I've Been in an NFL Family for 29 Years—Here's How to Dress for Game Day
Before I get started on my personal set of rules for game-day outfits, please keep one thing in mind: Wear whatever you want. Attending a football game can often mean standing outside for hours in inclement weather, tailgating at the break of dawn, and sitting on uncomfortable benches. If activewear styled with a jersey makes your day easy, go for it. However, there's something about the spirit of game day that makes me want to get all dressed up.
I'm usually seeing a lot of family members and friends and attending a celebratory dinner or pregame brunch. When I was young and still living at home with my parents, I was coming off a week of school uniforms and responsibilities. Game day was always my opportunity to hang out with friends and get creative with what I wore. Over time, my affinity for game-day style grew, and I began to step it up. Especially since I now attend maybe four games per season, the outfits I wear hold a lot of weight.
This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend a game that my father was scouting at. I made myself busy by mingling with politicians and notable alumni, which made me feel like I had a peek into what the elite were wearing to the football game. I found that they followed my go-to outfit formula for a big game.
My game-day outfit formula:
I spent many years hoping to buy the latest jersey, but with jerseys going for $150+ these days and my love for fashion, I tend to avoid any team logos. Following in the footsteps of major designers who are currently pushing the logo-free agenda, I find it more alluring for a clothing item to leave room for the imagination when it comes to where it's from and what team you're supporting. I lean into the color palette of the team's logo and build my shopping choices around that. I'm currently rooting for the Washington Commanders, so when I see a burgundy or yellowish-tan clothing item, I'll pick it up and save it for game day. This is the way most women who are insiders in the football world dress, and I love how chic it is. Give this advice a try.
Let's shop out more outfit ideas:
Corset Top + Cargo Pants
Style Tip: Wear a pair of comfortable cargo pants with a corset top for an undoubtedly comfortable ensemble.
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A corset top is a good idea.
I associate football games with cargo pants.
Vintage Tee + Denim
Style Tip: Feel like showing your team spirit? Any vintage sports attire in your team's colors is a chic take on game-day style.
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Here for this varsity moment.
My favorite blue jeans.
Windbreaker + Capris
Style Tip: You'll never go wrong with a sporty jacket and capris for game day.
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Because windbreakers are trending.
As chic as can be.
Vest + Party Pants
Style Tip: Turn a night game into a party with a unique matching set or jumpsuit like this one—you can go straight from the game to the afters.
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A top you can wear far beyond the sidelines.
You'll turn heads on the field in this one for sure.
Basic Tank + Utility Skirt
Style Tip: For that in-between weather when it's too hot to wear a jacket but you want to give off a fall vibe, try utility-inspired items. This skirt is high up on my list.
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The ideal black tank top.
I'm in need of a utility skirt for fall, and I'm eyeing this one.
Logo Tee + Draped Skirt
Style Tip: I recently attended a Brazil-themed soccer game and saw this as my perfect opportunity to play around with the country's flag's color scheme.
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Sometimes, you just have to embrace the team's name.
If you're more of a minimalist, let the team spirit encourage you to try a color you wouldn't typically wear.
Orange Dress + Teal Shoes
Style Tip: People always tell me they think that certain teams' colors are hard to make chic, but even orange and teal can make a fashion statement, especially when you're in Miami.
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This orange dress can be styled for a football game but also worn to a wedding the following weekend.
Pretty blue shoes.
Bold Sweater + Contrasting Skirt
Style Tip: If you want to make a statement, choose a sweater in your team's color and add a contrasting skirt.
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You'll get quite a lot of use out of this sweater this fall.
I've been eyeing this skirt for quite some time.
White Shirt + White Jeans
Style Tip: When you don't know what to wear, you can never go wrong with a button-down shirt and white jeans.
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An item that is fun to buy from the men's section.
If you don't already own a pair of white jeans, I am a proud owner of this pair and highly recommend it.
