Guide to Game day Glamour!
[College Prepster note: Sporty Sister is heading to UF and I think this post is just perfect!!! It makes me jealous that girls get to dressed up all cute for football games, when Georgetown barely even attends football games.]
Oh, college football—a pinnacle of any student’s social calendar. After a week’s worth of class, extracurriculars, and lots and lots of studying, a Saturday spent cheering on your school’s football team is the perfect way to de-stress and have some much-deserved fun.
But for university newcomers, planning out fashionable game day attire (among many other things) can be a daunting and unfamiliar task. As a student at an SEC school, I find that often football games showcase as much glamour as the Kentucky Derby. But let’s be real: no spectator wants to stand on hot, crowded bleachers in silk or chiffon and adorned in jewels, heels, and gigantic headpieces. So, for all of you soon-to-be ‘college prepsters,’ I would like to offer a little outfit assistance that will keep you cool, comfortable, and feeling fabulous this season!
The staple of any preppy girl’s game day outfit is the sundress. It’s crisp, girly, and flattering for almost any body type. Cotton, cotton/spandex mix, linen or seersucker are optimal fabrics for daytime heat; and simply adding a cardigan can keep you warm for evening games.
Can’t find a dress that incorporates all of your school colors? No problem. It’s more worthwhile to look for a well-made dress in your most versatile school color (i.e. white, navy blue, red), and tie in the accent colors through jewelry, hair accessories, or even a makeshift ribbon belt. Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, Kate Spade, and Calvin Klein design excellent dresses. Don’t get hung up on obtaining the precise color/brand/style. After all, how boring would life be without a little variation?!
Go Gators! Florida Game Day attire by kaitlinm@love featuring Lilly Pulitzer dresses
Footwear is also very important. Fall climates around my neck of the woods are practically a continuation of summer, so cute sandals like Jack Rogers’, Steve Madden’s, or Tory Burch’s sandals, provide the comfort necessary for staying on your feet for 2+ hours in the heat, while making you look super chic!
Go Bulldogs! Georgia Game day by kaitlinm@love featuring Longchamp bags
Now for my favorite—the accessories! Typically, I find that, when it comes to purses, girls flock toward utility for football games. Vera Bradley and Longchamp backpacks offer just that. The beauty of these adorable pieces is that they hold just about anything you need (except umbrellas, since they’re not allowed in stadiums), and they are completely out of the way. They are certainly my go-to for football season. But if backpacks aren’t really your thing, small totes, clutches and handbags will do the trick and can be found in almost any color. Just remember: you’ll be holding on to that bag for a long time, so go with what is comfortable.
Go Seminoles! Florida State Game day by kaitlinm@love featuring Shoshanna dresses
And while we’re talking about accessories, don’t forget about hair pieces. Bowed headbands and barrettes are perhaps the preppiest option a girl could go for, and they always look adorable with sundresses. As for jewelry, what college prepster would be without her pearls? Whether it be in the form of earrings or a simple necklace, pearls truly cap off any outfit. And to change things up, Tarina Tarantino crystal flower earrings are a popular trend around many college stadiums these days.
Okay, okay I know what you’re thinking: what are your prepster guys supposed to wear to the big game? Funny you should mention that.
Men’s Game Day attire (various schools) by kaitlinm@love featuring Ray
When it comes to the staple pieces, guys have a couple of options. For bright, sunny days, khaki or seersucker shorts (with belt) are most appropriate, and can be paired with school-colored polos, oxfords (with tie), and even a good sport coat to finish off the look. Colder climates may call for khaki or seersucker pants, but can accompany the same shirt options just as well. Polo, Southern Proper, Vineyard Vines, and Brooks Brothers offer tons of colors, fabrics, and prints that can work for any sports fan.
Sperry Topsiders truly add to the ensemble’s clean-cut look, while sunglasses, like Ray Bans, are a perfect (and often necessary) accessory. Don’t forget the croakies!
Here are a couple of my pictures from last football season.
My ‘little’ and me in The Swamp– Go Gators!
This was taken at a spring PR event for my sorority. Oddly enough, everyone appears to be somewhat decked out in Gator colors…kind of.
A couple of my sorority sisters and me at a barbecue before the UF v. Arkansas game
On a budget? Again, not a problem. American Eagle, Forever XXI, TJ Maxx, and Target are just some of the stores that offer great deals on any game day outfit pieces. I’ve snagged so many great finds at these stores over the years. So, when preparing for the big game on Saturday, don’t reach for jorts (jean shorts) and a t-shirt, fellow prepsters. Stay true to your roots, and strut to the stadium with style!
Stay preppy,
Kaitlin
Love your post, but haven't read your blog before. I was curious what your blog address is since you did not link up? Thanks!
Love the outfit choices (I go to FSU) but I do know that people don't wear such expensive things to football games. Too much alcohol everywhere & too much sweat for those noon games! You UF girls are so lucky, orange and blue is everywhere. Garnet? Never anywhere. lol We usually end up having to wear black and white with garnet and gold accessories!
Love the red and black pieces! Go DAWGS!
I have Bonanno's made in my school colors. If I see a dress I like in orange, I buy it. I do not like to repeat gameday outfits. Once it gets cold dresses are paired with cowboy boots or riding boots. I also bought orange Revas.
I'm a Clemson Girl myself, but I loved this post!! Game day outfits make football so much more fun! You gave some great tips, I actually use most of them myself! I would love to know your blog address! Great post!
all very cute outfits but made me laugh cause i went to a big 10 school and we pretty much would roll out of bed throw on jeans and a school t-shirt or sweatshirt and go to a dirty bar. i did put some makeup on though! haha…guess the south is different:).
Kaitlin, Do you have a blog?
I love this! I wish my school had a football team… I want to dress cute and tailgate!
love the post! Go Gators!
Thank you so much for posting this. I am going to an SEC school in the fall and this will really help clear some pre-game fashion jitters. I would love to see a blog about sorority living at a university, because I am considering joining Sigma Kappa at Tennessee 🙂
Hi, everyone!
Thanks so much for the comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
Check out my blog at http://kaitlinprep.blogspot.com/
Thanks again!
Kaitlin, WHY did I not know you had a blog?!?! LOVE this post, love you-totally following your blog now!
You are amazing and oh-so-fabulous!!
xoxo KFenn
PS Go Gators & Dove Love always!! <3
Love this post! All that's missing is a little black & gold for us UCF ladies!
Kaitlin, this post makes me love you more than usual. Except for the part where you post the really bad picture of me (the one with the three of us) for the whole world to see. Not cool. Regardless, DOVE LOVE YOU and… GO GATORS!
Go Gators!
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