The Olympics of Style for Summer 2024

Sporty looks for celebrating the Paris Games, wherever you cheer the teams on

Cindy Weber-Cleary,

AARP

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En español

Published July 19, 2024

a navy blue polo, white pants and white sneakers on a red, white and blue background.

(Left to right) Ralph Lauren Navy Team USA 2024 Summer Olympics Polo; Gap Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans in Optic White; Allbirds Women's Canvas Pipers in Blizzard

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Bloomingdale's; Gap; Allbirds; Getty Images (2))

When there is so much dividing us as a country — and countries across the planet — consider it a blessing that we can come together and root for our national teams in this summer’s 2024 Olympics.

Five new sports have been added to the roster this year: surfing, skateboarding, breakdancing, sport climbing and 3X3 basketball. Whichever sports (old or new) capture your heart, we can all celebrate these fine young athletes and the hope they bring to all of us.

If you are one of the fortunate few of our countrymen/women who will actually be in Paris to view the Games firsthand, I’m jealous! But whether you are going to be watching on a big-screen TV at a crowded sports bar, gathering in a smaller group at your neighbor’s house to watch a specific competition, or obsessing in the privacy of your own home, you should still dress to show your true colors!

Here are some fun outfit ideas and items to showcase your team spirit.

a variety of red, white, and blue clothes

(Clockwise from top left) Ralph Lauren Navy Team USA 2024 Summer Olympics Polo; Gap Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans in Optic White; J.Crew Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt in Stripe in Ivory Navy; Coach Abigail Ballet Flat (Women) in Midnight Navy; Allbirds Women's Canvas Pipers in Blizzard

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Gap; Bloomingdale's; Allbirds; J.Crew; Nordstrom)

If you are attending the Olympics in Paris:

Comfort is the name of the game, so wear lightweight dresses, sporty T-shirts, cotton or linen sweaters, shorts or jeans like the Gap Mid Rise Girlfriend Jeans in Optic White ($40, gap.com ), windbreakers and sneakers like the Allbirds Women's Canvas Pipers in Blizzard ($90, allbirds.com). Feel free to flaunt the flag! Ralph Lauren is the official outfitter of the USA Olympic team, so perhaps consider springing for a hoodie, an accessory or a polo shirt like the Women’s Polo Ralph Lauren Navy Team USA 2024 Summer Olympics Villagewear Polo ($138, bloomingdales.com ) from his Team USA Collection in solidarity.

Personal stylist/Olympics enthusiast Lisa Safir-Barness suggests giving a nod to our French hosts by pairing a classic striped mariner boatneck tee like the J.Crew Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck T-Shirt in Stripe in Ivory Navy ($35, jcrew.com), a red beret or ballet flats like the Coach Abigail Ballet Flat (Women) in Midnight Navy ($150, nordstrom.com) with your Americana apparel (such as jeans, joggers, chinos). Since France’s national colors are the same as ours, it’s a win-win!

Meanwhile, don’t forget to pack an anti-theft bag or backpack with a refillable water bottle — and to wear sunglasses, sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat (red lipstick, optional).

a blue sweater with the american flag on it, next to a pair of red pants

(Left to right) Tuckernuck Navy Americana Sweater; Talbots Perfect Skimmers in Bright Apple

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Tuckernuck; Talbots)

If you are watching in a crowded sports bar or at a neighbor’s house party:

You can definitely go all in with red, white and blue. Opt for classics like the Tuckernuck Navy Americana Sweater ($248, tnuck.com) and comfy twill pants like the Talbots Perfect Skimmers in Bright Apple (90, talbots.com). Oh and for a touch of gold (as in, gold medal) the Jack Rogers Jack’s Jelly in Gold ($43, jackrogers.com ) wouldn’t hurt.

Alternatively, you could dress to mirror whatever competition you will be viewing. For example, if you are going to tune in to the surfing competition, which is taking place in Tahiti, men could opt for a Hawaiian shirt and shorts and women might go for a tropical print dress like the Sundance Fields of Beauty Dress in Sherbert ($158, sundancecatalog.com) and flip-flops like the Reef Solana in Cocoa ($45, reef.com). For an added touch maybe a faux flower like the Karin’s Garden 3½-inch Phalaenopsis Orchid Clip ($20, etsy.com) behind their ear?

front and back view of an oversized white hooded sweatshirt.

Old Navy SoComfy Oversized Hoodie in Sea Salt

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Old Navy)

If you are hanging at home but want to get into the team spirit:

Authentic sports gear, such as favorite team jerseys, is a no-brainer for both men and women. But there are plenty of fun loungewear options, such as women’s star-spangled pull-on pants like the Paaisye American Flag Women’s Pants in Navy ($13, walmart.com), a cozy sweatshirt like the Old Navy SoComfy Oversized Hoodie in Sea Salt ($20, oldnavy.com), men’s boxer shorts like the Brooks Brothers Cotton Broadcloth Madras Boxers ($24, brooksbrothers.com) and patriotic pajama sets like the Sunday Morning PJ Set in American Flag print ($118, showmeyourmumu.com).

So mix up a pitcher of Bloody Mary’s (aptly, they originated at Harry’s American Bar in Paris) and let the Games begin!

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Cindy Weber-Cleary is a freelance writer, consultant and on-air fashion expert who has appeared on Oprah, The View, Good Morning America and the Today show. She began her career as a fashion editor at Vogue and was fashion director at InStyle, Glamour and Cosmopolitan.