College football season is well underway and we collegiettes™ take pride in our game day fashion choices. You may not be an expert on the game itself, but you can certainly be an expert on cute football-friendly tailgating outfits. All it takes is a little creativity and a whole lot of school spirit. Here, college girls share their tips for tailgating in style and dressing for the weather. We’ve broken it up by category so you can select the perfect look for you.
If you’re a trendsetter…
Go wild and crazy—wear something outrageous, like a sparkly mini skirt, matching high tops and knee-high socks (in your school colors, of course!). Think outside the confines of your student section t-shirt; you’ve got way too much style to blend in to the crowd. Feel free to experiment with face paint and stickers because tailgating is probably the only acceptable occasion for this, unless it’s Halloween. Oh and you can’t forget about those fun neon hats or crop tops. Wear your bold and daring game day ensemble with confidence. “In Alabama, girls dress up for the games, some even wear heels!” says Jaime Ritter, a junior at the University of Alabama. High heels to a football game?! If this isn’t a fashion statement, I don’t know what is. If you do want to go the high heel route, I suggest platforms over stilettos so your heels don’t sink into the grass. Don’t be surprised when other collegiettes™ show up to next week’s game wearing a show-stopping outfit that resembles yours. Remember, you’re the trendsetter for a reason.
[pagebreak]
If you’re a crowd-pleaser…
Take your school’s typical tailgating look and alter it to match your individual style. Try your ordinary football t-shirt and transform it into something special. Here are a few DIY options: cut it into a crop top, turn it into a dress, or cut the back into a unique design. Don’t be limited by our suggestions because there are so many different ways to take your t-shirt from basic tee to “look-at-me.”
[pagebreak]
If you’re a sporty girl…
You might care more about watching the game than putting together a cute tailgating outfit, but this is no excuse for showing up in the same t-shirt week after week. Instead, experiment with colors and maximize your wardrobe options by layering solid colored shirts and borrowing your roomie’s football tees. You could also wear a jersey; I’m sure you have one hidden somewhere in that wonderful closet of yours. Jerseys are the perfect way to show off your sporty side. Choose a fitted style and pair it with jeans or opt for a looser fit and wear it with leggings. Kristie Demers, a senior at North Carolina State University says, “This style portrays a more relaxed girl who is ready to have a great time and get dirty playing some catch with the guys.” Just don’t get too dirty because standing in the stadium all muddy does not make for a good time.
[pagebreak]
If you plan on being thrown in the air…
Be careful what you wear. For some of us, being at the center of the crowd’s excitement is the best part of the game. If this is you, consider the fashion and the function of your tailgating outfit. Jeans are a safe option, but if you want to wear a dress or skirt, make sure you wear a proper undergarment. No one wants to see your whitey tighties each time your team scores a touchdown. You can still wear the outfit as long as you plan ahead: boy shorts will become your best friend. Dress appropriately and get ready for the strong (and we hope cute!) boys sitting in your section to toss you in the air.
[pagebreak]
If you’re in Greek Life…
Chances are, you and your sisters will wear matching outfits on game day. Creating fun and unique tailgating shirts to match your pre-game partners is part of the fun of being in a sorority. Cesie Alvarez, a senior at the University of California, Berkeley, tells us more about the shirt pictured far above: “The words on the front and back (which you can’t see) are a play on the song ‘California Girls’ by Katy Perry. The back says ‘nothing comes close to the golden coast- Game days 2010’ (the shirt was from last year). The actual style of the shirt was a popular style that could be worn during our sunny, hot games. I also really like it because you can wear a colorful bandeau or bikini underneath to brighten it up.” Think of a fun saying and combine it with your Greek letters and a LAX pinny to create the perfect Greek Life tailgating outfit. Some sorority girls prefer to go the dressy route. “At Auburn, it’s all about game day dresses,” says Kerry Coppinger, a freshman at Auburn University. “To show school spirit, Greek girls wear their sorority buttons reading ‘ΑΞΔ loves Auburn’, ‘ΔΓ says ‘War Eagle’’, etc. and give their date a button to wear as well.” How cute!
[pagebreak]
If you like to accessorize…
Football Saturdays are the perfect time to channel your seven-year-old self and wear gigantic bows, a dozen necklaces and obnoxious (but super cute) dangly earrings. Kristie describes a popular accessory-based look at NCSU: “Cowboy boots and some version of a red, black, or white colored dress or skirt with some bling-bling accessories. These girls like to keep up the girly factor when drinking a beer and roaming the tailgate.” We like to show off our girly sides too, and covering ourselves in sparkly accessories is a great way to do this. If you’re not so keen on the super shiny, girly accessories, you can wear a traditional hat or headband. When it comes to bags, try an over-the-shoulder style or hipster fanny pack. But your best bet is to leave the purse at home and carry the essentials in your pocket: ticket, cell phone, room key and student id. (Some schools don’t allow bags in the stadium.)
[pagebreak]
If you go to school in a cold climate…
Although it may look cute, a stomach-baring top, sports bra and painted stomach is not the ideal outfit for a chilly fall day. And it definitely won’t work for a football Saturday that consists of snowflakes. If you have to factor cold weather into your game day dress-up decision, consider building your outfit around the following items: outerwear hats, headbands, scarves and gloves. Wear these outerwear accessories in your school colors to draw attention to your spirit even if your clothes are hidden beneath a puffy coat. Another tip: layer! Wear leggings underneath your jeans or a thermal underneath your top. Kathleen Kalinsky, a freshman at James Madison University, says, “When the weather gets colder, I wear leggings with a jersey layered with a long sleeve tee, Ugg boots, and a fleece jacket to help break the wind.” Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t look good, so learn how to layer fashionably.
[pagebreak]
If you’re all about hair and makeup…
This is your chance to try new hairstyles and makeup trends that you might not want to wear to class. We love the idea of spray paint and pigtails or teasing and a side ponytail. Use eye shadow to paint your school’s letters on your cheek. Wear glitter all over your face and hair, and invest in a pair of false eyelashes for a look that is sure to catch the attention of your fellow students (and, if you’re lucky, the film crew inside the stadium). I encourage you to try a new hair and makeup style each tailgate. This is a very easy way to add some character to your football look.
Now you collegiettes™ know how to tailgate in style. Always remember to incorporate your personal fashion sense and show off your school spirit. Still having trouble choosing a fun outfit for football Saturday? Check out the Her Campus + Tailgate t-shirt line. Share your favorite tailgating fashion below. Happy tailgating!
Sources:
Collegiettes™ from across the country