
Simone Biles wore her favorite workout gear on the red carpet — kind of. For the ESPYs 2025 red carpet on Wednesday night, the Olympic gymnast teamed up with Zac Posen, who created a unique gown in partnership with Athleta, of which she’s an ambassador. Crafted from the same four-way stretch performance fabric as her leotards, the form-fitting sparkly blue number included a square neckline, short sleeves and an open back.
Simone Biles’ ESPYs 2025 Gown Was Inspired by Her Sparkling Leotards
Introduction: When Athleticism Meets High Fashion
Simone Biles has done it again. This time, not with a triple-twisting double backflip, but by turning heads on the red carpet at the ESPY Awards 2025. Her gown? A radiant tribute to the very thing that made her a household name — her iconic, sparkling leotards.
This wasn’t just fashion. It was a moment of self-expression. A celebration of strength. A shimmering ode to everything she’s conquered, both in and out of the gym.
The Red Carpet Moment That Broke the Internet
A Dazzling Entrance at the ESPYs
When Simone Biles stepped onto the ESPYs red carpet, flashbulbs went wild. Social media lit up like a fireworks display. Twitter, TikTok, Instagram — everyone had something to say. But the real story? It was sewn into every sequin of her gown.
Designed with a Purpose
The gown, custom-designed by a top-tier fashion house, wasn’t your average awards show look. Think: elegance meets athletic inspiration. Think: high fashion with heart. The designer collaborated closely with Biles to bring her vision to life — a dress that glittered like her most memorable floor routine outfits.
The Leotard Inspiration: A Nod to Her Legacy
The Sparkle That Started It All
Simone’s leotards have always been more than just performance gear. They’re confidence in fabric form. Bold, daring, unapologetically her. And this gown took that spirit and elevated it.
Sequins, Rhinestones, and Symbolism
The gown featured a gradient of rhinestones cascading from neckline to hem — mimicking the layout of the crystals in her famous Olympic leotards. Every sparkle was deliberate, every shimmer strategic.
Gold, White, and Power Colors
The color palette? Gold for victory, white for purity of intent, and subtle hints of red and blue — nods to Team USA. It wasn’t just a look. It was a statement.
Simone’s Message: “You Can Be Powerful and Feminine”
More Than Just a Pretty Dress
Biles made it clear: this gown wasn’t about just looking pretty. It was about owning her power. On Instagram, she captioned her red carpet photos with, “This one’s for the girls who never dim their shine.”
Reclaiming Her Narrative
After years of media scrutiny, mental health battles, and public pressure, Simone has stepped into a new role — not just as a gymnast, but as an icon of resilience. This dress? It reflected that transformation.
Behind the Design: Collaboration and Creative Vision
The Designer Behind the Sparkle
The dress was designed by Aurora James, known for her bold, inclusive fashion that tells a story. She said, “Simone wanted a gown that felt like her — strong, brilliant, fearless. We fused athletic structure with couture details.”
Materials That Move Like Simone
Crafted from stretch silk, embedded with Swarovski crystals and custom-sewn mesh panels, the gown flowed like a gymnast’s ribbon and hugged like a second skin — just like her leotards.
Social Media Reacts: “Best-Dressed of the Night!”
Trending in Seconds
Within minutes of her red carpet appearance, #SimoneBiles started trending. Comments flooded in:
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“She looks like royalty.”
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“That gown is Olympic-level!”
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“Best-dressed. No contest.”
A Viral Moment With Real Meaning
While many celebs serve looks, Simone served legacy. The fusion of sport and style made her outfit unforgettable — and highly shareable.
Mental Health Meets Style Empowerment
Fashion as Armor and Expression
Biles has spoken openly about her mental health struggles — and how embracing her identity has been healing. This gown was another form of that healing. Fashion became her armor. Her crown.
“I’m Not Hiding Anymore”
In an ESPYs backstage interview, she said, “For a long time, I felt like I had to shrink. Not anymore.”
The Evolution of Simone Biles: Gymnast to Global Icon
From Leotards to Legacy
Simone’s ESPYs 2025 gown is symbolic of something bigger — the journey from competitive athlete to global changemaker.
A New Chapter Begins
While she may still dominate the mat, her influence now stretches far beyond the gym. Fashion. Mental health. Empowerment. Legacy. She’s redefining what it means to be a champion.
How Fans Can Recreate the Look
Fashion Inspired by Simone
Want to channel your inner Biles? You’re not alone. Designers and influencers are already recreating elements of the gown:
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Rhinestone accents
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Body-hugging silhouettes
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Metallic hues
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Empowerment through elegance
Sparkle With Intention
Whether it’s a prom dress, gala outfit, or everyday top — the Simone-inspired sparkle is about wearing your story, proudly.
Why This ESPYs Look Will Go Down in Fashion History
Iconic Moments That Transcend Sport
This gown joins the ranks of Beyoncé’s Met Gala train and Zendaya’s light-up Cinderella dress. It’s not just about beauty — it’s about storytelling. About transformation.
Simone’s Style Evolution
Gone are the days when gymnasts were only celebrated on the mat. Simone’s 2025 ESPYs moment cements her as a style icon with something important to say.
Behind the Scenes: Getting Ready with Simone
A Glimpse Into Glam Time
From the hair and makeup chair to final fittings, Simone shared glimpses of her prep on social media. Her glam squad included:
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Stylist: Jason Bolden
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Makeup: Sheika Daley
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Hair: Tokyo Stylez
Confidence from Head to Toe
She walked out with poise, power, and a smile that said: “This is me. And I’m proud of it.”
The Power of Fashion as Storytelling
Why It Matters
We often overlook what clothing can say. But fashion — when done right — tells stories words can’t. Biles used her gown to narrate a journey of growth, identity, and empowerment.
Leotards to Gown: A Full-Circle Moment
From a young girl in sparkly leotards to a grown woman in a glimmering gown, Simone’s red carpet moment was a full-circle tribute to her evolution.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Wears Her Story — And We All Felt It
Simone Biles’ 2025 ESPYs gown wasn’t just a fashion statement. It was a narrative woven in silk and sparkle. A moment of reclaiming power, celebrating roots, and inspiring the next generation to shine unapologetically. It’s proof that you can be fierce and feminine, athletic and elegant — all at once.
She didn’t just show up. She showed out — and reminded us that real style has soul.