Serena Williams's on-court fashion has become almost as legendary as her incredible tennis career. Since she first burst onto the international scene years ago, she's developed a reputation for taking major risks with her competition style just as much as she does off the court, from edgy bodysuits to unusual color combos and unexpected cuts.
Even as a risk-taker, though, her style always carries with it a sense of huge personality and playful self-expression, which is something that can inspire all of us, no matter how good (or terrible) we might be with a tennis racket. Serena has had a ton of memorable looks over the years, but we've rounded up 35 of our favorites.
— Additional reporting by Allison Ingrum
From the very start, Serena has been unafraid to make major fashion statements, and she made serious headlines not just for her US Open win in 2002, but for this short black bodysuit.
Even early in her career, Williams made some bold color choices, starting with these tangerine shorts and coordinating stripe on her top.
The subtle silver lacing stripes on the bodice give this outfit almost a faux-corseted look, which isn't something you'd expect to see on the tennis court!
We're not sure what's more amazing about this outfit: the norm-defying sleek pants or the personalized headband.
Williams caused quite a stir with her denim skirt and studded top, giving her an edgy vibe that no one else could touch.
Serena went ultragirly with this pink-and-white ruffled outfit.
This bold print in metallic tones is as attention-catching as Serena herself.
As you might expect, Serena was full-on patriotic representing her country at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, where she won the gold medal in doubles with her sister Venus.
This funky blue print was definitely one of Serena's standout looks: typical in silhouette but totally unique in print and color.
It's a bright, bold color scheme for one of the brightest and boldest players in tennis history. Sounds about right to us!
You've heard of the skort, but what do you call skirt/pants? Whatever you call them, this hot pink and tangerine outfit is an amazing color and perfect for freedom of movement.
The hot pink ruffles and bold color of this outfit automatically make it one of her most memorable fashion moments on the court.
The gorgeous emerald green and square neckline of this top make it stand out, and we love Serena's chunky heart pendant, too.
Not only did Serena wear her country's colors at the Olympics again, but she took it to the next level with a subtly patterned skirt that caught the light just right.
The smart, sharp collar on this outfit make it stand out in a cute, preppy way, even if the colors are pretty standard for Serena.
We'd be smiling too if we were wearing this fun purple dress with a bright, cheery orange band and accessories.
Serena upgraded a typical white tennis skirt with these multicolored stripes of color.
Bright colors in fun combinations are something of a hallmark for Serena. This outfit brings together a cool teal and cheery orange accents.
The top-and-shoe color coordination is top-notch, but the striped detail of the skirt really takes this outfit to the next level.
Hot pink plus all-over leopard print equals an unforgettable look — and she's even coordinated her wristbands with a similar print.
Serena showed off her toned back with this cutout dress in a gorgeous lime green.
Leopard print in one tone is one thing, but pairing it with a two-toned top, too? That's a move worthy of a legend.
This detailed, fun printed dress makes a bold statement with some surprisingly subdued colors.
Sunny yellow and a ruffled skirt make this a pretty typical tennis outfit, but Serena takes it up a notch with the cropped top showing her envy-worthy abs.
The floaty skirt and high neck of Serena's Wimbledon outfit bring a hint of Marilyn Monroe vibes to the tennis court!
If anyone can pull off an '80s-inspired hot pink outfit, complete with arm warmers, it's got to be Serena.
With this outfit, Serena took a standard color palette and made it her own with an artfully mismatched set of geometric patterns.
It was the bodysuit heard round the world! Serena's sleek, stylish bodysuit at the French Open caused some serious controversy but made tennis fashion history, too.
In response to the bodysuit controversy, Serena showed up at her next competition with a wardrobe full of floaty tutu-inspired skirts including this beautiful lavender outfit.
This iconic emerald bodysuit, which she designed with Nike, features white and black stripes and a triangular cutout in the back. She called the outfit a "Serena-tard" in a postmatch press conference, and honestly we're here for it.
A year after the French Open banned her from wearing bodysuits, Serena showed up to her first match at the 2019 tournament in this empowering outfit by Off-White and Nike. The miniskirt and zip-up jacket feature the words "mother," "champion," "queen," and "goddess" in French.
Serena had a new take on the classic white tennis dress with these cutouts at Wimbledon in 2019.
Serena emerged for her first-round doubles match with partner Caroline Wozniacki at the 2020 ASB Classic in this bold, orange long-sleeved dress.
Serena never shies away from a bold pattern. Her purple dress with black and white spots for the 2020 Australian Open is no different, and we love it!
Yet again, Serena sported a bright, eye-catching look at the US Open this year. Even her shoes, arm bands, and hair tie matched this time!