Last Updated on November 12, 2023 by Ryan
The fall season is perfect for college football games, game day parties, and tailgate outfits! Tailgating is an excellent opportunity to show off your school spirit and support your team –– as well as get together with friends and have a great time at college game day outfits!
From the fantastic food to socializing at college tailgate parties on game day –– no college tailgate event is complete without the best college game day outfits! You can be as creative as you want with your tailgate game day apparel, so get inspired to show off your school spirit, and don’t be afraid to go bold!
If this is your first year –– fasten your seat belt and enjoy the ride! You have many things to do when getting acclimated to college, so start slow. For freshmen moving into the dorm or any upperclassmen planning to revamp their room, there are various ways to decorate the dorm with the latest fashion trends. The best thing to do is start small and do one thing at a time. Remember, the ideas for your chic living experience are endless!
Let’s get inspired with the five best tailgate outfits to rock this football season!
*Tailgate Tip: The best thing about tailgating fashion is that there are no rules!
Tailgating Outfits
Tailgating Tops with Denim Shorts
When it comes to denim shorts –– pairing them with the perfect tailgating top, and your favorite pair of sneakers is a classic look for college game day outfits that are both comfortable and stylish. Athletic tailgate outfits are an essential staple in every girl’s closet, especially for college game day outfits; this look represents her effortless natural beauty –– but is also ready to party with a pair of sunglasses!
The following are three college game day outfits-approved tops to sport with your denim shorts (the “every girl must-haves”).
Crop Tops
Crop tops are the perfect way to show a little skin while being relaxed and tailgate-ready. You can wear this tailgate top with any style of denim shorts (high, mid, or low rise). This classic crop top defines fashion during any season. Also, try a cropped tank top or a sports bra if you feel extra bold.
*Make sure whatever you choose is snug enough that it won’t fly up when you’re cheering on your team!
College Baby Tee
A college baby tee is a must-have for any college tailgate party. This baby tee is super soft, has a relaxed fit, and, most importantly, shows off your school spirit in your college game-day outfits! To style a college baby tee, keep it simple with your favs –– denim shorts and sneakers, of course! Don’t overthink your college tee; just go with it.
Tanks
Tanks are another excellent option for college tailgate parties. It’s usually more fitted than a baby tee and comes in various colors and styles, so you can find the perfect one to represent your team. You can wear a tailgate jacket or hoodie if you get cold. If you want to dress up your look, try pairing it with a cute skirt or ripped jeans.
Oversized College Tee with Bike Shorts
An oversized college tee paired with super cute bike shorts is an excellent addition to your gameday wardrobe! Finding the most fashionable yet comfy actual college football tailgate party outfit is critical –– especially when you’re preplanning all the college tailgate parties! It’s not all about glitz and glam; cozy is chic too for college game day outfits.
The oversize tee style is fantastic for those who want to be relaxed (yet still turn heads!). The best part about this tailgate outfit is that you can easily dress it up or down. No matter how you style it, you’ll have some fans at the next college tailgate party.
Below are two tailgate tops and a must-have accessory for this college girl-next-door style!
College Football Jersey
A college football jersey is an excellent way to show support for your team while still looking dapper. You can find jerseys in various colors and styles, so you’re sure to find one that represents your school spirit and personality. No matter what event you wear a college jersey to, it just works, and you can represent fashion at its best –– without any effort, just by rocking your favorite football apparel. Simple, yet oh, so trending!
Boyfriend’s College Tee
Depending on how you style the boyfriend’s college tee – this college tailgate party outfit can be dressy or casual. If you want to keep it simple, pair it with denim shorts and sneakers. Add a tailgate jacket or college hair scarf if you’re going to dress up this college tee for extra glam. You can also experiment with jewelry to add some personality to your gameday style.
Another natural way to glam up yourself is using the perfect eye shadow! Add a hint of color to your eyes, and your college game day outfit is complete!
Baseball Cap
A baseball cap looks great with just about anything, especially for college events and with college clothes! One of the best ways to style a baseball cap is with college apparel on game days like an oversized college tee and shorts. This look is perfect for showing your school spirit while still looking feminine and stylish. The baseball cap amps up your tailgate outfit and illustrates pure fashion. Also, it is the most affordable college merch piece you can use for a casual college game or just to hang out!
Mini Dress
A mini dress is a college girl’s staple. You can find tailgate dresses in various styles, so you’re sure to find one that represents your team (or maybe, your crushes team :0). To style a mini tailgate dress –– keep it simple with sneakers, a jacket, or a hoodie. You can also add some dangly earrings or a cute bracelet. If you want to go all out, style it with a pair of thigh-high boots and big glitzy earrings.
Two options for rocking a college dress on gameday are:
Tennis Dress in College Colors
You can’t go wrong with a tennis dress in your school colors! The perfect way to sport this tailgate outfit is with your converse sneakers or thin strappy sandals; you’re good to go! The best part about styling a cute dress for any college tailgate event is that it requires minimal effort –– once you’ve found the right mini dress!
Custom College Apparel
The best custom college apparel is a tailgate t-shirt dress! You can find a tailgate t-shirt dress in several patterns and colors; the sky’s the limit with this beauty! If you want to dress up your look, pair it with ripped jeans and cute wedges. The options for a t-shirt dress are endless!
Cheerleader Tailgate Outfit
A cheerleader tailgate outfit is necessary for any game day! For the cheerleader in all of us –– a college tailgating party is the place to be if you want to be with the “cool kids”! So, there’s no other way to enter the next gameday event than to “Bring It On” with pom poms college gear, face paint, college hair ties, and spirit fingers. Go all out, and get the crowd fired up!
These are the three signature pieces of your tailgating cheerleader outfit:
Tennis Skirt
Tailgating apparel wouldn’t be the same without the college-themed tennis skirt (cheer skirt). When sporting the tennis skirt for a preppy look (college students must be the preppy kid at least once in their life), pair it with a button-down shirt and classic loafers. Or you can style it with your fav college shirt and sneakers if you want to go more casual. Don’t forget to add some jewelry with your school colors for a touch of school spirit on game day.
Cropped Baby Tee
There are many ways to style a cropped baby tee at your next college tailgate event! You can pair it with ripped jeans and your favorite sneakers for a casual look, or wear it with cutoff shorts and sandals for a boho look. If your tailgate event is fancy and you want to dress to the nines –– you have two options: tuck this baby tee into a high-waisted skirt or shorts or layered over a collared shirt (for the preppy college parties).
*Reminder: Preppy outfits or parties aren’t bad, so don’t judge; they’re just not for everyone! However, when you CAN rock the preppy style –– you will undoubtedly have a well-rounded sense of fashion.
Converse
Converse shoes are the perfect choice for your next tailgate! They’re comfortable, stylish, and go with just about any outfit. Plus, they’ll keep your feet nice and dry if you spill your drink on them (a huge perk!). Tailgating is about having fun, so make sure you’re comfortable in your shoes!
Y2K Style
This 2000s fashion trend has come back, and we are ready for it! Think denim skirts, college baby tees, and temporary tattoos. To complete this tailgate outfit, add some chunky sneakers or platform sandals. You’ll surely turn heads while cheering on your college football team!
Bring back the 2000s with the following three tailgate essentials:
Denim Skirt
The denim skirt is perfect for any 2000s-inspired outfit; it adds a touch of nostalgia! You can pair this skirt with a college baby tee or tank top for a casual look. Also, try a cropped sweater or bodysuit to dress up this tailgate outfit. Of course, don’t forget your sneakers or platform sandals!
College Baby Tee
This is a must-have for any college female during football season. You can find them at any college bookstore or even online. They come in different colors and patterns; you can pair them with denim shorts, a skirt, or even sweatpants.
Temporary Tattoos
Temporary tattoos are perfect for college tailgate events. You can get any design, from college logos to football players –– they’re easy to apply and last all day.
College Tailgate Apparel
Here are three college tailgate staples in your school’s bookstore:
Official Merch from Your School’s Bookstore
For anyone curious about purchasing official merch from your school’s bookstore –– it’s usually the safest and most popular choice for many students. A wide variety of school-sanctioned clothing can be worn to show support for your team, and tailgate apparel typically includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats.
You can also find college game day dresses and skirts at many bookstores. Many companies sell college-themed clothing, and these brands typically have a wider selection of items, such as tank tops, crop tops, and shorts.
The three tailgate apparel options at your school’s bookstore include:
College Tee
Depending on your school, your tailgate outfit can be as casual or dressy as you want it to be. If you’re looking to style a college tee for tailgate parties, the best way is to pair it with denim shorts or a skirt. You can also dress it up with a pair of earrings and sneakers.
If you’re looking for something more casual, you can wear your college tee with sweatpants or leggings. Also, you can wear your college tee as a dress for a bold and creative style! Add a pair of tights, and you’re ready for kickoff.
College Hoodies
College hoodies are presumed to be more casual items depending on the school. However, they can be dressed up, depending on how you style them. For example, you can wear a hoodie with a pair of ripped jeans and sneakers. Or, you can dress it up with a mini skirt and thigh-high boots. Both looks are timeless and college tailgate-approved!
College Headwear
College headwear can be casual or dressy, depending on the school. For example, some schools might consider headwear more relaxed, while others might think it’s more formal. It all varies depending on the school’s culture (so be sure to double-check before sporting your headwear).
Words of Wisdom
Tailgate outfits don’t have to be boring! Whether you’re looking for the perfect game-day dress, denim shorts, or oversized college tee –– there are several fashionable options for everyone, any shape or size.
Tailgating is about having fun and making memories, so choose an outfit that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful while living it up in college. If you’re unsure what to wear, ask a friend for their opinion (phoning a friend is always acceptable). Also, don’t forget to accessorize with baseball caps, earrings, shoes, and even makeup!
Now that you have some college apparel inspiration, it’s time to start your shopping list! What’s your favorite tailgate outfit? Do you want any suggestions? Let us know in the comments below! Be safe and healthy this football season!
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- 7 Trendy Room Decor Ideas For College Freshmen
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Meet Kourtney, a fashion and beauty enthusiast who tells stories through style. To her, clothing is a language, and every accessory adds punctuation to her narrative. Kourtney explores vintage fashion markets on weekends, blending classic with contemporary to create a signature style that reflects her vibrant personality. Beyond aesthetics, she's a passionate advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, celebrating diversity to ensure everyone feels seen and embraced.
