Closet Envy: Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Mourning By Alexandra Phanor-Faury Tracy Mourning, wife of basketball star Alonzo Mourning, may be a basketball wife, but the way in which she approaches fashion is far from your typical over-the-top athlete’s wife covered in flashy designers. Mourning’s style ethos has always been comfort comes first and that's what keeps her standing out from the crowd. The founder of Honey Shine Mentoring Program and Honey Child lifestyle brand isn’t too keen on being overdressed or looking like she’s trying too hard. In fact, Mourning revealed to us that that if she had to pick one piece of clothing that best represents her personality and style, it would be the timeless T-shirt. What draws us to Mourning’s laid-back way of dressing is her ability to make classic staples like Ts, wrap sweaters and shorts look modern, fresh and chic by playing with eclectic accessories. No matter what she has on, Mourning never lets her clothes wear her. “My style icons carry themselves comfortably and confidently in their own skin, no matter what they are wearing,” revealed Mourning to ESSENCE.com. We got the chance to chat with the Howard University graduate about her laissez-faire style, her aversion to full-on animal print and the one bag she loves but can’t imagine paying for. ESSENCE.com: How would you describe your style? TRACY MOURNING: My style represents comfort whether I'm dressed casual or formal. I have always preferred to be underdressed rather than overdressed. There was a time, and still occasionally, where I choose to be cute over being comfortable, especially when it comes to shoes. Those days are now few and far in between. ESSENCE.com: What is one clothing item best represents you? TRACY MOURNING: A simple tee best reflects my laid back personality. ESSENCE.com: Who are your style icons? TRACY MOURNING: My style icons carry themselves comfortably and confidently in their own skin, no matter what they are wearing. ESSENCE.com :How big is your closet? TRACY MOURNING: Over the years, I have had different size closets but it seems that no matter the size, the space is never big enough. ESSENCE.com: Who are your favorite designers and why? & stores? TRACY MOURNING: I often buy what I like without much concern for who designed the piece or at what store I happen to be shopping at. I do love Oscar de la Renta because his designs reflect his admiration for women. Tracy Reese is also a favorite. I like her style. She is a great example of a woman following her passion and I love that. ESSENCE.com: What do you wear on a usual day to work and then evening? TRACY MOURNING: I work from home in addition to working with young girls in the community who are enrolled in my mentoring program, Honey Shine. For me, my work wear must reflect comfort and flexibility. Everything from a sundress to a T-shirt and cut off shorts works, including the pair of flip-flops I always have nearby. For an evening out, I will polish up with a pair of heels or a great dress. ESSENCE.com: What will you never be caught dead in? TRACY MOURNING: I would never be caught in all-over animal print, dead or alive. ESSENCE.com: What are some of your latest purchases? TRACY MOURNING: My latest purchases include my bracelets from Turchin for my husband, more tees, and a great pair of shoes that I had to reorder after my luggage was stolen. ESSENCE.com: What are you dying to get your hands on? TRACY MOURNING: I would love to get my hands on that new slouchy Birkin but I can't bring myself to spend that much on a bag. I would however, gladly accept one as gift. ESSENCE.com: What style rules do you live by? TRACY MOURNING: My style rule is that there are no rules… to each his own. ESSENCE.com: What is your weakness? TRACY MOURNING: Bags, shoes and jewelry are my weakness. ESSENCE.com: What is your fool-proof outfit that always makes you feel your best? TRACY MOURNING: That would definitely be a flowing sundress, long or short. ESSENCE.com: Why do you love clothes and fashion? TRACY MOURNING: I love beautiful fabrics and how clothes can transform a person and how they carry themselves. Clothes are a great way to express oneself to the world. ESSENCE.com: How important is fashion and style in your field? TRACY MOURNING: Fashion and style depicts our very essence. Honey Child, my lifestyle brand, is a reflection of the comfortable luxury that I think we all crave.

By · July 15, 2010

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning’s fedora and platform sandals add a stylish edge to her casual shorts and T-shirt ensemble at the ESSENCE Music Festival 2010.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning, posing with her sister at the EMF, wears a trapeze frock in an ombre hue and chic flats.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning chose skinny gray jeans, an easy printed tank and metallic peep-toe platform pumps to celebrate the launch of her new Body Moisturizing Collection: Goddess, Mother, SoulMate, Friend in NYC.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning is boho chic in a long silk dress with thin spaghetti straps.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning hits all the right notes in a plaid driving cap, draped top and statement making heels.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning has a knack for pulling off polished casual looks. Here, she pairs tall gladiators with white shorts and a cowl neck tank. She completes her look with a fedora.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning is a glowing mommy-to-be in a beautifully printed tunic at her baby shower.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy and her husband Alonzo in Miami.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning attends the “Basketball Wives” premiere party in head-to-toe gray. She mixes and matches textures, jersey, denim and metallic, to add depth to her monochromatic attire.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning lights up the room in a sequined kaftan in navy.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning’s flirty off-the-shoulder dress draws all eyes to her bright smile.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning places her own spin on resort wear while vacationing at the Amanyara Resort in Turks & Caicos.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning and her husband attend the Obama Inauguration in Washington D.C. The pale evening gown complements her complexion perfectly.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning, pictured here with husband Alonzo and son Tre, dons a one-shoulder bubble hem dress in a lovely palette of turquoise and champagne.

Tracy Wilson Mourning

Tracy Wilson Mourning makes an in-store appearance at Simons & Green in South Miami for her Goddess.Soulmate.Mother.Friend Intense Body Moisturizing Collection. How beautiful are her accessories!