Football season calls for team spirit, a little friendly rivalry, and outfits that look just as good in the tailgate tent as they do in the stadium. This year, we’re taking game-day style beyond the oversized jersey with chic layers, statement accessories, and school colors that actually work with your wardrobe. Think: sideline chic! Whether you’re cheering from the stands or catching up with friends over a pregame cocktail, consider this your playbook for winning tailgate fashion.
Your Tailgate Style Playbook for a Sideline Chic Look this Football Season
We may earn a small commission when you shop through our links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!
At top: J. Crew’s 47 Brand collegiate collection
We're big fans of Aviator Nation’s signature athletic look, and their collegiate collection of hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and trucker hats give team spirit to a sporty-chic vibe. Most styles include their iconic stripes, and their collection includes schools that range from Ole Miss to Cal Berkeley to Harvard, so you’re likely to find the school you’re rooting for.
You guys, the quality of Newport Knits' collegiate sweaters is so nice. They have everything from big SEC powerhouses like LSU to smaller schools you might not find everywhere, like Long Island University. And OMG, their cashmere sweater (shown here) is so nice. If you're a die-hard fan, this sweater is to die for.
I’m obsessed with the cool, collegiate, retro vintage feel that J. Crew’s 47 Brand collegiate collection has right now. These look like you inherited your grandmother or grandfather’s perfectly pristine college sweater…in the best possible way. They are effortlessly cool.
While subtle might not be a word you typically associate with Vans, I do love the subtle school references that come with their game day colorways. Green and yellow, orange and white, navy and gold . . . there are plenty of options for fans who aren’t afraid to go bold with their love for their team.
Don’t forget the accessories! If your style is more on the preppy side, you’ll love the needlepoint belts from Smathers & Branson. This is the ultimate in country club sophistication, which we think is perfect for those of us who are SEC fans. But don’t let that limit you—they have one of the widest ranges of schools we’ve found anywhere.
A subtle way to show team spirit all season long—whether it’s game day or not—are these sleek Pure Vida bracelet sets that come in a huge variety of team colors. Is your school navy and orange? Purple and Gold? Blue and white? They have 30 different collections that will surely fit your favorite team, whether it’s high school, college, or pro.
