What does one wear to achieve their dreams? In women’s hockey the answer is apparently a white vest. I kid, I kid (though there was a LOT of white suiting in this year’s draft class). Everyone in Ottawa this week looked incredible, showing off their smiles and their conditioning. Here is a collection (not a ranking, because I’m terrible at those) of my favorite looks from the evening.*
Okay, I say I’m bad at ranking but this is 100000% my favorite look of the night. This is one of PWHL Vancouver’s newest additions Michelle Karvinen. She’s a ROOKIE at 35 (I cannot express how much I love this), and in this fit she’s giving Brandi Carlile realness. The scarf! The finish on the jacket! THE HAT!!!!! My reaction when I saw this hat was … not appropriate for VP. Heh.
Remember what I said about smiles? Is there any better smile than Casey O’Brien’s??? That smile says, “Yeah, a team traded up to get me.” And also, “I’m going home to New York!” I love love love this dress (or is it a matching set?) on her. It’s simple but has some fun little details, and the length of the skirt is AB. SO. LUTE. LY. Perfect. I also love that she’s short but didn’t opt for sky high heels.
As I also mentioned, white suiting! This is my favorite white vest look of the night, from the final pick of the first round, Jenna Buglioni. The little sneak of midriff, the cut and length of the pants, and those SHOES. Into it.
Another popular look of the night was the crop top under a suit, and this is far and away the best of the bunch. It’s hard to tell from this photo but the crop top was sparkly! And the suit is not a neutral color! (It also had a custom lining with personal photos, which is the cutest thing I've ever heard.) Haley Winn, second overall pick AND killing it in the fashion department. Strong work.
I’m gonna guess that I’m in the minority as far as loving Abby Hustler’s draft fit, but omg I love it so much. Obviously I don’t know her personally, but somehow this look just makes sense for her? The jacket reminds me of pieces we used to thrift for ourselves in high school, like something that a fancy grandma would wear (like Lucille Bluth or Emily Gilmore—it's very Chanel-coded). But paired with the wide leg pants and the fresh sneaks it’s so fun? This outfit has a personality, and it’s one I’d like to hang out with.
This is another one I’m guessing I’ll be in the minority on, but Emma Gentry was rocking the HELL out of that sleeveless shirt. Maybe this is a fit you need to see in motion to really appreciate, but seriously. Shoulders. And the shoes? GET ‘EM EMMA. Phew.
Goalie Hannah Murphy’s whole look was such a departure from the norm of the night, but that’s not the only reason I love it. She is worrrrrking that jumpsuit, y’all. And the pointy pumps with the flares? I live. It’s so pretty, but also so strong (if an outfit can be strong).
First in the draft, last on my list, but not at all because I like her outfit the least. I actually love it so. So. Much. Normally I wouldn’t love the black and brown combo, but The Rock of it all overrides that for sure. Also, I have been reliably informed that younger generations don’t care about black/brown and black/navy blue the way us elder millenials do, so I’m trying to be cool. Seriously though, I dig this look so much. Watching her walk up to the stage, it felt like she was comfortable and also looked so freaking cool. The confidence sold it.
If this is what we got treated to on draft night, I can only imagine how good the walk-in outfits are going to be this season. I am personally holding out for more hats.
*Photos from PWHL & Instagram