put together. It got my vote. I agree that the sheer skirt is pretty, but something about the length didn’t emphasize her long legs for me.
Hmm, I thought Osaka would at least win pity votes for what happened during the US Open. My readers are a heartless bunch. 😂
If I’d had a better photo of Angelique Kerber, I’d have included her over Pliskova and she might have won. She wore a red dress, not tight but fitted on top and nicely draped to mid-calf. The color looked great with her blond hair. But the available photos cut her off at the knees. No one looks good cut off at the knees.