Simone Biles opted for the pin-striped trend in a skirt suit look for a “Simone Biles Rising” event in West Hollywood, Calif., on Wednesday. The Olympic gold medalist is the subject of the Netflix documentary series.
Biles meant business in her suited look, merging the rise of feminine tailoring with the pin-striped motif. Biles’ double-breasted blazer featured a white base fabric with muted gray stripes throughout and tortoise shell buttons. The blazer of Biles’ skirt suit look included such elements as long sleeves, sharp lapels and waist pockets on either side. The silhouette of the blazer gave Biles a fitted aesthetic, creating a flattering frame for the venerated athlete.
Instead of trousers or a pencil skirt, Biles opted for a miniskirt with the same pin-striped motif. The skirt’s design featured wide pleats and Biles accented the look with strappy black sandal heels and wore two layered necklaces, including a string of diamonds and a custom necklace with the name “Owens,” referencing Biles’ husband of two years, football player Jonathan Owens. Biles’ pin-striped-suit look follows a trend that was seen at the 2025 Met Gala in May. Alicia Keys, Teyana Taylor, Savannah James and more incorporated pinstripes into their respective looks, paying homage to Black dandyism.
The Costume Institute’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition showcased how pinstripes became an integral part of the design of suited looks in Black tailoring, referencing heritage and creativity by way of the distinct motif. Biles’ look for Wednesday’s Netflix event not only reintroduced the ways in which pinstripes played a role in Black tailoring, but the Olympian’s attire also referenced the rise in tailored looks for women.
“Tailoring is a symbol of empowerment for women and the evolution reflects a rising societal shift toward women feeling more confident and powerful,” Camilla Freeman-Topper, the creative director of Australian women’s fashion label Camilla and Marc, told WWD in August 2024. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Kate Middleton and more prominent public figures and celebrities have styled variations on women’s tailoring and power suiting moments.
Power Moves On and Off the Mat
Simone Biles isn’t just the greatest gymnast of all time; she’s also a cultural icon who knows how to command attention both in competition and on the red carpet. At the premiere of “Simone Biles Rising”, her new documentary series, Biles swapped her leotard for a sleek, pin-striped skirt suit. The look wasn’t just fashion—it was a statement. Let’s dive into why her outfit choice made headlines and what it says about her transformation from Olympic athlete to global powerhouse.
Simone Biles: More Than a Gymnast
Simone Biles’ legacy is cemented in gymnastics history, but she’s proving she’s more than medals and routines. The event for “Simone Biles Rising” marked a turning point where the world sees her not just as an athlete but as a brand, a leader, and a woman who controls her narrative.
The Symbolism Behind the Pin-striped Suit
Pinstripes have long been associated with authority, business, and leadership. By stepping out in a skirt suit rather than a gown, Biles flipped the script on typical red-carpet expectations. Her outfit said: I’m not just here to inspire—I’m here to lead.
A Shift in Style: From Sporty to Sophisticated
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Athletic Legacy: We’re used to seeing Simone in glittery leotards that showcase her athleticism.
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Fashion Evolution: At the documentary event, she leaned into a more corporate chic style.
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Message Delivered: The structured suit framed her as not only an athlete but a decision-maker in the business of sports and media.
Breaking Stereotypes of Female Athletes
Historically, female athletes have been boxed into two categories: strong but unfeminine, or glamorous but not serious. Simone challenged both by merging power and elegance. A skirt suit is classic, but pinstripes? That’s boardroom confidence.
“Simone Biles Rising”: Why the Documentary Matters
The documentary series digs deep into Biles’ journey—her victories, struggles, and how she redefined mental health in sports. Beyond fashion, her appearance symbolized ownership of her story. The suit wasn’t just about style; it was about reclaiming her narrative.
Fashion as Storytelling
Clothes communicate. Just like routines on the mat tell stories of precision and power, her outfit at the event told the story of resilience, growth, and transition. It reminded us that Biles is stepping into a new chapter with the same determination she showed in her Olympic performances.
Pinstripes and Power: A Fashion Legacy
From Wall Street executives to political leaders, pinstripes have always been about authority. By adopting this look, Simone aligned herself with decision-makers and history-makers. This wasn’t just about a skirt suit—it was about placing herself at the head of the table.
A Lesson in Confidence
Confidence isn’t just about how you walk onto the gymnastics floor; it’s also how you walk into a room filled with cameras and expectations. Simone’s look radiated confidence, reminding young women everywhere that owning your power can be stylish.
Why This Look Resonates With Fans
Fans didn’t just see a fashion moment; they saw evolution. Social media buzzed with admiration, not just for her outfit but for the message behind it: Simone Biles is unstoppable, in every arena.
The Rise of Athlete-Influencers
Athletes today are more than competitors; they’re influencers, entrepreneurs, and storytellers. With “Simone Biles Rising”, she joins the ranks of athletes who leverage their platforms to shape conversations about identity, resilience, and leadership.
Style Meets Strategy
Some might think a pin-striped skirt suit is just a fashion choice. But in branding, every outfit is strategic. This look was carefully curated to match the tone of her documentary—serious, bold, and inspirational.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young athletes watching Simone’s every move are learning an important lesson: success isn’t one-dimensional. You can be powerful in your sport and equally powerful in your personal brand.
Redefining What Power Dressing Means
Power dressing has often been associated with men’s suits, but Simone reminded us that women can redefine it in their own terms. Her skirt suit balanced femininity with authority, setting a new example for modern empowerment.
Fashion Critics and Public Reactions
Critics praised the choice as bold and refreshing. Social media users described her look as “CEO vibes” and “boss energy.” Clearly, the outfit struck the chord it was meant to.
The Bigger Picture: Simone Biles as a Brand
From endorsements to documentaries, Simone has evolved into a global brand. Her style choices now carry weight far beyond aesthetics—they contribute to how the world perceives her influence.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Rising, Indeed
Simone Biles’ pin-striped skirt suit wasn’t just an outfit—it was a declaration. She’s rising not only in her career but in the way she shapes culture, fashion, and leadership. From the mat to the boardroom, Simone Biles proves that she truly means business.
