Kelly Villares: Behind the Scenes of Squad Selection, Game Day Glam, and Uniform Insights (Exclusive)
Kelly Villares embodies the essence of an It Girl.
At just 23, Villares shared her exclusive insights with Us Weekly about her experiences as a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, her game day beauty regimen, and her stylish DCC-themed collaboration with Kendra Scott.
“This collection is incredibly exciting, and I felt truly honored to be part of it,” she exclaimed to Us. “When I was younger, Kendra Scott jewelry was always on my wish list. To now represent this collection feels like a full circle moment.” The line showcases beautiful blue sapphire pieces that perfectly align with the signature Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader uniform colors, featuring star earrings, pendant necklaces, chain bracelets, cowboy boot charms, football pendants, and more.
“I personally adore a delicate touch, so I’m fond of the Tiny Football necklace as well as the Tiny Cowboy Boot,” Villares shared. “It’s hard to choose, but these two are definitely my favorites.”
This marks America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders star’s second season cheering for the team after her previous cut for the 2023-2024 season. Recollecting the day she learned she made the squad, she told Us it was the “best day of [her] life.”
“I remember crying uncontrollably because I was in disbelief,” she reminisced with a smile. “My favorite memory was calling my dad, who dissolved into tears with me, as he had journeyed alongside me. It was such a sweet moment to share the news with my supporters.”
A significant transformation in her journey as a DCC involved swapping her lifelong blonde locks for a brunette hue, which came as a surprise during her salon visit. “I was actually color matched for a different shade of blonde before the hair makeovers,” she explained about her 2023 change. “When the stylist started showing me brown swatches next to my eyes, I assumed they were going to do lowlights.” Realizing her entire head would be dyed made her heart sink.
“I thought, ‘No way.’” Eventually, she warmed up to her new color, now vowing never to return to blonde.
This hair change inspired a shift in her jewelry style too. “I always wore silver growing up,” Villares disclosed. “But once I transitioned to brunette, I began experimenting more with gold.” Now, she enjoys both metals, often mixing them together.
Speaking of hairstyles, Villares’s new teammate, Faith Ward, stands out on the field with her ponytail, deviating from the cheerleaders’ signature bombshell curls.
“I’ll admit, I get a bit envious of her because it’s quite hot out and we sweat a lot,” Villares joked. “But I can’t imagine giving up my hair flips and volume. I’m all about that hairography.”
Villares revealed to Us that her stunning curls are obtained using a “tiny one-inch barrel” curling iron. “I create tighter curls so that they gradually loosen throughout the day,” she explained. “We undergo a long day of game day rehearsal, so I ensure they start off tight, leading to loose, voluminous waves by the end.”
When it comes to makeup, Villares emphasizes that she mistes her face with Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray at each makeup stage to ensure longevity. She also finishes her look with the brand’s Flawless Finish Powder in fair to “brighten up” her complexion. For her lips, her preferred combination includes the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Liner in medium, followed by the matching fair lipstick.
“Our primary concern is ensuring our makeup stays intact,” Villares shared. “We tan often, and we dance while sweating.” She added that sometimes her Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation might slide off, but she picked up a handy trick from her teammates: “self-tan generously over the forehead,” so that even if her foundation fades, she still looks camera-ready.
Another highlight of Villares’s experience with her teammates is their mutual encouragement. “I’d like to give a special mention to Kleine [Powell],” she acknowledged. “She brings the hype on game days, even at 6:45 AM for a noon kickoff.”
As game day approaches, Villares ensures her uniform is ready. “I wouldn’t change anything about it. It’s so classy and elegant,” she gushed. “When I first saw the uniform, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’ll wear this.’ The detailed stars and fringe are perfect; I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Taylor Swift’s game day outfits are trendy and festive. Since beginning to attend Kansas City Chiefs games in September 2023, amidst her blossoming relationship with tight end Travis Kelce, her looks range from official Chiefs gear to stylish miniskirts and leather jackets.
At the end of each season, athletes participate in “uniform turn in,” where they submit everything right before auditions for the next season—or even post-retirement.
While Villares is only permitted to wear her uniform on the field, she enjoys sporting the Kendra Scott collection in her free time. “We often host watch parties at home or visit restaurants to catch the [away] games, and that’s when we showcase the collection the most,” she noted. “I frequently see my teammates wearing our line in their everyday outfits.”
Fans can explore the Dallas Cowboys Inspired Jewelry collection at Kendrascott.com.
