Katie Ledecky Is Unrecognizable Out Of The Pool

The Olympics take place on the world stage, and the athletes are its stars. While we follow our favorite models and actors for fashion inspo, we're also not strangers to soaking up inspiration from Olympians, including gymnast Simone Biles' short-girl styling tips or channeling Naomi Osaka with the trendy tenniscore aesthetic. However, other athletic competitors seem rigidly defined by their sport — like swimmer Katie Ledecky.

As a record-breaking swim star, it's no surprise that Ledecky looks at home in the pool. The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris mark Ledecky's fourth Olympic appearance, so we're used to seeing her in the water, outfitted for Team USA. Ledecky comes into the event boasting 10 medals from years past — seven gold and three silver. She's also dominated swimming competitions like the World Championships, winning the 800-meter freestyle five times in a row and remaining undefeated for over a decade, though she lost her years-long streak in February 2024. Then there's the stunning 14 world records she's broken throughout her career — but who's counting?

As Ledecky told The Guardian, "I've just always felt comfortable in the water from day one." But even this incredible athlete doesn't live in the swimming pool 24/7. On top of her aquatic endeavors, Ledecky lives a full and busy life — whether she's at The White House receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom or on the PR trail promoting her bestselling memoir, "Just Add Water." Still, for many fans accustomed to her goggles and swim cap, spotting Ledecky on dry land (and in anything other than a bathing suit) can be a surprise. So, what's this Olympian like out of the water?

At the beginning of her career, Katie Ledecky used her unknown status to her advantage. "... I could exist in the shadows with zero notice from the greater swim world. Being an underdog gave me space to concentrate on my own game. Invisibility would be my superpower," she wrote in her memoir. Now, she's become a household name, but still prefers an understated personal aesthetic.

Ledecky is in peak physical condition — after all, swimming is one of the best full-body workouts — but she doesn't need extravagant outfits to flaunt what she's got. Instead, the Olympian displays a casual, easygoing vibe in her day-to-day ensembles. Often, Ledecky can be spotted wearing Americana classics like fitted T-shirts, jeans, and Team USA baseball caps. Introducing a cute athleisure vibe, she's also been known to rock a drawstring miniskirt. Multiple posts on Ledecky's Instagram show the swimmer in a sporty, navy-blue skirt, suggesting that it might be a wardrobe favorite. Paired with a heathered V-neck or a perfectly preppy sweater-over-the-shoulder look, it fits right in with Ledecky's relaxed style.

Ledecky completes this laidback air with a cute, no-fuss hairstyle that hasn't changed too much since the early days of her career. Ledecky's blunt bob is softened by gentle, side-swept bangs for a natural look that can be worn with minimal styling or dressed up when the occasion calls for it. With the length just brushing her shoulders, Ledecky can (and sometimes does) scoop her strands into a tiny pony, but wearing it loose seems to be her go-to. We'd wager that this cut is also handy for Ledecky's constant pool time, as shorter tresses mean less hair to cram into a swim cap. Either way, we love the style's easy confidence.

Whether enjoying the holidays with her brother or attending high-profile events, Katie Ledecky eschews trendy styles for timeless looks — think simple silhouettes with light-catching fabrics and glittering, elegant accessories. For Christmas 2023, Ledecky dressed in a shimmery black wrap dress, emphasizing its subtle sparkle with a large gemstone necklace and an equally luminous smile. Ledecky also went for glitter while collecting well-deserved athletic accolades at the 2022 ESPY Awards. The swimmer set the foundation of her ensemble with a simple, short-sleeved midi dress in ribbed silver fabric. She leaned into this color palette by adding a sparkling silver clutch, a stack of twinkling bracelets, and our personal favorite: shoulder-skimming chandelier earrings.

These formal ensembles are a distinct shift from Ledecky's typical style, and walking the red carpet is certainly different than kicking her way down the lane of an Olympic-sized pool. But as a renowned athlete constantly in the public eye, Ledecky has gotten good at handling pressure and balancing the different areas of her life. "Being an Olympian, having that title and profile, was a massive adjustment," Ledecky wrote in her book. "In swimming, it can be easy to get stuck in your own head. ... I reminded myself every day that I was ... so much more than a swimmer."

Ledecky's emphasis on mental health and authenticity is something we can all carry into our lives and personal style. And in a conversation with PureWow, Ledecky shared a message that shines even brighter than her fashion sense: "It's OK to ask for help and it's OK to take a step back and prioritize what you need to do to be your best self and be confident in what you know you need to be your best each day."