We know Anna Kournikova knows how to dress, because she’s rocked some seriously on-point fashion over the years. From her gorgeous, floaty, cut-out maxi dress at the Grand Slam for Children fundraiser in 2006 to her flirty, red mini dress with leopard-print peep-toe heels at the Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular the following year, she’s served looks that were total wins. Fashion was clearly a passion of the star, too, because she regularly shared her OOTDs (outfit of the day) on Instagram in the mid-2010s before stepping back from the spotlight. But, just like tennis, with the hits come the misses, and this oft-stylish beauty has had her fair share of faults.
Anna Kournikova’s stunning transformation has included years of ensembles that just didn’t work, even though she told Elle in 2011 she tries to stick to the basics. “My style is very basic. Most of the time, I mix black and white. I love leather jackets or tailored blazers,” she said. She’s shown that straying from her usual style doesn’t always work.
Anna Kournikova’s Today look was way too casual
When Anna Kournikova appeared on “Today” to promote “The Biggest Loser” in 2011, she was dressed way too casually. The beauty wore dark blue jeans with a dark gray, slouchy, quarter zip sweatshirt over a black top and chunky, gray sneakers that resembled hiking boots. The tennis star was dressed like she was going on a hike, not appearing one of the country’s biggest TV shows that shoots in the middle of one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world, New York City. Particularly while sitting opposite co-hosts Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, who were donning polished, structured dresses and pumps, Kournikova’s understated style felt out of place.
Though we can understand why Kournikova wanted to dress a little sportier to promote the weight loss show, a few small tweaks would have instantly upgraded her outfit. Swapping her bootcut blue jeans for black skinny jeans (a big trend at the time) would have instantly made the casual look dressier. Adding some simple heels would have put her ensemble on par with Kotb and Gifford’s style vibe, too. We know Kournikova isn’t afraid of heels, as she’s worn them countless times, and told Elle, “I’m the kind of girl who goes with really high shoes or flip flops. I don’t do in between.” But if she wanted more comfort, athletic ballet flats would have been a more fashion-forward, yet sporty, choice.
Her understated ensemble for Extra looked out of place, too
Anna Kournikova, who’s stunning without makeup, made a similar fashion mistake when appearing on “Extra” in 2011, dressed super casually. She wore what appeared to be the same practical sneakers and dark denim from her “Today” interview, but this time with a sporty purple jacket. Standing next to host Maria Menounos — who wore a royal blue skater dress with black pumps — the sports star’s ensemble felt too informal and under-thought. Once again, the Russian superstar was more appropriately dressed for a day of outdoor activities than a day speaking to the press, which gave the impression she didn’t value stepping out on “The Biggest Loser” promo trail.
Considering the interview took place at The Grove in Los Angeles, which is home to several notable fashion stores, there’s no excuse for Kournikova not putting her best foot forward, fashionably speaking. The black jeans, black blazer, and floaty, graphic top look she wore a few months earlier to NBC’s 2011 TCA summer press tour would have been a much better choice to show she’d put some thought into her clothing.
Anna Kournikova’s fashion week look felt too safe
In 2006, Anna Kournikova appeared at New York’s Olympus Fashion Week for spring, but her all-black outfit left a lot to be desired. The athlete wore a plunging top with rouching across the chest, skinny jeans, knee-high patent boots, and a striped belt. But the dark ensemble felt uninspired and like a missed opportunity to have fun and experiment with her wardrobe. When else can you take a risk if not fashion week?
The monochrome look was made more disappointing because we know Kournikova knows how to put a stylish and exciting ensemble together. Even a monochromatic one. Earlier that year, she stunned at the General Motors Ten event in a strapless black dress with a sweetheart neckline paired with a chunky black bangle, a gold cocktail ring, and simple black pumps. We would’ve loved to see some monochrome creativity come out for fashion week to create a look that packed more of a punch.
Her bulky, all-white tennis outfit was confusing
Anna Kournikova was known for taking a few risks on the tennis court (remember when she was scolded for breaking the Wimbledon dress code by wearing black shorts?), but she took things a little too far in her all-white outfit during the Ariel Tennis Ace Programme in 2006. The star wore a pink rimmed tank top, cropped pants, a pink rimmed skirt, plus a baggy, low-cut, wrapover hoodie with lace-up sneakers.
The problem was that her clothing was impractical and unflattering, and we can’t see how the bulky ensemble would have aided her game. The hooded top would likely have hindered her on the court, and the extra material around her middle was the complete opposite of the more form-fitting garments sports stars wear to keep their bodies streamlined. Equally, while the skirt or dress over pants look was a seriously hot Y2K trend, her bottoms were too baggy to make it work — and a day on the court didn’t feel like the right occasion to try it, either.
Anna Kournikova’s over the top fur-look coat and animal print boots clashed
After Anna Kournikova signed a deal with Omega watches in 2000, she attended a New York City event to celebrate in a super long, dramatic, brown fur coat. The over-the-top outwear completely swamped her small frame and the sleeves were so long they covered her hands. Though it’s not clear if the garment was real fur, if it was, that’s just another reason why this didn’t work.
The outfit also missed the mark because of her odd footwear choice. Kournikova paired it with clashing, black and brown giraffe print-esque boots that covered her entire foot and ankle. Though we understand wanting to stay warm on a November evening in New York, the bold coat and footwear served mob wife aesthetic (years before TikTok made it a trend), which aged the 19-year-old star. It also didn’t fit with her usual, more basic style, as this was anything but.
Read More: https://www.women.com/1830718/anna-kournikova-outfits-just-didnt-work/