9 Athletes with the Most Outgoing Style

Many athletes are fashion-conscious these days, but not all are notably outgoing. This isn't so much about the Matt Kemps and Tyson Chandlers, who just always look sharp; this is about athletes who really push boundaries. 

Russell Westbrook, Maggie Vessey, Mario Balotelli—these people are unafraid to take chances. And while each athlete is on this list because of his or her own unique style, they ultimately all have one thing in common: They are true to themselves, and that is something to be admired.

Kevin Durant

Maybe there is something in the water in Oklahoma City, since two of its current (and one former) NBA players are on this list. 

Kevin Durant joins James Harden and Russell Westbrook (more on them later) as one of the more outgoing professional athletes in terms of style. From the purple jacket at his MVP speech to some type of hoodie dress on Instagram, Durant is outgoing in the sense that he does what he wants. 

In 2011, Durant started wearing backpacks to postgame press conferences. He told Jenni Carlson of the Oklahoman, "People say they like it. People say they don't. I'm going to stick with it."

Durant's confidence has inspired others to look to him for fashion advice—he even served as a style correspondent for GQ in 2013.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams makes some loud fashion choices on the tennis court—and sometimes off it too. Whether it's a neon number at the Australian Open or a slim leopard-print dress, the 20-time Grand Slam winner has bold style, and it usually pays off. 

She even has her own fashion line for the Home Shopping Network. According to Julie Earle-Levine of the New York Post, Williams' line at New York Fashion Week in 2014 was "easy-fitting yet bold, edgy and contemporary silhouettes."

John Wall

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Washington Wizards guard John Wall has openly said he dreams of becoming an NBA fashion icon. Whether he reaches that level remains to be seen, but so far, he's making sure to get noticed. 

Battling injury during the NBA playoffs, Wall's fashion lived on the sidelines during some of the Wizards' series against the Hawks. His ensemble in Game 4 was particularly bold—red pants and a jacket with some creative color blocking. 

To anyone who did not like his outfit, Wall had this to say, according to Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post: "I loved my outfit in Game 4. I don't care about no decision nobody makes; I'm going to be me. I'm going to wear what John Wall feels comfortable with."

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade can pull off a classic suit with the best of them, but he's also not afraid to experiment with fashion. Some his style choices have been called "questionable," but hey, such is life when you're a trendsetter. Perhaps living in Miami has contributed to Wade's tendency to be a little more "out there" with his looks. 

Wade even told Will Welch of GQ in 2011, "I've played for the Miami Heat my whole career under Pat Riley. Mr. GQ himself. So when I pick out my outfits before a game, I'm already feeling confident. And some of that swagger stays with me when I take the court." 

Wade is known for creativity as well. At the Met Gala, he went with a polished yet unique and well-crafted look. The man even paints his toenails, because you know what? He feels like it.

Mario Balotelli

Italian footballer Mario Balotelli is one of soccer's more eccentric dressers. He's widely known to be fashion-conscious and to take chances with not just his hairstyle but his wardrobe as well.

Balotelli takes a noted interest in fashion. He often attends related events and once even proved he's immune to the critics by wearing Crocs out and about during New York Fashion Week.

James Harden

James Harden is one of those guys who often incite confusion with their outfit choices. He is a risk-taker, and he seemingly doesn't care much about outside opinions. For instance, Harden has worn a shirt that doubles as a harness, a pilgrim hat and a floral skirt (that was really a long T-shirt)—all in the last few months. 

Some call him an icon, while others wonder what in the world he's wearing. Either way, he's just doing him.  

Maggie Vessey

Most athletes on this list are known for their outgoing style off their respective fields of competition, but not Maggie Vessey. 

This middle-distance track athlete has drawn a lot of attention for her statement fashion choices on the track. Vessey has competed twice at the World Championships and is slated for the 2015 U.S. nationals in Eugene, Oregon. 

Vessey's partnership with New Balance ended in January 2014, and she took it as an opportunity to start designing her own outfits for competition. She told Megan Hetzel of Runner’s World, "It is a very authentic expression of who I am, and I now have this opportunity to be able to put that out there, be bold, and take a risk. However, first and foremost, my focus is just on winning and putting out a product that represents me."

John Daly

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Like Maggie Vessey, John Daly makes his fashion statements during competition. The golfer has had a long career on the PGA tour, and over that time, he has built a reputation for his bold style. 

Daly has worn some outrageous things, but his pants are generally the show-stoppers. Prints have included tie-dyed, cash (yes, like money), 1970's-inspired floral, patriotic—you name it, he's probably worn it. Daly has been, and still is, the poster child for "outgoing athlete fashion."

Russell Westbrook

No surprise here. Russell Westbrook is constantly, unapologetically pushing the boundaries of fashion. Seriously, good luck finding anything boring on his Instagram feed.  

Fashion is more than a hobby for the Oklahoma City Thunder guard. In February, he was named campaign creative director at True Religion. Westbrook told Andrew D. Luecke of Esquire, "I think a lot of people have an outdated idea of what the brand is all about and I am excited to be working with them to help change people's minds. They are all about fearless style which is exactly who I am." 

Fearless style—that pretty much sums him up. Also, how boss is that Squints shirt?