How to rock workwear like 'The Mother' of basketball, Kim Mulkey

Be the belle of the boardroom with these budget-friendly, corporate-ready tips

04 April 2025 - 13:56
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From daring fabrics to eye-catching details, see how Kim Mulkey runs the court with her eclectic dress style.
From daring fabrics to eye-catching details, see how Kim Mulkey runs the court with her eclectic dress style.
Image: Ron Jenkins, Kevin C. Cox, Sarah Stier/Getty Images

If you are not familiar with the world of women's basketball, there is a rising star on the court. It's not one of the many talented women but Kim "The Mother" Mulkey, who coaches the LSU basketball women's team. Her outfits have turned heads for more than a decade, with many praising her playful take on power-dressing.

While Mulkey's approach to power-dressing might be exciting, it can be quite difficult to pull off in some professional settings.

Here are four looks to try from "The Mother" to help you stand out in the boardroom:

TEXTURES AND PRINTS

1. Wintour red jacket, Mango, R1,519. 2. White combo top, Truworths, R550. 3. Black court heels, Exact, R129. 4. Twist braid headwrap, Takealot, R380.
1. Wintour red jacket, Mango, R1,519. 2. White combo top, Truworths, R550. 3. Black court heels, Exact, R129. 4. Twist braid headwrap, Takealot, R380.
Image: Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images

Key elements in Mulkey's looks are textures and prints. While a print blazer is easy to work with by pairing it with plain-colour complimentary pieces, give detailed pieces featuring tweed or fur a wow factor with headwraps or uniquely designed blouses.

SOFT POWER

1. Pearl button peplum woven jacket, Queenspark, R950. 2. Sterling silver purple Czech bohemia crystal stud earrings, Lovisa, R50. 3. Black skinny chino [ants, Identity, R350. 4. Feaicon feather leather bag, Ted Baker, R1,499.
1. Pearl button peplum woven jacket, Queenspark, R950. 2. Sterling silver purple Czech bohemia crystal stud earrings, Lovisa, R50. 3. Black skinny chino [ants, Identity, R350. 4. Feaicon feather leather bag, Ted Baker, R1,499.
Image: Eakin Howard/Getty Images

While Mulkey brings fun elements to suits with plumage, the addition can backfire in a corporate space where it might make you look childish. Embrace the more feminine side of design with frills with peplum tops, sparkles with colourful stud earrings and even embrace your favourite textiles on your handbag instead.

METALLIC SHINE

1. Shimmering blazer, H&M, R1,099. 2. Draped dress with side-slit, R2,299, Mango. 3. Diamante belt, Foschini, R224. 4. Steve Madden black Lyanna-C boots, Steve Madden, R1,609.
1. Shimmering blazer, H&M, R1,099. 2. Draped dress with side-slit, R2,299, Mango. 3. Diamante belt, Foschini, R224. 4. Steve Madden black Lyanna-C boots, Steve Madden, R1,609.
Image: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

From gold to sequins featuring every colour under the rainbow, the best way to wear bold prints and metallic details is by making the outfit sleek. Follow Mulkey's footsteps with figure-hugging pieces. Opt for long-length dresses or collared jumpsuits that pair well with boxy blazers that can carry the metallic motif you match with or without a belt. For a subtle touch, you can try heels with metal tips or details that won't create the impression you're dressed for a night out.

CASUAL FRIDAY

1. Exact women's natural v-neck jersey, R259. 2. Harvey notched neck satin shirt, Forever New, R745. 3. Denim wide leg jeans, R349, Foschini. 4. Liyana sneaker, Old Khaki, R499.
1. Exact women's natural v-neck jersey, R259. 2. Harvey notched neck satin shirt, Forever New, R745. 3. Denim wide leg jeans, R349, Foschini. 4. Liyana sneaker, Old Khaki, R499.
Image: Carly Mackler/Getty Images

Mulkey's casual looks employ colourful options that can be imitated with soccer jerseys or branded bomber jackets. This is also a great way to embrace her love for soft tones by matching nude tones for a soft luxury appeal you can give a Mulkey style spin with pearls, gold accessories or ornate eyewear.


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