Can I, a Non-Sports Fan, Pull Off a Stylish Jersey?

With the 2024 Olympic Games going on in Paris, it’s a prime time to be a sports fan—and to wear your favorite jersey loud and proud. Rihanna certainly approves of this message: The superstar has been doing just that the last few weeks, stepping out on multiple occasions wearing a variety of jersey styles, from a SCOTT-SRAM racing top to an OutKast-themed basketball jersey. While it’s certainly the right time to be embracing your sporty side, Rihanna has been giving all of her jerseys a more high-fashion feel, looking ready to walk the runway.

Even as a non-sports fan myself, it’s hard not to be inspired by Rihanna’s approach. There’s something undeniably cool about the way she will set a jersey against a Miu Miu mini skirt, purple cargo pants, or a giant monogrammed Gucci bag. Her outfits strike the perfect balance between athletic and the trendy, making high-style pieces feel nonchalant. What, this ol’ Dior bag? Why, yes, I am wearing it to a casual basketball game—one hot dog and a Coke, please! Rihanna’s go-to styling move, it seems, is all about juxtaposing the dressy against the dressed-down.

Feeling intrigued—and being surrounded by nothing but Olympics sports coverage—I wanted to explore if I, someone utterly clueless about the sports world, could also take a jersey and make it feel not only stylish, but me. First things first, I dug into my closet to see if I actually owned any jerseys. Turns out, I did: I uncovered a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey (I am Canadian, okay?) designed by Drew House, as well as a Section 35 jersey that I have always loved the look of, yet have never known how to style.

The key to pulling it off, I’ve learned, is piling pieces on top of the jersey that feel like they don’t quite belong there. I paired my teal Section 35 jersey, for instance, with a pair of green cargo pants, Gucci horsebit loafers, and a plaid Collina Strada bag. Somehow, it all worked together. For my next attempt, I dusted off my Toronto Maple Leafs jersey (a gift) and matched it with a pair of denim shorts, socks and loafers, and a striped Gucci Jackie bag. (The addition of a designer bag, of course, is a styling move plucked directly from Riri herself.)

On its own, the jerseys could not feel more antithetical to my personal style; in my day-to-day, I much prefer a snazzy button-up shirt. But combined with some of my cooler streetwear pieces, I found the jersey surprisingly easy and comfortable to wear. Now, will I suddenly be repping team uniforms to the office every day? Unlikely. But for a casual weekend or to run errands, it’s a cool, laidback fashion vibe that I can easily get behind.

One thing, though: If you see me out and about in a jersey, don’t ask me anything about the team, okay? I know nothing about scores or rankings—only that Rihanna approves.