Lily Collins wore a white cropped cardigan with black knee-length fitted shorts and black thong sandals at the 3rd Annual Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge in La Quinta on March 2, 2026.
Athletic event, but she skipped the obvious tennis look.
At the 3rd Annual Desert Smash Celebrity Pickleball Challenge in La Quinta, CA on March 2, 2026, Lily Collins showed up in a sleek, minimal event appearance that feels more fashion-forward than sporty.
She is wearing a fitted white cropped cardigan with delicate buttons down the front and a subtle ribbed texture. The neckline is softly rounded, and the length hits just above the waist, creating a sharp, clean break. Instead of shorts or a skirt, she pairs it with black knee-length fitted shorts in what looks like stretch jersey or ponte. The silhouette is streamlined and body-skimming without being flashy.
On her feet are black thong sandals with a slim heel. They are barely-there, which keeps the outfit light and desert-ready. The contrast between the tailored cardigan and the athletic-style fitted shorts is what gives this look its edge. Add in the narrow black sunglasses, and the whole thing leans into a polished, slightly retro vibe rather than traditional sportswear.
What stands out to me is the confidence in the proportions. The longer shorts could have felt awkward, but the cropped top balances them perfectly. Personally, I think the fitted shorts are the boldest choice here; most people would have defaulted to something safer for a sporty public appearance.
From a practical angle, this is heat-friendly and functional. Breathable fabrics, flat sandals for walking courtside, and a simple silhouette that does not fight the setting. It is not your typical pickleball look, and that is the point.
Sometimes the unexpected option wins.
Would you have gone full tennis-core with a pleated skirt, or does this minimalist pairing feel fresher?
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