2016 NBA Draft Style Guide: Do’s and don’ts

DO stand out.

The NBA Draft, above all else, is an initiation into a professional sports league that isn’t afraid to have fun. The formal wear dress code isn’t a uniform to blend in, it’s an opportunity to stand out. Ditch the grays, the slates, the navies, and the charcoals. This isn’t the Bank of Joseph A, this is the NBA. Through the past three months of the postseason, the walk from the bus to the locker room has become a runway, with Russell “The Brodie” Westbrook leading the way, and a parade of J Crew models following. Just look at the jacket LeBron James wore as he rolled into the Q for Game 4:

In just a few months, each of these players is going to be working hard to stand out on the court. Why not get things started by standing out on draft night?

Last year saw the full-color spectrum on stage, from red velvet blazers to checkerboard pants to periwinkle. The number one overall pick, Karl Anthony Towns, opted for a pattern —  large-printed gray herringbone. Some brief research into “fashion trends” suggests green flash and buttercup may be safe and trendy options for 2016. But personally, I’d opt for a bold pattern (floral, perhaps?).

Next: Leave the t-shirt quilt at home