The 2025 ESPYs red carpet at the Dolby Theatre was nothing short of a fashion roller coaster. While some stars dazzled, others sparked intense debate — not always for the right reasons. From daring ensembles that polarized fans to questionable styling decisions that sent social media into a frenzy, this year’s ESPYs offered a wild ride of memorable looks. Let’s dive deep into 20 of the most buzzworthy fashion moments — from Olympic champions to influencers — and uncover what worked, what didn’t, and what left viewers scratching their heads.

1. Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens: Olympic Glory Meets Fashion Risk

Simone Biles came into the night shining with her usual Olympic grace, clutching two awards that cemented her legacy. Yet, her custom Zac Posen blue sequin gown divided fashion critics. Designed in collaboration with Athleta, the dress was meant to embody elegance and athleticism.

Simone herself loved the look, saying it was exactly as envisioned. However, social media erupted with comments labeling the gown ill-fitting and unflattering. Some harsh voices speculated about changes in Simone’s appearance, detracting from her win. Meanwhile, Jonathan Owens raised eyebrows for sporting a shirt some felt was uncharacteristic for a man at a high-profile event. Together, they made a bold but controversial style statement.

2. Jordan Chiles: From Grace to Fashion Gaffe?

Jordan Chiles, known for her grace on the gymnastics floor, was less fortunate on the red carpet. Sporting a beige minidress from Cong Tri’s spring 2025 collection, Jordan’s outfit drew mixed reactions. While the athlete praised the texture and special nature of the dress, viewers were less forgiving. Critics panned her makeup and overall styling, with some questioning if her glam team was doing her justice. The basket-weave look of the fabric was compared to common household items, sparking memes and jokes online. It was a tough night for Jordan, highlighting how even stars can misstep in the fashion arena.

Jordan Chiles dazzles in a stunning woven glam look at the 2025 ESPYS — a standout red carpet moment that blends elegance with bold style.

3. Whitney Cummings: White Cutout Gown That Dared to Be Different

Comedian and personality Whitney Cummings turned heads with a white cutout gown, an ensemble that was as bold as it was polarizing. Fans were split: some praised the gown’s unique design and freshness, while others found it puzzling and ill-suited for the occasion. The gown’s daring structure sparked conversations about where fashion boundaries lie on the red carpet. Whitney’s confident pose and charm ensured that, love it or hate it, the dress left a lasting impression. It was a vivid reminder that red carpet fashion is about risk-taking as much as glamour.

4. Ilona Maher: Rugby Star’s Gladiator Look Backfires

Ilona Maher, Olympic bronze medalist and Team USA rugby standout, opted for a black cutout gown that was meant to showcase her athletic physique. However, the daring design evoked comparisons to a “gladiator’s loincloth” and left many scratching their heads. Although she proudly wore the dress to highlight her muscles, critics argued that the silhouette was unflattering and clashed with the event’s vibe. Fans expressed disappointment, hoping for a more flattering choice that matched her powerful presence. This look served as a stark example of how intention and execution can sometimes collide on the red carpet.

5. Katie Austin: Glitter and Sheer—Too Much or Just Right?

Fitness influencer Katie Austin brought all the sparkle with a teeny glitter bra paired with a sheer, sparkly skirt. While her confidence was undeniable, many questioned if the outfit was appropriate for the prestigious ESPYs event. Social media users debated whether a fitness influencer’s presence was fitting among professional athletes, with some critics dismissing her as out of place. Yet, Katie’s fearless fashion choice reinforced a growing trend of blending performance wear with high fashion. Love it or loathe it, she owned her look and sparked conversation about what “red carpet ready” really means.

6. Daria Berenato: The Leather, Straps, and Metal Ring Enigma

Daria Berenato took an unconventional approach, pairing black leather pants with a crop top festooned with dangling straps and a mysterious metal ring. The outfit’s experimental vibe wasn’t well received, with many describing it as confusing and out of sync with the event’s elegance. Critics suggested the ensemble lacked cohesion, calling it “not an outfit for an awards event.” While bravery in fashion is commendable, Daria’s look served as a cautionary tale about balancing edge with event appropriateness.

7. Alex Morgan: Sequins and Slits That Missed the Mark

Alex Morgan’s sequined top and thigh-high slit black skirt were poised to dazzle, but unfortunately, the fit fell short of expectations. Observers pointed out the lack of polish and proper tailoring, which undermined the overall glamour. As one of soccer’s most celebrated figures, Alex’s style moment was a reminder that even the biggest stars need the right fit and finish to truly shine. This look sparked important conversations on the red carpet about the impact of tailoring in elevating or sinking an outfit.

8. Robin Arzón: Disco Ball or Fashion Faux Pas?

Fitness guru Robin Arzón brought the party with a strapless metallic silver gown reminiscent of a disco ball. While eye-catching and full of energy, the revealing nature of the dress worried some viewers, who joked about “imminent wardrobe malfunctions.” Robin’s choice highlighted the delicate balance between making a statement and maintaining sophistication. Her look polarized the audience, but undeniably commanded attention and set her apart from the crowd.

9. Flau’jae Johnson: The Bold Metallic Netted Gown

Flau’jae Johnson’s metallic netted gown turned heads for its daring design. The bold ensemble divided opinion, with some praising her confidence and others questioning the outfit’s suitability. As a rising star in sports, Flau’jae’s fashion risk showed a willingness to push boundaries and embrace individuality. Regardless of critiques, she brought fresh energy to the red carpet and made her mark.

Flau’jae Johnson shows off her playful side at the 2025 ESPYS as she practices her best English accent — a charming moment that’s pure fun to watch!

10. Chiney Ogwumike: Sparkling Lilac Elegance Divides Fans

Chiney Ogwumike opted for a sparkling lilac strapless gown with floral accents that split public opinion. While some applauded the dress’s sweetness and charm, others felt it lacked the wow factor needed for such a high-profile event. The dress sparked discussions about balancing elegance with personality on the red carpet, reminding us that fashion taste is deeply subjective.

11. Kendra Andrews: The Black Cutout Dress That Polarized

Kendra Andrews took a risk with a bold black dress featuring daring cutouts. While aiming for a sultry, fashion-forward look, the dress received criticism for its fit and styling. Social media was abuzz with mixed reviews, highlighting how red carpet choices can quickly become divisive. Kendra’s outfit reinforced the notion that risk-taking on the carpet is a double-edged sword — it can elevate or alienate.

12. Chari Hawkins: Princess Gown Meets Sneakers

Champion athlete Chari Hawkins gave a nod to tradition with a voluminous pink ball gown by Ines Di Santo but swapped heels for chunky white sneakers. This unexpected fusion of casual and couture polarized opinions, with some applauding her comfort-first approach and others questioning the clash. The sneakers, mostly hidden, brought fresh energy and sparked a lively debate about redefining red carpet norms.

13. Fat Nwigwe and Tobe Nwigwe: The Art of Wearing Bold Fashion

Fat and Tobe Nwigwe’s avant-garde ensembles resembled wearable art, with sculptural shapes and daring cuts. Fans praised their creativity and originality, appreciating their fearless fashion sense. While unconventional, their outfits celebrated individuality and pushed boundaries, embodying fashion as self-expression. The duo’s looks became a highlight for those seeking inspiration beyond traditional red carpet styles.

14. Freddie Freeman and Chelsea Freeman: Classic Elegance Meets Real Talk

Freddie and Chelsea Freeman appeared in classic formalwear, with Chelsea’s dress drawing admiration for its elegance. However, Freddie’s suit attracted criticism for wrinkles and lack of polish, proving that even the most stylish couples can have off moments. Their appearance sparked conversations on the importance of detail and preparation in presenting a flawless joint look.

15. Diana Flores: The White Suit and Fashion Question Marks

Diana Flores took a bold step in a white suit paired with an unusual fabric accessory. While the intention was likely to impress, many found themselves wondering about the accessory’s purpose and the overall styling coherence. The outfit left fashion critics questioning whether the statement made was successful or simply confusing.

16. Gabby Thomas: Feather-Trimmed Oscar Dress—Too Much?

Sprinter Gabby Thomas embraced an all-white feather-trimmed Oscar dress from PatBo featuring asymmetrical cuts. Though meant to dazzle, the dress was widely viewed as over-the-top and impractical, with some likening it to costume design. The look became a prime example of how embellishment can overpower, reminding viewers that sometimes less is more.

17. Spencer McManes and Gabby Thomas: Fashion Mis-match

Gabby Thomas and Spencer McManes arrived as a duo, but their fashion choices clashed. Spencer’s ill-fitting gray suit did not complement Gabby’s extravagant feathered dress, leading to online mockery and questions about their style coordination. Their look highlighted how couple styling on red carpets can either elevate or detract from the overall impression.

18. Lindsey Vonn: Purple Gown and Underwear Woes

Lindsey Vonn’s revealing dark purple gown faced criticism not only for design choices but also for apparent wardrobe malfunctions, including visible underwear. The ensemble sparked conversations about tasteful dressing and the perils of pushing boundaries too far on a prestigious platform.

Catch the most head-turning fashion moments from the 2025 ESPY Awards — a dazzling lineup of bold, glamorous, and unforgettable red carpet looks.

19. Shane Gillis: The Suit That Failed to Impress

Comedian Shane Gillis showed up in a black suit that many found uninspired and forgettable. His lackluster fashion was mirrored by his uncomfortable demeanor during the event, with social media reflecting disappointment in both outfit and performance. Shane’s look serves as a reminder that even simple outfits require polish and confidence.

20. Rae Burrell: Patterned Dress Meets Puffy Coat

WNBA star Rae Burrell combined a dizzying patterned dress with a bulky puffer coat, creating a look that confused more than impressed. Despite the mismatch, Rae’s relaxed confidence and belief in the power of clothes to boost performance shone through, making her a memorable figure regardless of fashion critiques.

Conclusion

The 2025 ESPYs red carpet was a kaleidoscope of fashion risks, misses, and unforgettable statements. While some stars dazzled with timeless elegance and bold originality, others stumbled with choices that sparked debate and memes alike. The event reaffirmed that red carpet style is about courage — the courage to express, experiment, and sometimes endure criticism. As athletes and celebrities continue to push boundaries, one thing remains clear: fashion is as thrilling and unpredictable as sport itself.