Once more, Simone Biles made headlines for her style rather than her flips. Everyone was watching her when she got at Churchill Downs, and her attire sparked a discussion that spread well beyond the racetrack.
Simone Biles and her husband, NFL star Jonathan Owens, went to the Kentucky Derby over the weekend. Wearing identical lilac outfits, the couple made an appearance at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Their well-coordinated appearance immediately attracted notice, not all of it good.
For the event, the decorated gymnast donned a soft lilac strapless minidress adorned with purple rhinestones. She accessorized the striking ensemble with a stunning fascinator above her sleek haircut and silver heels. Her fashion sense was mirrored by Owens, who is currently with the Chicago Bears.
He was dressed in a rhinestone-studded cap, white slacks, matching sneakers, and a damask lilac jacket. Although their fashion statement attracted attention, there was a sharp division in the online response. Critics swiftly expressed their disgust on social media when the pictures went viral, focusing their criticism on Biles’ clothing.
One person said plainly, “Look like she got a tablecloth on [sic].” “I don’t like this look on them,” said another.Others offered their opinions on the dress’s length and appropriateness for the event.One commenter said, “Inappropriate dress for race… sounded strange,” implying that it went against the event’s typical tone.
Another commented, “For such a distinguished occasion, her dress ought to have been longer.” One visitor acknowledged the design but questioned its appropriateness, saying, “Too short, otherwise gorgeous.”
Some adopted a more severe approach.”I wish she had worn something more elegant,” someone wrote on social media. “Not a classy dress,” another person added.As one person put it, Biles had “no class at all.”
Biles’ admirers praised her widely in spite of the outpouring of criticism. Numerous admirers praised her confident and daring approach on social media.”CLASSY & STUNNING,” read one ebullient response. She was dubbed the “best dressed” by another user.
The pair revealed behind-the-scenes information about their synchronized ensemble on the red carpet. When questioned about their color preference, Biles disclosed that Jonathan actually went for purple. Despite online disagreement, it is evident that their matching outfits were the result of a partnership and a common sense of style.
During the Derby celebrations, Biles had a ceremonial role in addition to the fashion buzz. She was asked to give the famous “Riders up” call, which is a time rich in excitement and history, as part of the custom. Biles later took on her part in front of the audience and cameras.