Muffet McGraw: Scoring Fashion Points
Published: Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Updated: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 13:09
 "Photo: DAN JACOBS/The Observer")
DAN JACOBS/The Observer
Muffet puts an exotic spin on a traditional skirt-and-top ensemble, pairing a leopard skirt with red accessories and shoes and doesn’t forget to add siren-red nails. Forget the Yankees and their striped uniforms — we can’t keep our eyes off those spots.
 "Photo: SARAH O'CONNOR/The Observer")
SARAH O'CONNOR/The Observer
Muffet spices up an otherwise casual ensemble with patterned hosiery, black knee-high boots and geometric jewelry. Crouching Style, Hidden Dragon never looked so good.
 "Photo: SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer")
SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer
The key to spicing up an all-black ensemble is texture, and as Muffett shows us, there’s no better way to do that than with a pair of black leather pants. Be careful Ref, you don’t want to mess with a woman in leather.
 "Photo: SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer")
SUZANNA PRATT/The Observer
Muffett takes a cue from abstract artists and goes for a statement jacket, but keeps it classic in black and white. By adding her favorite red accessories, she shows her fashion isn’t just the cherry on the sundae — it’s the dessert you’ve been waiting for.
 "Photo: SARAH O'CONNOR/The Observer")
SARAH O'CONNOR/The Observer
Black and red — they may be the colors of the opposing team, but once Muffet’s done with them, they’re one winning outfit. Add the gold earrings, and you’ve got a sparkle you know Utah never had.
 "Photo: SARAH O'CONNOR/The Observer")
SARAH O'CONNOR/The Observer
Muffet proves she’s the mistress of the court with this perfectly tailored gray suit and ruffled blouse. Think she’s all about the rules? Take a look at her green nails — trends, team spirit, and tailoring all rolled into one.
 "Photo: GRANT TOBIN/The Observer")
GRANT TOBIN/The Observer
The hammered details of the silver belt pick up on the pattern of Muffet’s skirt, which is in turn brightened by a Kelly green T-shirt and green and blue jewelry. Add a smile to that style and you’ve got a perfect team.
Fashion is never fluff. It's a weapon of communication. An accessory or a complete ensemble can project strength to your opponent, encouragement to your team and unstoppable confidence to all those TV cameras. If you have any doubt, just tune into a Notre Dame women's basketball game, and take a look at Muffet McGraw on the sidelines for proof. Like the armor of an Amazonian woman prepared to do battle, Muffet's outfits fly in the face of expectation and disarm you with their fierceness.
While her team may run in sneakers, she'll remind you of the feminine strength underneath those jerseys by wearing her killer red stilettos. Think she should fade into the background like her male counterparts in a black pantsuit? Not so fast — she's breaking out a leopard-print skirt. In a traditionally masculine sport, Muffet hasn't just shown that she and her team can compete with formidable opponents. She's shown that a killer sense of style isn't a liability — it's that necessary extra spice to an intimidating presence. After all, it's not just important whether you win or lose. It's how you look playing the game that counts.
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