12 Style Essentials for Football Games

By Betsy Cribb
September 09, 2019
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Credit: Draper James
When it comes to Southern seasons, football comes second only to the holidays. And any true fan will tell you that the only competition more spirited than the one on the field is the one happening at the tailgate, where enthusiasts show up in their finest duds every Saturday in the fall. Here are the 12 style essentials every fashion-forward fan needs in her closet.
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Team Spirit You Can Wear All Year

Credit: Jane Hudson

The Betty T-Shirt Dress is packed with school pride, but it’s subtle enough that you can wear it far beyond the stadium. Pair it with a denim jacket or sweater for cooler days or evening kickoffs.

BUY IT: $110; janehudson.us

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A Jacket That Works Double Duty

Credit: J. Crew

The only thing more unpredictable than the final score is the weather. Prep for anything with a Perfect Rain Jacket that’s cute enough to play into your game day look, rain or shine.

BUY IT: $120; jcrew.com

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Stay-All-Day Lip Color

Credit: RMS Beauty

Polish your pout with satin-finish RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in the A.M., and it’ll still be there a few mimosas later. Plus, it also works as blush, so it’s ideal for halftime touch-ups.

BUY IT: $36; sephora.com

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Nostalgic Layers

Credit: Hillflint

The retro-inspired Letter Sweateris the ticket to channeling Dad’s old letter jacket—without the musty mothball smell. And Hillflint makes them for dozens of colleges, so we’ll bet you can find yours among the mix.

BUY IT: $90; hillflint.com

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Day-to-Night Jumpsuit

Credit: Hillflint

When it comes to looking put-together with minimal effort, a Sleeveless Wide-Leg Crop Jumpsuit is an easy, breezy winner. Extra points because you can wear it to nearly every event on your fall calendar.

BUY IT: $79.95; gap.com

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Cool Shades

Credit: J. Crew Factory

Keep your eye on the ball in sun-blocking Oversized Gold-Frame Sunglasses that’ll earn you all the compliments.

BUY THEM: $14.50; factory.jcrew.com

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Old-Faithful Denim

Credit: Madewell

When fall temps finally kick in, you’ll be glad to have tried-and-true jeans on your team. We’re still all about cropped jeans, like these Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in Danny Wash: TENCEL Denim Ediiton. Try them with a pair of equally easygoing sneakers.

BUY THEM: $135; madewell.com

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Comfortable Kicks

Credit: Nordstrom

You can’t beat a low-heeled bootie for comfort and style. The Nina Waterproof Suede Boot is our pick, as it can stand up to even the wettest game days.

BUY THEM: $149.95; nordstrom.com

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Stadium-Approved Bag

Credit: Dillards

When the stadium bag restrictions first came out, we were relegated to one-gallon Ziploc bags and other unfortunates. Not so anymore! This Clear Top Zip Stadium Crossbody Bag fits all your essentials, and it comes in six colors. (And if you’re looking for a Southern-made splurge, try a clear bag from Austin-based Kelly Wynne!)

BUY IT: $35; dillards.com

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Cool Sneakers

Credit: Zappos

If there were ever a trend we wanted to stick around for a good long while (maybe forever?), it’d be stylish sneakers, like the Gola Orchid II Shimmer. They’re comfortable, nearly indestructible, and you can wear them with everything from jeans to maxi dresses (seriously!).

BUY THEM: $95; zappos.com

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A Wear-Everywhere T-Shirt

Credit: Draper James

No team, no problem. The Go Y’all Slub Tee is an easy way to keep it neutral, whoever is playing.

BUY IT: $38; draperjames.com

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A Cute Way to Keep Hair in Place

Credit: Brooke Wright Designs

Headbands are back and better than ever, and our favorite printed hair accessories (peep this Blue Leopard one!) come from Texas designer Brooke Wright.

BUY IT: $48; brookewrightdesigns.com

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