Friday will mark the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia — and while we're excited to play spectator to our favorite cold-weather events (who among us can't wait to see Evan Lysacek on the ice?), there's obviously another component of the Olympics that we're keeping a close eye on: the fashion. Sure, it's not your traditionally chic lineup of covetable outfits, but let it be known: Team USA knows how to rock some seriously patriotic looks. This year's opening ceremony wares come courtesy of Ralph Lauren, but in years past, we've spotted everything from retro red, white, and blue nylon tracksuits to crisp navy-blue blazers and white beret combos. In honor of the Winter Games, we're taking a closer look at how these American Olympians put their star-spangled spin on sporty style.
— Additional reporting by Justin Fenner
Team USA will attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Games in this kit, outfitted by Ralph Lauren.
The gymnast let her true colors shine in this fuchsia leotard.
The swimming foursome celebrated winning the 400m freestyle relay with neon accents.
The 2012 Team USA Olympic uniform was a clean, crisp take on Americana wares — all designed by the iconic Ralph Lauren.
At the London Games, the men and women of the USA were outfitted in retro sportswear.
For the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, the women marched in the opening ceremony in matching white uniforms, all laden with a red-and-blue V stripe along the chest. Although it may have been warm outside, the ladies donned sheer tights and black loafers, too.
The 1996 women's gymnastic Olympic team rocked a fly blend of star-spangled tracksuits — a true patriotic team effort.
Nancy Kerrigan wore a custom-designed white Vera Wang costume for the 1992 Winter Games held in Albertville, France. Nancy went on to wear yet another Vera creation during her free-skate program.
Venus and Serena Williams wore up-to-there white mini tennis skirts during the doubles competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The 1932 Olympic Games featured a polo-inspired uniform, complete with black berets, at the opening ceremony.
For the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, the US team represented with puffer coats and snowflake-printed beanies.
Kristi Yamaguchi impressed in a decadent brocade-textured ensemble at the '92 Winter Games in France.
Red, white, and blue manifested themselves in cozy windbreaker parkas and slouchy hats at the Torino-based 2006 Winter Games.
Talk about a patriotic showing — Mary Lou Retton took the balance beam by storm in an American-flag-printed leotard at the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles. We're pretty sure similar iterations exist at American Apparel right now.
Preppy navy-blue blazers and white berets completed Team USA's 2008 Beijing Games attire.
Dominique Dawes went with a red-and-white two-tone leotard for the 1996 Games in Atlanta.
At the 1992 opening ceremony, the US athletes wore red and blue suit jackets with wide-brimmed hats. The look evoked a very nostalgic take on American fashion.