5 Outfit Ideas for Hoopfest

What to Wear to Hoopfest from a Spokane Local

I am so excited for Hoopfest to happen this year! I first visited in 2019 and have wanted to go back ever since. Between cancellations and differing schedules, I haven’t been able to attend but 2023 is definitely my year. This 3v3 basketball tournament is a major summer highlight here in Spokane. I love watching my friends play and I personally go to hit the food trucks. Plus, when it comes to the fashion, streetwear is king and it’s a fun time to experiment with basketball style as well as everyday outfits for those of us not playing. To see what I am thinking of wearing that weekend, keep on reading!

Carpenter Jeans and a Crop Tee Outfit

Starting off strong is the new pant trend I’ve been enjoying. I will be honest I scoffed at carpenter jeans a few years ago but now I am really enjoying the utilitarian edge these pants give. I got my pair from H&M and really like the olive green color. Of course you could get a light wash pair and something more denim like but the details are truly what make the pant. Since these bottoms are pretty bold on their own, I recommend styling them just with a plain tee and a simple sandal. While I have them styled with a heel, I think a sneaker would be comfier day off. You will be doing a lot of walking so dress for it!

Oversized Graphic Tee and Denim Shorts Outfit

For this outfit, I’m turning the tee almost into a dress! I wore very short denim shorts underneath in case my shirt rides up but the key to this outfit is simplicity. Huge baggy tees to me give off basketball vibes and the faded coloring to this graphic is super fun for summer. If denim shorts aren’t your style, try this outfit with biker shorts. It will make the look even comfier and again harken to the overall sporty vibe of the weekend. Just be sure to complete the look with a good pair of sneakers! I got this pair of low dunks back in the spring and I think they’re the perfect shoe for a weekend like this. 

Denim Shorts and Tank with Flannel Outfit

One fashion piece I recommend bringing to Hoopfest is actually a flannel! Unless you want to pack around a chair, it’s nice to have a third piece to sit on when watching games. The cement gets incredibly warm and when you’re wearing shorts it’s just a bad combo! To keep the outfit simple and as to not compete with the third piece, I recommend wearing a plain tank and shorts. Lighter washes are always good since it’s so hot and they just look summery to me. The best combo right now is a fitted tank and oversized shorts but wear what you are most comfortable in. 

Leather Shorts and Bodysuit outfit 

This outfit isn’t for the faint of heart and may be impractical for the heat but it’s a fun one! I may wait to wear this at night but leather shorts are a fun look for a sporty weekend like this. I love how they add some texture to an outfit and when paired with a fitted top like a bodysuit, it just looks incredibly chic. If you wear this at night, consider a lightweight denim jacket or a bomber jacket to add some texture and interest. You can also get away with a cowboy or textured boot in this instance since we are in Eastern Washington and while we are in a city there are still some country tones to the area. I personally love the mix of city and country here, it really makes fashion far more fun. 

Lace Corset and Jeans Outfit

Our final outfit I am saving for the clubs! Nightlife in Spokane is alright but I always use the occasion to dress up and have fun with my personal style. In this instance, I have a cool corset top from Urban Outfitters that adds a great texture and sexiness to a look. I then will be styling it with a loose pair of jeans and of course my Nike sneakers. Since the shirt is so fitted, you want something bigger on the bottom to counteract the look. Another option could be one of the baggier shorts from earlier. Either way I think dressing the top down a bit is the move here and playing around with fashion norms will make for the best possible outfit. 

Have a Fashionable Trip

I hope this post inspires your upcoming Hoopfest experience! Whether you yourself are playing or you just like to wander around like yours truly, I hope these outfits are helpful. Sportswear and street style hold a special place in my heart. As I have developed my own personal style and grown more enmeshed in Spokane, it’s been such a treat to adjust my taste in fashion to the trends of the city. Of course stay true to you but a festival weekend is always a great place to have fun with your wardrobe! For the most up to date outfits and to see what I wear to the festival in real time, be sure to follow me on Instagram and TikTok.

Until next time,

Lauren