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Noah Lyles turned childhood struggles into iconic fashion—Is this the ultimate underdog story?

Noah Lyles isn’t just a track star—he’s a walking statement of style. While his blazing speed on the track leaves everyone in awe, it’s his bold fashion choices that truly set him apart. At the Paris Olympics, Lyles didn’t just clinch gold; he did it with flair, rocking painted nails, pearls woven into his hair, and neck charms that caught every eye. His style game isn’t confined to the track either—Lyles is becoming a fixture in the fashion world, turning heads on runways and in photo shoots with his unmistakable swagger.

But this flair for fashion didn’t come naturally—it’s a passion he developed over time. In a recent revelation, Lyles opened up about his journey into the world of style, confessing that as a youngster, he couldn’t afford the luxury brands he now flaunts with ease. Instead, he had to get creative, making the most of what he had to express himself. Today, that creativity has evolved into a signature style that’s as dynamic as his sprinting. Lyles isn’t just a champion on the track; he’s a trendsetter, redefining what it means to be an athlete in the spotlight.

Noah Lyles got hooked on the glamor affair by chance

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Speaking to Ben Gallaga on the “Everybody Wants To Be Us Podcast,” Lyles shared a personal anecdote. He mentions how he had once walked into a mega brand store. And had casually flipped the price tag of a black tee, which read $200. To which Lyles reacted, I would never pay that much for a shirt.But, he compares it to how today, eight years later, he is donning a way more expensive fabric. And this only started blending in as normal once he started making more money. He adds, ” I even eventually I started making more money and I was like, oh I guess, you know, I can handle it now.

Lyles even answered Ben’s question on where his love for fashion stems from. He said, “It’s actually a funny story because growing up I didn’t care for fashion. I was definitely in dad jeans and wearing whatever random collared shirt I could find. You know, I, I didn’t, all I cared about was running.” Speed and agility seemed the only two focus areas for the phenom, until, something shifted and he ventured into the glam world.

The dynamics changed when Noah Lyles and his brother began their escapades to the ‘mall.’ He continued, “I was 19, he [Lyles’ brother] was 18. We didn’t have much to do. You know, all the people in our training group were 23 and up. So it was just us. It’s like, we can’t go to the club and we can’t go to bars and like what do we, what do we do? I mean, it’s like, well let’s go to the mall.” Thus it was very casually that he entered this world. Mainly as there were restrictions placed on the ‘hangout’ spots that him and his brother could visit.

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He then describes how the duo on an explorative mission had access to two malls- the Florida Mall and the Millenia Mall. The latter especially was broken in two halves. The first one featured all everyday stores like H&M, Men’s Express, Macy’s, and Gas. Whereas, the other half featured a high-end version, housing Dior, Louis Vitton, Gucci, Saint Laurent, etc.  But Lyles confesses, it took him ‘three attempts’ to enter the second side. He further adds, how it was “very intimidating.” Well, that was just the start. Today, it seems Lyles considers fashion as his pride and joy.

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Noah Lyles turned childhood struggles into iconic fashion—Is this the ultimate underdog story?

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From the red carpet to the track, Lyles’ fashion game is on fleek

From his Met gala appearance in 2021 to his recent fashion incorporation in Paris, it’s safe to say fashion has become a core part of Noah Lyles’ persona. Earlier this year he arrived at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in an all-black outfit. It featured a black jacket, skinny pants, and shades, along with his other accessories and a suitcase. Similarly, at the NYC Grand Prix, he made his appearance at the Icahn Stadium wearing white pants with tropical print, palm trees, and waves, and a green t-shirt with cutouts.

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But the style continues on track too. For his 100m finals at the Stade de France, Lyles wore a stylish watch by his sponsor. The Omega Speedmaster on his wrist and his chained neck choker were the only accessories he donned.  Other than that he was spotted in a blue and red tracksuit. What do you think of his evolving fashion game? Let us know below.