Jordan Clarkson for ALDO
Jordan Clarkson for ALDO.
Jordan Clarkson's racking up the style points.
The New York Knicks guard, 33, revealed the secret behind his outfits on game days while speaking with PEOPLE exclusively about his latest partnership with ALDO and his 11-piece collection with the brand.
Between his tunnel walks before games and various red carpet appearances, Clarkson has become synonymous for his style both near and far from the basketball court over the course of his decade-plus NBA career.
Jordan Clarkson for ALDOJordan Clarkson for ALDO
Jordan Clarkson for ALDO. Courtesy of ALDO
Effortlessly rocking statement 'fits on game day may make one wonder about the preparation that he puts into them prior; however, the truth behind his outfits may come as a surprise to many.
"I wake up after my nap and get dressed 15 minutes before I got to leave," Clarkson tells PEOPLE exclusively of the looks he sports for the popularized tunnel walks that players have evolved into that of a fashion show before games in recent years.
Similar to his fashion philosophy at the core of his ALDO collection, the NBA star says his lack of planning allows him to express the most authentic version of himself without being tied down when picking out clothes.
Jordan Clarkson for ALDOJordan Clarkson for ALDO
Jordan Clarkson for ALDO. Courtesy of ALDO
"I just don't have any boundaries," he says, emphasizing, "And I'm going to feel whatever I'm wearing and I'm wearing it confidently... just free flowing."
In 2018, Clarkson turned heads for wearing a Thom Browne suit and shorts to the NBA Finals in 2018. The kicker, however, is that the shorts weren't originally shorts; rather, they were pants that he cut himself to stand out from his teammates who wore the same sets.
Next thing you know, his teammates cut their pants, too.
Jordan Clarkson for ALDOJordan Clarkson for ALDO
Jordan Clarkson for ALDO. Courtesy of ALDO
"I don't even know what a risky is, honestly," Clarkson tells PEOPLE when contemplating the biggest fashion risk he's ever taken. "Like I said, I don't have any boundaries. I'm willing to wear anything that I feel is fresh."
That's why his collaboration with ALDO made so much sense sartorially, explaining, "I just felt it was authentic and I was able to express all my creativity."
Since being selected by the Washington Wizards as the 46th overall pick in the 2014 NBA, Clarkson — who's gone on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz and now the New York Knicks — hasn't stopped flexing his style.
Clarkson's team up with ALDO seamlessly combines the brand's signature design with his bold eye for style and fashion-forward details across the 11-piece collection, featuring men’s footwear and handbags.
Jordan Clarkson for ALDOJordan Clarkson for ALDO
Jordan Clarkson for ALDO. Courtesy of ALDO
Pieces such as the Buckley Loafers ($140), Bruguu Tote ($75) and Guthrie Boot ($180) fuse modern edge with elevated craftsmanship, bold animal prints and refined western influences, an element that "hit home" for the athlete who was raised in Texas.
"It was just super authentic to me," Clarkson says of the pieces in the collection, which is now available for purchase online and at ALDO stores across the United States and Canada.
Jordan Clarkson for ALDOJordan Clarkson for ALDO
Jordan Clarkson for ALDO. Courtesy of ALDO
Despite the increased attention on athletes' game-day outfits across social media, Clarkson makes clear that he doesn't place much focus on them — and rather, treats preparing for those looks just like any other.
"I really don't put that much emphasis on it just because it's what I do. I just get dressed wherever I'm going," he says. "If I want to wear these clothes, I kind of just grab and go and put it all together."
"I'm not overthinking that process," Clarkson makes clear. "I'm just coming to work and everything comes into fruition in terms of style."