When Serena Williams finally slid her curves into a stunning Valentino denim skirt this week, we all cheered. Because we are Serena, and Serena is us.
In case you missed it, Serena has been sharing her fashionable fitness journey on social media for nearly a year, keeping it real about her mission to fit into a chic mermaid-style skirt. After giving birth to her adorable baby, Adira River, the skirt was more snug than slay.
Fitting into the closet item became a personal challenge for the tennis legend and beauty entrepreneur. But just as she does with everything else, the multi-time Grand Slam winner tackled the challenge with grace, humor, and a little help from her sisters.
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It all started in January 2024, when Serena introduced us to her couture dilemma in a playful Instagram Reel titled “The Diary of a Denim Skirt (Part 1).” In the clip, the Wyn Beauty mogul poked fun at herself as she tried (and failed) to shimmy into the skirt. “Houston, we have a problem,” she joked while shaking her cakes for the camera. By May 2024, there was progress. In an update video, Serena showed the skirt creeping up her hips, though still too tight. “I can’t say I’m happy about this,” she said, talking directly to the camera with her usual candor, “but it’s getting there.” Then came the moment of triumph. On December 30, Serena finally closed the skirt, leaving room to spare! In her celebratory Instagram post, “The Jean Skirt Finale ,” Serena sashayed around the room surrounded by friends hyping her up.
“Does it fit, or am I being hard on myself?” Serena asked, strutting in front of her friends. Their response? “It fits!” followed by applause and cheers.Of course, the love poured in on Instagram, too. “WERRRK SERENA!! ,” one fan commented. Another chimed in with, “Slow and steady! Thanks for showing us the reality of how body shaping after a baby takes time and patience!!”
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Why Serena Williams’ denim Valentino skirt is the fashion (and fitness) motivation we need in 2025
Serena’s win is more than just about a skirt—it’s a reminder that fitness is a journey. Whether it’s a designer outfit, post-baby goals, or just feeling good in your own skin, Serena shows us that staying consistent and giving yourself grace is key. Of course, Serena has the discipline of a world-class athlete to lean on, but her story resonates. It’s a fashionable, feel-good example of what happens when we put our health, wellness, and goals first. But let’s not forget Serena isn’t the only one serving fitness and fabulousness. If there’s one thing Black women do best, it’s balancing it all—careers, families, self-care, and looking good while doing it.
Gallery: 10 Black Women Celebrities To Follow To Jumpstart Your Fitness & Fashion Goals In 2025
So, if you’re on your own wellness journey in 2025, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling for a list of other Black queens like Fantasia, Angela Simmons, Tracee Ellis Ross, Teyana Taylor, Meagan Good, Megan Thee Stallion, Savannah James, and Lizzo, who are all about their craft, wellness, and glow-up. These ladies will motivate and inspire you to be your most fabulous self!
1. Meagan Good
Meagan Good looks, well… good AF—no pun intended. Recently engaged to fiancé Jonathan Majors, the actress is a fitness queen. She’s all about nutrition, workouts, and even getting her man in on the action. The couple was spotted hiking in California recently, proving that being fit and fabulous can be a team effort. Meagan’s incredible physique is the result of years of commitment and discipline, making her a top-tier inspiration for achieving long-term fitness goals in 2025.
2. Lizzo
Lizzo has faced a lot of chatter about her appearance over the past year. Some accused her of using weight loss drugs, while others credited her gym sessions and lifestyle changes for her visible slim-down. But in true Lizzo fashion, the singer is completely unbothered. She’s used her social media to share the dietary and fitness changes she’s made, showing that her body is her business. Whether it’s her curves or her gains, Lizzo is an undeniable inspiration for all the fit and fabulous curvy girls heading into 2025.
3. Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor’s abs have been putting the rest of us to shame for years. The singer, actress, dancer, and multi-hyphenate mogul has always been proud to show off her tight abs, tiny waist, and sculpted physique—and who can blame her? Teyana’s Instagram is filled with gym videos that prove she goes hard, just like she does in every other area of her life. For all the gym girlies out there, Teyana is the ultimate 2025 fitness inspo.
4. Megan Thee Stallion
Megan Thee Stallion has always been a champion for the connection between fitness and mental health. She loves showing off her gym gains while reminding fans that being a “hottie” is about total wellness—mind, body, and soul. Megan’s dedication to fitness has landed her major partnerships with brands like Planet Fitness and Nike. In 2025, Meg is still the perfect plug for workouts— though we’re still waiting for her Hottie Boot Camp—and for spreading messages about mental health, positivity, and being your best self.
5. Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross does not play about two things: fashion and fitness. While she’s a red carpet queen, she’s just as fierce in the gym. Tracee frequently shares videos of her workout classes and gym sessions, crediting her sleek body and, yes, her famous cakes to her consistent regimen. At 50+, Tracee is a shining example of how fashion, fitness, and wellness can elevate our lives at any age.
6. Angela Simmons
Angela Simmons has been open about her weight journey over the years, sharing her ups and downs in interviews and on social media. Now unapologetically embracing a new slimmed-down phase of her life, Angela credits some of her transformation to weight loss supplements, but she’s always been a gym girl. Beyond workouts, she’s a vocal advocate for self-care and self-love. Angela’s dedication to wellness makes her a must-follow as she continues her journey into 2025.
7. Fantasia
Fantasia’s 2024 glow-up was one for the books, and her commitment to the gym played a major role. As her style reached new heights, she complemented the transformation with a fitness routine that sculpted her legs, snatched her waist, and gave her a baddie vibe. When she hits the stage in bodysuits and mini dresses, her toned calves and fit physique leave us all in awe. Fantasia’s fitness dedication clearly fuels her performance energy, making her a must-follow in 2025.
8. Kelly Rowland
When Kelly Rowland took on the ice plunge challenge, the world stopped—literally. Whether it was her conquering the icy feat or how her fit body looked while doing it, fans couldn’t help but be inspired. Kelly often shares glimpses into her fitness routines, eating habits, and tips for juggling motherhood, entrepreneurship, and everything in between on her Instagram stories. Expect more fitness moments from Kelly in 2025, because we all know she’s that girl.
9. Savannah James
Savannah James is all about wellness from the inside out. While the mother, podcaster, and style icon doesn’t post often on social media, when she does, she makes an impact. In 2024, Savannah shared her journey toward wellness, including a physical detox. In several Instagram posts, she discussed how she modified her diet to eliminate toxins and prioritize feeling her best. Savannah’s the queen of shutting out the noise and taking time for self-care. With her new podcast gaining momentum in 2025, we can’t wait to see Savannah continue exploring other ways to stay healthy in the new year.
,” Serena sashayed around the room surrounded by friends hyping her up.
“Does it fit, or am I being hard on myself?” Serena asked, strutting in front of her friends. Their response? “It fits!” followed by applause and cheers.
Of course, the love poured in on Instagram, too. “WERRRK SERENA!! 
