We all know that Simone Biles is the G.O.A.T.—and no, that wasn’t a question.
But when this gold medal-winning Olympian isn’t busy breaking records and changing the game, she can be found supporting her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, from the sidelines—usually wearing a fashionable ensemble. Over the years, Biles has proven to be a staple of the stylish NFL WAG (standing for “wives and girlfriends”) community, with fans always able to count on seeing some adorable outfits from the athlete each new season.
But we here at SI Swimsuit were already familiar with this WAG’s style game, as this two-time SI Swimsuit model has always been incredibly fashion-forward—and there’s no better proof of that than her 2019 photo shoot in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Returning to the fold two years after her SI Swimsuit debut—which took place in Houston, Texas, in 2017—Biles was a vision on the tropical shorelines. There, she posed for photographer Walter Chin in multiple designer swim looks in front of a bevy of breathtaking backdrops.
While Biles’s signature confidence comes through in every frame of her shoot, it’s surprising to learn the decorated gymnast—who has collected a total of seven gold medals for her work in the Olympics—admitted she was “nervous” the first time she stepped in front of the SI Swimsuit camera.
When Simone Biles stepped in front of the camera for Sports Illustrated Swim 2019, it wasn’t just about killer physique or breathtaking poses (though, obviously, she had those in spades). It was a moment where power, glamour, and fashion collided—and reminded us that she’s much more than an Olympic gymnast. She’s a style icon. A WAG (Wife And Girlfriend culture) superstar with a flair for fashion that commands attention. Let’s dive into why this shoot matters, how it changed perceptions, and what lessons we can all take away.
Who Is Simone Biles Beyond the Gym
The Champion Gymnast
Simone Biles is often celebrated as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She holds multiple Olympic gold medals. She’s pushed the boundaries of difficulty and artistry in gymnastics. But beyond her athletic feats, she’s shown an ability to influence culture, fashion, and representation.
Style Personality Emerges
We saw glimpses of her off the mat—red carpets, photoshoots, public appearances—but the 2019 SI Swim shoot offered something more curated. It wasn’t just about looking beautiful; it was a fashion narrative. One crafted with intention. Bold colors. Statement swimsuits. Confidence matched with serene poise.
The 2019 SI Swim Shoot—What Made It Special
Visual Styling That Broke Norms
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Bold Patterns & Colors: Stripes, blocks of color, bright hues that contrast her skin and surroundings—this isn’t the every-other-swimsuit look.
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High Fashion Meets Swimwear: Not simply a bikini. She wore designer pieces, cut-outs, textures. Accessories weren’t an afterthought.
Photography & Artistic Direction
The lighting, the poses—they weren’t just about showing off muscles. They spoke about elegance, grit, vulnerability. The setting? Minimal, yet potent. Natural, yet controlled.
Body Positivity and Confidence
Simone’s body—strong, athletic, powerful—was front and center. Not airbrushed. Not hiding strength. This is about owning power. This is sending a message that athletic doesn’t mean less feminine, and strong doesn’t mean less beautiful.
Why This Shoot Reinforces Simone as a Fashion-Forward WAG
(WAG here meaning more than just “girlfriend-of-sports”—it’s about owning style and presence.)
WAG Culture Redefined
Traditionally, WAGs are celebrated mostly for their relationships. Fashion, yes. But often passive style, accessory to a partner’s fame. Simone flips that. She stands alone, center stage, commanding style on her own merits.
She Blends Athletic with Glam
Most fashion-forward WAGs are admired for evening gowns and red carpets. Simone makes swimwear, skin, curves, muscle look runway-ready. She merges two worlds—sport and fashion—in seamless style.
Emotional Authenticity
It’s more than clothes. It’s attitude. She smiles, holds gaze, shows real emotion (vulnerability, pride, strength). That adds layers. It’s not just “fashion shoot”; it’s storytelling.
Style Elements to Take From the 2019 Shoot
Power Swimsuits
Look for swimsuits with:
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Strategic cut-outs
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Bold prints (tropical, stripes, color blocking)
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Strong structure (halter necks, underwire, asymmetric lines)
These pieces can make a splash both poolside and in a photoshoot.
Accessorizing Smartly
Even minimal accessories (chunky earrings, metallic finishes, subtle necklaces) shift a swim look from casual to editorial.
Attitude as Accessory
Clothes are nothing without confidence. Simone’s shoot is proof that posture, posture, posture matters. Gaze. Hand placement. Pose with purpose.
The Cultural Impact of Simone’s Fashion Choices
Representation
Simone is unapologetically Black, strong, athletic. Her features, her body shape, her skin tone—they’re all part of that shoot. And she showed they deserve high fashion representation. That impact ripples out to young girls everywhere who want to see themselves in fashion and media.
Influencing Fashion Brands
Post-SI Swim, brands took note. There’s a surge in athletic-inspired swimwear, inclusive sizing, designs that celebrate strength and curves. Simone’s shoot likely nudged some of that evolution.
How Fans Remember Moments
The SI Swim shoot is more than images. It’s an iconography. A moment fans share on Instagram, blog about, meme-ify. It cements Simone not just as an athlete, but a style-moment-maker.
Comparisons—Before and After
Previous Sports Illustrated Shoots
She’s done SI covers before. But many past shoots aimed to show her athleticism. This one leans more fashion editorial. Lighting, styling, mood—all more aggressive in fashion territory.
How Stars Like Her Compare
Think Allyson Felix, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka—each with style moments. But Simone’s 2019 swim shoot feels like the moment she fully crossed from athlete-with-style to style icon-with-athleticism.
Criticisms and Conversations
Swim Shoots and Objectification Debate
Some critics argue swim shoots reduce women to visuals. Simone counters that. Because she controls the narrative. She owns her strength. The difference is agency. When the subject leads, it becomes empowerment.
The Runway vs. Reality Gap
While editorial swimsuit looks are amazing, day-to-day life isn’t a photoshoot. Yet, the lessons (bold design, confidence, accessorizing) can translate into everyday fashion. Adapt, don’t imitate blindly.
How To Channel Your Inner Fashion-Forward WAG (Simone Style)
Start With Fit & Function
Your body is your base. Get pieces that flatter your shape. Don’t squeeze into trends that make you uncomfortable. Simone’s power comes from comfort + style.
Mix Athletic Pieces with Luxe Touches
Pair sporty swimsuits or athletic bodysuits with silk skirts, metallic accessories, or stiletto sandals. Contrast brings interest.
Lean Into Color & Prints
Don’t fear bold. Bright hues, eye-catching patterns—use them as statements. Even a pop of neon can up your look.
Own Your Visual Presentation
It’s more than clothes: grooming, posture, undoing self-doubt. Think like a photoshoot—even casually. Chin up. Back straight. Smile (or no smile) with intent.
Use Fashion to Tell Your Story
What’s your vibe? What do you want people to see? Confidence? Fierce? Soft? Let your clothing choices mirror that narrative.
The Business of Fashion & Branding
Simone’s Brand Power
This shoot enhances her marketability. Fashion collaborations, guest editorials, endorsements. When you look like a trendsetter, brands see opportunity.
Influencers, Social Media & Virality
High-fashion shoots like this are shareable. Fans repost, magazines write think-pieces, Instagram lights up. That’s brand traction, pure and simple.
Potential Lessons For Fashion Industry
Inclusivity Matters
Simone’s physical type, athletic muscle, being bold with skin—these are increasingly demanded by consumers. Fashion must adapt.
Merging Sport & Style
Activewear, swim, gym gear—these categories are no longer siloed. Everyone wants functionality and aesthetics. Simone’s shoot blends both.
Authenticity Over Perfection
Fashion-forward isn’t flawless—it’s true. Fans see when someone is real. Simone shows strength, flaws, humanity—even in polished settings.
Conclusion
Simone Biles’s 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim shoot isn’t just a memorable photoshoot—it’s a statement. A declaration that she is far more than a gymnast. She’s a fashion-forward WAG who leads with confidence, style, and authenticity. That shoot celebrated her strength, her beauty, her power. And it showed us all how fashion, when done with intention, can elevate identity, challenge norms, and inspire others. If you want to channel that kind of presence in your wardrobe or your brand, start by owning your story. Dress like you mean it. Pose like you believe it. Live like you deserve it.
