Fashion

Tate McRae’s Sporty Glam Is Reinventing the Popstar Aesthetic

Here's how the pop legend in-the-making infuses her Canadian roots into her new style era.

by : Laura Palombi- Mar 25th, 2024

Instagram (@tatemcrae), stylist Joanie Del Santo

Hockey gear and pop stars aren’t two things we normally associate with each other. But that’s what Calgary-born singer Tate McRae served up for the cover of her sophomore album, Think Later.

At 20 years old, the newly certified superstar has been hitting some major career milestones: her single “Greedy” peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, she made her debut performance on Saturday Night Live, and she joined fellow Canadian pop star Justin Bieber as a team lead during NHL All-Star Game night.

Yes, she captivates audiences with her vocals and incredible dance performances, but her fresh take on the pop-princess uniform is equally as fascinating. Having grown up in a hockey household, McRae has leaned into her roots, incorporating quintessential Canadian sporting gear into her glitzy pop star looks. The music video for her hit single “Greedy” served as an introduction to this new era. Shot entirely at an ice hockey rink, we see the star decked out in padded gloves and effortlessly hitting a split in cleats.

With the help of McRrae’s creative director Bradley Calder and stylists like Joanie Del Santo (who has styled Tiana Taylor, Ethel Cain, and Normani) and Bret Alan Nelson (Doja Cat and Karol G’s go-to), this new formula has allowed her to build not only a consistent and recognizable aesthetic but also a sporty edge that deeply relates to Canadians, which is just so fun. You’ll regularly see her in jerseys and oversized sweats, infused with glam elements like bedazzled bustiers and chunky jewellery.

Considering the Spring 2024 trends of rugby jerseys and polo shirts on the runway, McRae’s look feels right on the mark. She’s even translated this into her online merch, where you can pick up adorable T8 hockey jerseys. And with her international tour just 2 weeks away, something tells us the looks are just getting started.

Top Tate McRae Style Moments

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A post shared by tate mcrae (@tatemcrae)

In the details: For her album shoot, Tate pairs a stoned bra, low-hanging sweats, roller skate pads and even adds boxing tape on her fingers. Gritty glam at its finest.

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A post shared by tate mcrae (@tatemcrae)

For the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, McRae wore a bedazzled jersey with an oversized sweatpants and blazer combo.

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Styled for a Vogue shoot, Tate keeps it structured up top with corset and lace up detailing while the bottom half stays free flowing in her signature tracksuit bottoms.