College Game Day Outfits 101: My Best Styling Tips You Need

Start With Your School Colors (The Foundation)

First things first: know your colors. For me, it’s Maize and Blue – Michigan’s signature palette. Sounds obvious, right? But here’s the strategy: invest in basic pieces in both colors so you can mix and match endlessly.

I’m talking navy tank tops, maize shorts with a subtle school emblem, basic tees in both shades. The goal is versatility. If your school does color-outs (like all-white games), make sure you’ve got those covered too. Think of it as building a capsule wardrobe, except it’s exclusively for screaming at football games.

Consider Your Climate (Don’t Be That Person)

Here’s where strategy meets practicality. If you go to school in perpetual sunshine, don’t waste money on heavy outerwear you’ll never use. But if you’re at a school like Michigan? Buckle up, because you’ll need outfits for 85-degree September games AND snowy November matchups. The first four home games are brutal heat, then there’s a gap, then suddenly you’re layering like your life depends on it. Budget accordingly.

Warm Weather Essentials

For those sweltering early-season games, here’s what works: tennis skirts, biker shorts, regular shorts (jean shorts are perfectly acceptable), and tops that breathe. Sports bras are your friend – you can layer them under sheer tops or wear them solo if it’s scorching.

Bandeau tops, tank tops, crop tops, and regular tees all belong in your rotation. Pro tip: buy pieces you can actually wear to class, not just game day. That $50 top becomes a much smarter investment when you’re wearing it twice a week all semester, not just seven Saturdays.

Cold Weather Game Day Arsenal

If you’re at a cold-weather school, leggings are non-negotiable. They’re perfect as standalone bottoms in your school colors, but they also function as base layers under pajama pants, sweatpants, or jeans when temperatures plummet. Speaking of which: fuzzy pajama pants in school colors are genius. I wore plaid Michigan ones that incorporated navy, maize, and white—instant outfit coordination.

For tops, you’ll need layers on layers. A long-sleeve school shirt (mine says “Big Ten Champions” because why not), a zip-up sweatshirt, several pullover options, and for those truly arctic games, a quality puffer jacket. Here’s the thing about puffers: get one that’s water-resistant. Trust me.

I learned this the hard way when it snowed during a game and my non-resistant puffer turned into a soggy mess while my friend stayed perfectly dry. Also grab a hat and gloves in school colors – your extremities will thank you.

Where to Actually Buy These Pieces

Hype and Vice: I’m slightly obsessed with this brand. Female-operated, trendy pieces that work for multiple schools, and everything pairs easily. I was even an ambassador my sophomore year because I genuinely love their stuff. If you’re looking for quality basics with a fashion-forward edge, start here.

Amazon: Don’t sleep on this. Amazon has shockingly affordable game day pieces that get the job done. You’re not looking for heirloom-quality here – you need functional school spirit wear that won’t drain your bank account.

Etsy: For unique finds and supporting small businesses, Etsy is fantastic. You’ll find custom game day merch, fun flags to carry around, and accessories you won’t see on everyone else. It’s where you go when you want something with personality.

Your School Bookstore: A word of caution from someone who learned the expensive way: yes, the bookstore has great stuff, but it’s also where budgets go to die. I spent an embarrassing amount at the M Den my freshman year. Shop selectively. Get a few quality pieces, then look elsewhere to fill in the gaps.

The Power of Sharing (AKA The Friend Economy)

Once you and your friends have built up decent collections, you can essentially multiply your wardrobe overnight. Borrowing and swapping becomes the norm. You don’t need a brand-new outfit for every single game – you just need enough core pieces that you can remix them creatively. My friends constantly borrow my stuff, and I raid their closets too. It’s the most efficient system.

Accessories:

Some of my game day outfits would have been completely forgettable without proper accessorizing. Butterfly clips in school colors transformed basic hairstyles into Instagram-worthy moments.

I’ve done bubble braids with blue and maize clips, regular braids studded with them – it instantly elevates everything. Custom Converse in Michigan colors tied together outfits that otherwise would’ve felt disjointed.

Face stickers were huge my freshman year (little Ms or Wolverines), and temporary tattoos are always a fun touch.

But honestly, the real game-changer is your hair. My least favorite outfit photos are always the ones where I just left my hair down – it’s boring and doesn’t complement the look. Braids, space buns, high ponytails with accessories – any styled hair beats loose hair, especially on hot days when everything gets sweaty and gross anyway.