
In the late 1990s, Serena and Venus Williams turned heads in their matching beaded braid hairstyles. The embellished cornrows were often challenged by rule makers, but the beads (as pictured here at the 1998 Roland Garros French Open) sent an important message to Black women everywhere.

At the 2004 US Open, Williams wore a denim Nike tennis skirt and black studded vest, subverting the pristine all-white ensembles often associated with the sport.

Williams wore a sheer cheetah-patterned white tennis dress to the 2015 Wimbledon Ladies Single Final.

In 2018, Williams' catsuit made waves at the French Open; the French Tennis Federation labeled it disrespectful and motioned to ban all further unitards in the competition. A furor broke out when it was revealed Williams' garment was made of compression material designed to help minimize blood clots she was experiencing at the time.

In 2018, Williams wore a lilac off-the-shoulder bodice and layered tutu designed by Virgil Abloh for Nike.

At the Met Gala in 2019, Williams stepped out in a eye-catching yellow and pink Versace dress and matching Off-White X Nike trainers.

At the 2022 Oscars, Williams arrived in an accordion-style Gucci gown with lace detailing accentuating a plunging neckline.


