“The way we get dressed every morning is as personal as it gets. There are outfit repeaters, vintage treasure hunters, and even emotional dressers. But while everyone loves a good fashion trend, here at InStyle, we’re interested in the deeper stuff, too: the way jewelry makes us feel, the way a beloved coat can spark joy on a cold day, the way a pair of shoes can pull a whole look together. How I Get Dressed unpacks fashion routines, rituals, and go-tos — straight from the fashion tastemakers we love“
In the past few years, the Women’s National Basketball Association has become as known for its aesthetic influence as its gravity-defying buzzer beaters and full-court press. Celebrity stylists are working with top hoops talent, including 2024 InStyle Imagemaker Amadi Brooks and fashion girl Olive Duran. Now, WNBA Draft Day rivals the red carpet in terms of fashion inspiration. In short, the tunnel ‘fit is the new street style pic—and we have the players of the WNBA to thank for it.
So, it was only a matter of time until stylish all-stars became the face of major fashion brands, too. On April 23, Coach announced its “Not Just For Walking” campaign, starring its new Soho Sneaker worn by a cadre of It Girls, like singer Audrey Nuna, model Giovanna Ramos, college basketball player Tahaad Pettiford, NASCAR driver Toni Breidinger, and WNBA player Satou Sabally.
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For her part in the new campaign, the two-time All-Star and forward for the Phoenix Mercury was not just posing in sneakers and the latest trends—she models the Soho while riding a horse (also clad in sneakers). “Their ability to blend lifestyle and fashion into sneaker culture felt like such a natural fit for me,” Sabally tells InStyle about working with Coach. “And when they said I’d be on a horse for the first campaign? I was in.”
The shot of Sabally on set in her white Soho sneaks holding the reins of a horse on its hind legs is an instantly iconic image—and exactly what she tries to convey with her style. “That visual felt like such a powerful way to lean into the ‘unicorn’ energy I’ve always tried to represent,” she explains: “unique, bold, and unapologetically me.”
To celebrate her first Coach campaign and the start of the WNBA regular season on May 16, we spoke with the athlete about all things personal style. This is Satou Sabally’s How I Get Dressed.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Her Favorite Coach Shoe
“The Soho sneaker is clean, but never boring. The detail in the stitching gives it just enough edge, while keeping things comfortable—whether I’m running to practice or pulling up for an appearance. I also love that it’s named after one of my favorite neighborhoods in New York. Soho has this global, vibrant energy to it, and I feel like the shoe carries that same vibe. And let’s be real—nothing beats a fresh white sneaker. It goes with everything.”
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Satou Sabally arrives to a game against the Connecticut Sun on August 16, 2024.
Her First Designer Purse
“My first designer bag was actually from Coach. I had just made the Pac-12 Tournament with Oregon, and we got to pick out a gift from the player lounge. I chose this big bag that could fit my laptop, books—basically, my whole day. I needed something for class, for travel, for everything. That bag held it all down. And honestly? I still have it. That Coach leather lasts.”
How She Plans Her Outfits
I always start with the vibe. I look at the calendar—home games, road games, special events—and tell my stylist the mood I want to bring. From there, she’ll pull pieces, and we go from there. In Phoenix, I’m definitely leaning into sun-friendly looks: silk shirts, dresses—fabrics that breathe and move with me. Silk is elegant, but it’s also practical, especially in that desert heat.
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Satou Sabally arrives to a game against the Las Vegas Aces on August 27, 2024.
The Most Treasured Pieces in Her Wardrobe
“I have this one grey shirt that I take on every road trip. It’s simple, worn in, great quality—and I can dress it up or down. Same with my endless collection of tank tops. I love things that can move with me. Comfort is key in my world, but I also want to feel like I’m telling a story with what I wear.”
How She Gets Dressed Up
“When I’m speaking at an event, I want people to hear me. So I keep my look simple—nothing that distracts from the message. But when I hit a red carpet? That’s a different moment. I want to show my shape, play with heels, and make a statement with accessories. It’s all about the intention behind the look. Stacking bracelets? I love the sound they make when I move—but sometimes silence is the accessory. Day to day, I keep it light: a cozy cashmere pullover and jeans go a long way. And when I’m traveling, I often go for business casual. If I’m in full athlete gear, I get asked more questions—and sometimes I just want to be incognito.”
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Satou Sabally arrives to a game against the Minnesota Lynx on on August 30, 2024.
The Fashion Trend She Loves
“I used to struggle to find pants that fit my legs. I was thankful for the ‘high water’ trend just so I didn’t feel out of place. Now, thankfully, extra-tall options are everywhere. But it wasn’t always like that.”
Her Personal Style in Three Words
“Vibrant. Chic. Me.”
Her Personal Fashion Icon
“Rihanna has always been that girl. Unapologetic, fearless, always evolving. Watching her music videos and red carpet looks growing up showed me how powerful it is to express yourself fully at every phase of life.”
Read the original article on InStyle
