The Golden Touch: Why Jordan Chiles’ ESPY Awards Look is This Summer’s Most Athletic Fashion Moment
When it comes to commanding attention, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles has mastered the art both on the mat and on the red carpet. At the ESPY Awards on July 16th in Hollywood, California, the 24-year-old athlete delivered a masterclass in how to translate athletic confidence into high-fashion sophistication.
Chiles arrived in a breathtaking woven, nude-pink minidress by Vietnamese designer Cong Tri—a choice that perfectly encapsulated her fearless approach to both sport and style. The strapless creation featured a plunging bodice that showcased the gymnast’s incredible physique, while a sculptural hoop-style skirt added dramatic flair with every step. The dress, which shimmered in gold and bronze tones, was a study in textural brilliance, with metallic threads catching the light like a constellation of stars.
The genius of this look lay in its perfect balance of edgy modernity and timeless elegance. A dramatic cutout along the bodice created visual interest while maintaining sophistication, and the flared skirt provided movement that seemed to echo Chiles’ dynamic routines. It was fashion as performance art—a fitting choice for an athlete who has spent her career defying gravity.
Chiles’ styling choices demonstrated her innate understanding of proportion and impact. Standing at 4-foot-11, she wisely chose nude high heels that not only complemented the dress’s warm tones but also added statuesque height. Her hair was artfully styled in a sleek ponytail with one sultry kiss curl framing her face—a hairstyle that managed to be both athletic and glamorous, perfectly bridging her two worlds.
The makeup was nothing short of perfection: a smoky eye that smoldered with intensity, accented by long, fluttery lashes that would make any beauty editor weep with envy. A lined nude lip completed the look, allowing her eyes to remain the focal point while maintaining the overall tonal harmony of the ensemble.
Perhaps most impressively, Chiles understood the power of restraint. Despite the plunging neckline that could have accommodated statement jewelry, she chose simple ear studs and a few rings, allowing the dress to speak for itself. Instead of traditional accessories, she opted for body glitter across her chest and arms—a brilliant choice that added sparkle without overwhelming the look’s inherent drama.
The gymnast was joined by her longtime teammates and fellow Olympians Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, creating a triumvirate of athletic excellence and style prowess. Together, they proved that the modern athlete is as comfortable in couture as she is in competition wear.
This appearance is emblematic of Chiles’ broader evolution as a style icon. She’s never been one to shy away from sparkle—after all, she has a gold medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics to prove it—but this look demonstrates her growing sophistication in how she wields that love of glamour. It’s bold yet subtle, confident yet refined.
Whether she’s executing a flawless routine or striking a pose on the red carpet, Jordan Chiles continues to prove that true stars shine brightest when they’re authentically themselves. This ESPY Awards appearance was more than just a fashion moment—it was a declaration that her influence extends far beyond the gymnasium.
