E! Illustration/NBAE via GettyImages
Throughout this year's NBA season, we've noticed a courtside style trend emerging. Celebrities are rocking a specific outfit formula that looks chic but ends up being shockingly simple once you break it down. And with the playoff finals right around the corner, we need to get our courtside outfit sorted—whether we'll be there cheering for our team or watching from home.
The courtside style trend we're referring to is made up of a structured pair of jeans, a tank top, a pair of strappy heels, a black bag, and your choice of team merch—whether that's a vintage-style hat or a vibrant jacket.
Celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Taylor Swift, Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Brenda Song, Kate Hudson, and more have brought this trend to the limelight recently with their chic (but spirited) courtside outfits.
- The trending style during this season's courtside attendees is a balance of casual and sophisticated.
- It features a casual top, structured jeans, heels, a shoulder bag, and a touch of team spirit with your choice of merch.
- It's the ultimate clean-meets-cool-sporty girl outfit for the summer.
Of course, courtside style is nothing new. But the trend (just like every other trend cycle) has evolved. For example, in 2016, the fashion was very 2016 with skinny pants, tunic tops, thigh-high boots, and long necklaces.
Meanwhile, the 2026 version of courtside fashion is more polished. It features a clean, cool girl look that strikes a balance between casual and elegant. As if it were saying, "I'm here for the game, not a runway."
What Are The Best Tops to Wear Courtside?
The best advice on what to wear when you're courtside is to keep it simple. Start your outfit off with a classic tank top in a neutral or bright color. The specifics in design depend on your preference, whether it's classic, cropped, or square.
Skims Soft Lounge Tank
Made from a soft stretch-modal rib fabric, this Skims tank top features a scoop neckline with several shade options and a fitted and cropped look.
Square Neck Tank Top
Looking for an affordable tank top with a unique neckline? This one from Amazon has a square neck, rectagular straps, and a slim fit. Plus, it comes in 14 shades.
Daily Practice Crop Tank
Not a fan of neutrals? Made from a cotton blend, this cropped tank top is a fun option! It comes in two bright colors and contrasting white detailing.
Petal & Pup Yash Tank Top
This black tank top has a more chic and sophisticated style than the rest of our options, with its high square neckline, thin straps, and cutaway shoulders.
What Are The Best Bottoms to Wear Courtside?
The best bottoms to wear when you're courtside at a game are jeans or leather pants. We've seen tank tops paired with either of these bottoms, and both make for a chic (but casual) outfit. You can choose from structured wide-leg denim to loose-fitting vegan leather pants.
Levi's Ribcage Wide-Leg Jeans
Made from structured denim, this classic pair of Levi's jeans features an extra high-rise, tailored wide legs, and a five-pocket design.
Abercrombie & Fitch High Rise 90s Relaxed Vegan Leather Pant
If denim isn't your vibe, another great option is a pair of leather pants. These from Abercrombie are made from a soft vegan leather fabric and feature a high-rise, relaxed fit, and functional pockets.
Wide Leg Jeans
These wide-leg jeans come in a variety of denim washes and colors. It also features a high waist, pinched seams, a loose fit, and a double-breasted button.
Madewell x Benjamin Talley Smith The Coolidge Low-Rise Wide-Leg Jean
If you want to invest in a good pair of jeans, it might not get better than Madewell. This limited-edition design is inspired by the '90s with its low rise, dramatic wide-leg, and leather button tabs.
What Are The Best Accessories to Wear Courtside?
Accessories are the moment when you can go all out with merch for your favorite team. Keep the bag and shoes simple and elegant, but pair them with a vintage-style hat or jacket that has your team's colors and logos all over it.
New York Knicks '47 Clean Up Hat
A hat representing your favorite team is essential. When in doubt, grab a Clean Up style from '47 with its relaxed crown, slightly vintage feel, and curved visor.
Circus NY by Sam Edelman Bria Ankle Strap Sandal
When it comes to shoes, keep it simple and classy. Elevate your casual look with a strappy black heel with an adjustable ankle strap and buckle closure.
Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Tote
Feel just like a celebrity and bring a chic black tote to the game! This one by Quince is made from top-grain Italian leather and features a handwoven design, a roomy interior, and a zippered pocket.
JW PEI Lily Shoulder Bag
You can't go wrong with a sexy black shoulder bag! This vegan leather hobo bag by viral (and affordable) brand JW PEI comes in a variety of chic colors and features gold hardware, a zipper closure, and a detachable shoulder strap.
Aéropostale New York Knicks Workwear Jacket
This unisex jacket adds a rugged edge to your chic outfit with its tan woven fabric, embroidered team logo detailing, roomy fit, and snap welt pockets.
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