Lindsey Vonn Stuns in Silver Sequined Gucci at 2026 ESPY Awards

Lindsey Vonn made a striking return to the one-sleeve silhouette at the 2026 ESPY Awards on Wednesday, 16 July, stepping onto the red carpet in a floor-length sequined Gucci gown.

What happened at the 2026 ESPYs?

The Olympic skier wore a column dress covered in dense silver sequins that shimmered under the red carpet lights. The high neckline extended into one fitted long sleeve, while the opposite shoulder stayed bare. The back dipped nearly to the waist in a sporty racerback style, and a soft fold through the midsection broke up the straight lines before the skirt pooled to the floor.

Vonn accessorized with side-swept waves, drop earrings, and a large ring. The Gucci look followed her custom Thom Browne one-shoulder gown at the Met Gala in May, a marble-inspired mermaid design embroidered with over 500,000 white, gray, and silver beads.

Why this look matters for Lindsey Vonn

The 2026 ESPYs marked Vonn’s return to the red carpet after her Met Gala appearance. Her one-sleeve Gucci gown echoed the brand’s bold, high-fashion choices, blending sporty edges with evening elegance. The design’s chromatic effect-reflecting off the red carpet and black backdrop-turned heads as she took the stage as a presenter.

The dress also tied into a trend: Aryna Sabalenka wore the same Gucci design at the Laureus World Sports Awards in April, while Paris Hilton sported it at LACMA’s Opening Gala that month. Vonn’s styling proved the silhouette’s versatility across events.

Where and when the ESPYs took place

The 2026 ESPY Awards returned to New York for the first time since 1999, held at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Marcello Hernández, the *Saturday Night Live* cast member, hosted the show, with Jalen Brunson and Shohei Ohtani leading nominees with three nods each.

The ceremony introduced three social-only categories: Best Tunnel Fit, Best Celebration, and Best Sports Card. Vonn’s presence added star power to the event, reinforcing her status as a fashion icon beyond the slopes.

What’s next for the alpine skiing legend

Vonn’s red-carpet appearances often spark conversations about her post-competitive ventures. Her Met Gala and ESPYs looks suggest a growing crossover between sports and high fashion, a space she’s occupied since retiring from racing.

The Gucci gown’s silver sequins may inspire winter sports fans to pair athletic aesthetics with glamour. With the next winter season approaching, Vonn’s influence on fashion and sports culture shows no signs of slowing down.