VIS Mentor Isabelle Harrison, the seasoned WNBA forward for the Chicago Sky, is known not only for her athleticism on the court, but also for her versatility and vibrant style off the court. We asked her about the inspiration for her fashion choices and her advice to young girls on embracing their individuality and expressing themselves, whatever it may look like.
Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good
Many athletes have an athletic shoe, compression sleeve, or accessory that makes them feel most like themselves when they perform. Small touches like wearing a bold shoe, painting your nails your favorite color, or rocking a specific hairstyle can help you feel and play at your best.
Style translates to so many different areas of sports and life, from boosting confidence to expressing personality. Most importantly, it helps athletes to connect to their identities and tap into their individuality. Harrison taps into her style in every game, and also in every pregame “fit check” photoshoot. She comes as herself in every situation and environment she steps into, and that’s why she shines so brightly.
Harrison’s Versatile Style
“I believe I'm like a chameleon,” Harrison says in regards to her style. “I'm able to put on whatever and feel comfortable…I think that's a tribute to who I am as a person.” From classy heels and designer dresses to baggy jeans and Jordans, every detail of Harrison’s pregame outfits reveal something new about her personality. Her unique style translates to the court, where her ability to play and defend multiple positions makes her a valuable asset to every WNBA team she’s been on.
“What makes you different is what makes you beautiful.”
Style as a Way of Expression
“Us as people, we get inspired by the things that we're around [and] the things we see beautiful,” Harrison says. From nature, to music, to people in our communities, inspiration can stem from even the simplest of things. “I go on Pinterest, I go on Instagram, Twitter, [and] if I see something that's pretty cool, I try to…put a little Izzy spin on it,” she says. Like Harrison, we can always look to the world around us to shape our styles and identities. Style, like sports, is an art form that provides infinite opportunities for us to learn, grow, and express our true selves.
Embracing What Makes You Unique
Human nature is to fit in. We are told, as girls, as women, and as athletes, what we “should” and “should not” do to be cool, normal, and accepted. Harrison encourages young girls to do just the opposite: Be authentic and confident in who they are -- even if it does not match with the trends followed by peers. “If you try to fit into a box…you're trying to blend in and I don't think we were made to be that as humans,” she says. “What makes you different is what makes you beautiful.”
Style as a Way to Empower Yourself and Others
Finding your unique style might seem like a daunting task, especially when much of our identities as young athletes are tied into our sport. As you grow and gain experience in new environments, you will surely find what’s most aligned with you as an individual. “It will be easier as you grow up and you find your own environment [and] your own community,” Harrison says.
Style is more than the clothes we wear: It’s a way to express ourselves as women. By embracing the aspects of yourself that make you stand out, you will not only feel more comfortable in your own skin, but also inspire those around you to do the same. From the outfits you wear to the way you play, let your individuality shine through.
