Game Day Style: What To Wear to a Tailgate or Sporting Event
Hi Deborah,
I would love your thoughts on what to wear to a tailgate party or sporting event. I have one son in college on the basketball team and another in high school playing sports, and I would like to wear some cute game-day outfits.
We also go to Buffalo Bills games for NFL and hit some college football tailgates – Any ideas?
Hi Lyn,
It sounds like you are a very busy sports mom!
Whether it’s basketball, football, or any other sport, what you wear to tailgates and games depends on the weather and your team spirit.
You want your game day style to be comfortable, but you also want to wear something casual, classy, and cute, which shows support for the team.
Here are a few fashion guidelines for sports moms.
Barn Jacket – Great for Game Day in Team Colors!
1. Wear Team Colors
Be it a team jersey or regular clothes, it’s nice to give a nod to the school/team colors. If you don’t own any clothes in the team colors or find those colors hard to wear, no problem.
You can wear neutral-colored clothing, such as blues, black, greens, and grays, and add some school color through an accessory like a tote bag or scarf.
The only faux pas? Wearing the other team’s colors!
Shop the look
2. Go for Quality
Dressing casually doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Look for well-made, sporty, and preppy separates in quality materials that give you structure and shape. For example, wear a long cashmere boyfriend cardigan over a shapely stretch tee. Add a cute plaid scarf for color and texture.
A beautiful leather bag, suede booties + and a luxury watch give a casual look more of an upscale feel.
3. Layer to Keep Warm
The weather is much more of a consideration for a football game up north in the fall. Temperatures can drop dramatically in a few hours, and there’s always the chance of rain or snow flurries.
I have two cute football game-day outfits for you. Both involve layering. For the first one, wear a sweater over a shirt or a puffy vest or jacket over a sweater.
Don’t forget a hat, headband, and warm gloves, and make sure your toes are warm in waterproof boots.
4. Forget about High Heels!
Do I even need to say that heels are a no-no? You’ll be climbing the stands and walking on the field. This is no place for high-heeled glamour boots. Go for something cozy but stylish, like shearling lug sole boots.
shop the look
5. Use Accessories to Uplevel a Game Day Look
Tailgate parties mean truck beds, coolers, portable BBQs, and casual sports attire.
To look laid back and upscale, dress up your jeans and athletic wear with diamond studs, a luxury watch, a leather fanny pack, and chic sunglasses.
Or, if you like leggings, wear them with a long tee, cardigan, classy leather booties with a cool buckle, and gold earrings.
Be sure to put on some make-up and be sure your hair looks cute. It’s incredible how much good grooming can do to upscale a casual look.
For some sports fans, a team jersey is a must. If you go this route, wear your jersey with quality pieces, like an elegant cascading sweater, classy suede booties, and a good-looking casual bag. This keeps the outfit looking grown up and pulled together.
Note: I’m told that if you live in the South, tailgate parties are often more dressy than this. You’ll find women wearing cute, casual dresses and many accessories for a more feminine look.
More Sweaters for Game Day
Lynn, I hope these Game Day styling ideas have helped you start thinking about what to wear on game day.
Remember, the essential accessory for any Game Day or Tailgate is enthusiasm. Have fun!