How ESPN Host Michelle Beadle Keeps Up with the Boys—in Style
All it takes is the right pair of shoes.
While the men in your life are distracted by this weekend's big boxing fight, get in the ring with the Michelle Beadle's kick-ass style—and career—tips. Although it's usually the ESPN host and die-hard San Antonio Spurs fan asking the questions, we intercepted the ball to get the scoop on her sporty, chic style on and off camera. Find out why all it takes to keep up with the boys in her male-dominated industry is the right pair of shoes.
On her career path: "I’ve always loved sports, but I never thought it would be how I make my living ultimately. I wanted to be a lawyer from the age of six, and then I wanted to go into politics shortly thereafter—that’s what I initially went to school for. And then like 99 percent of college students, I [realized] I wasn’t interested in what I had chosen. It has been an unplanned, wonderfully fun ride. I think if I planned it, I would’ve been more stressed out about it but it sort of worked out this way."
On showing her team spirit on camera: "Subtlety: not my strength. I’m lucky I work on one of the few shows in sports where we’re allowed—not only allowed but really that’s what we’re there for—to have opinions. It’s a well-known fact I’m a Spurs fan to anyone who knows me or anyone who watched the show more than once. I don’t know that I could go back to a place where you’re supposed to pretend like you’re unbiased. I got to be honest with you, that’s not that easy—not when it comes to certain teams."
On personal style: "I like to be comfortable. I love shoes—that’s a very original statement, I’m sure. My dad will kill me [when he reads this] and realizes how much money I’ve spent in my life, but I love Louboutins. And not just because of the shoes themselves; I’ve turned them in my mind into pieces of art—I have them on these beautiful shelves [when I] put them away and I like to go look at them. I wear Converse 99 percent of the time, throw those [pumps] on for about an hour, and then I go back to my Converse. Shoes are the greatest thing we could possibly have because on the fattest of days, when we feel gross about ourselves and don’t want to leave the house, the shoes always fit. I love jeans, soft tees and blazers. To me—I don’t know if it’s a Texas thing or an LA thing—a pair of jeans, great heels and you’re pretty much golden."
On on-screen style: "I go through phases where everyday [I] want to wear a dress or skirt and then where everyday [I] just want to wear a pair of jeans. I think that’s part of the freedom we get specifically on this show. There was a time when we were expected to dress exactly like the men, which translated into those god-awful shoulder pad suits. We’ve come along way: women look cute and at the same time they know what they’re talking about. It’s been a nice transition. For me, if the shoes are comfortable you’re good. Nobody wants to wear flats on camera because it’s not flattering, but if you can find a pair and get away with them that’s my number one. I just want to be able to walk and walk fast, otherwise you’re getting left behind. I always want to dress like myself because then it’s easier to just be yourself. For me, that’s the whole point of this television thing, and clothes are a big part of that."
On on-screen beauty: "I think skin is the most important. High-definition is nobody’s friend at this point. I feel like if you have a nice clean slate to begin with, then everything else is a little bit easier to handle. If the skin’s good it’s just a better day—we’re all a little more confident when we’re having a good skin day. I’ll tell you, a pimple at 39 is very annoying—not fair."
On advice to women pursuing a similar career: "I always say, 'Do everything. Try everything once.' And the number one piece of advice I’ve ever gotten [that] has stuck with me from the beginning was from a cameraman—who to this day has remained a friend—who simply looked at me and said, ‘Just be yourself. Forget the camera’s there.’ I thought that seemed much easier than it probably is, and as it turns out it isn’t. My dad always say, ‘Remember who you are. Stick with that, and be confident about it.' You don’t have to know everything, but you just need to make sure when you don’t you ask questions, are curious and want to learn. It’s much better to hear someone not pretend to know everything and actually be interested."
Tune in to ESPN tomorrow during the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight to see Beadle reporting live from Las Vegas.
