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Image by NBC Sports
Aside from the glitz and glam of the over the top performances, my favorite part of the opening ceremonies has always been the parade of athletes walking into the stadium. I’m such a sap but it makes me so happy to see the huge smiles and wide eyes of the athletes as they walk in on one of the most exciting days of their life. And of course- to see their outfits. The team uniforms for the opening ceremonies are the first thing the world sees from the nation during the Olympic Games, so they’re a pretty big deal. Some teams like to make a bold statement, while others keep it simple. Whatever the style, these outfits are sure to make mark on the world. So the real question is, who won best dressed?
Here are my picks for some of the best and worst from the fashion choices of the Scohi Olympic Opening Ceremonies:
Overall Best Dressed: Sweden
Image by The National Post
Everything about this outfit. Just YES. The women’s printed leggings are a perfect statement pattern that fits along great with their tailored blue jackets with the asymmetric zipper detail. Between the printed leggings and the detailed scarf and the solid jacket, this outfit fits in together so well. The men’s yellow tops and side paneled pants complement the outfits so well. Hats off to you, Sweden. I’d wear those outfits.
Overall Worst Dressed: Lithuania
Image by Yahoo Sports
This is the perfect example of when a lot of color goes too far. The extreme neon combination was too contrasting to the basic colors of the country’s flag. This bright look was especially too much for a small team where a more simple, strong look would have worked best. Sorry, walking neon sign outfits just aren’t for me.
Best Main Piece: Russia’s Parkas
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Image by USA Today
Honestly, the first thing I could think of with those red pants and fur trimmed coats was a parade of Santa Clauses on Christmas Day. But once you get past that, these outfits really are elegant. The bold red pants and furry coats gave the Russians a regal look as they walked into the stadium. It’s the perfect combination of shock value and strong national pride the home team needs to make a statement during the Opening Ceremonies.
Worst Main Piece: Team USA’s Sweaters
Image by The National Post
Sorry, team USA, we love you, but Ralph Lauren, what happened? I’m just not a fan of these sweaters. There’s way too much going on here and they don’t give us a powerful look walking into the stadium. The sweaters appear childish and casual compared to some of the bold choices of other countries. But, I know you won’t all agree. These “ugly sweaters” got very mixed reviews in the fashion world, with some people raving about their classic and homey feel. Whatever the case, Team USA, you’re still number one in my heart.
Best Accessory: Canada
Image by The National Post
Canada was another one that I loved. But my favorite part of their outfit were their cute fuzzy mittens with the surprise maple leaf detail on the palm. These mittens were a cute way to offset the very put together coats. I thought they did a great job of combining the classy toggled jacket with the silly pom pom hat and mittens. Great national and wearable pride.
Worst Accessory: Norway
Image by Yahoo Sports
Newspaper boy caps have a time and a place. But whatever that place, they should never be metallic. These were like a weird cross of Zenon and the Newsies, and they just didn’t work. Other than that though, I did love the baby blue pants and classic white jackets. Some people thought these hats were great, but sorry Norway, they ruined it for me.
Best Risk Taker: Â Germany
Image by The National Post
Some people will disagree but I LOVED Germany’s (slightly ridiculous) outfits. The rainbow jackets and brightly patterned pants had the perfect level of shock value. They weren’t super bright and in your face like some of the other neon ensembles, but they still caught everyone’s eye. This bright colors and exciting patterns showed how happy and excited the German athletes were to be in the ceremony. Plus those pants are adorable, I’d wear leggings with that print!
Worst Risk Taker: Tonga
Image by Yahoo Sports
What is going on here? Jackets with palm trees on them? No doubt, these guys are having fun but I think these jackets are a little bit too ridiculous. Sorry Tonga, these just sort of look like clipart pasted onto a puffy coat.Â