Can’t Figure Out What to Wear for Game Days? My Full Guide

The Foundation: Dresses That Actually Work

The Classic Game Day Dress

Here’s the truth about game day dresses: they need to look good in photos, survive stadium seating, and not require constant adjustment. A fitted mini dress in your team colors checks all these boxes.

Pair it with white boots for that polished stadium look, or go with booties in your team’s accent color. The key is choosing a dress with a structured fit – nothing too flowy that’ll blow around or too tight that you can’t sit comfortably.

Amazon has surprisingly solid options here, and they won’t break your budget. Look for dresses with details like cutouts, ties, or interesting backs. These small touches elevate the look without requiring extra effort.

The Houndstooth Moment

If your school’s colors include black and white, houndstooth is your best friend. Whether it’s shorts styled to look like a skirt or an actual skirt, this pattern reads as intentional and classic. Pair it with a solid top in your team color, add your boots, and you’re done. This is the outfit that looks like you tried – without actually trying that hard.

When You Need Something Warmer

The Leather Look

A leather or faux-leather jumpsuit (the kind without pants, essentially a romper) solves the “what do I wear when it’s cooler” problem beautifully. The V-neckline keeps it from feeling too heavy, and red booties with this? *Chef’s kiss.* It’s edgy without being over-the-top, and you’ll stay warm without layering yourself into oblivion.

The Sweater-and-Jeans Formula

Sometimes you just need to be cozy. A team-colored sweater with well-fitted jeans is never wrong. The trick here is in the jeans – go for flared styles or ones with star details. Something that makes the bottom half interesting so your outfit doesn’t read as “I gave up.” Add red booties (are you sensing a theme here?) and a coordinating strap for your clear bag.

The Jersey Strategy

Oversized Jersey Done Right

Buy a large or extra-large jersey – this is non-negotiable. The oversized look is what makes this work. Now, here’s where people get it wrong: you cannot just throw it on and call it a day. Layer it over a long-sleeve fitted top so you have sleeves showing. Or, if you’re going full minimalist, pair it with bike shorts underneath and black boots with rhinestone details. This transforms “I’m wearing a jersey” into “I’m wearing a look.”

Pro tip: save this outfit for games against teams you know you’ll beat. It’s comfortable, it’s fun, but it doesn’t have the same elevated energy as your rivalry game outfit should.

The Versatile Pieces You Actually Need

Print Dresses from Shein

Before you judge, hear me out. Shein has game day dresses that work with literally any shoe. White booties, black booties, cowboy boots – the versatility is unmatched. Look for patterns that incorporate your team colors without being too literal. These dresses photograph well, they’re comfortable, and they cost less than one overpriced stadium beer.

The Jumpsuit Investment

A well-fitted jumpsuit in your team color is the secret weapon nobody talks about. It works for cooler games, it’s easy to style, and you can dress it up or down depending on the belt you choose. Swap the black belt it comes with for a red one, and suddenly you’ve customized the whole look. Add your red strap bag, red booties (yes, again), and you’re golden.

The Boot Situation

Let’s talk footwear because this is where I see people struggle. You need boots you can actually walk in – stadium stairs are no joke. Red booties are the MVP of game day footwear. They work with almost everything, they add a pop of color, and they’re universally flattering. Black boots with rhinestone details are your second option – they catch light in photos and add just enough personality without competing with your outfit.

White boots? Save these for simpler dresses where they can be the statement. Cowboy boots? Only if that’s genuinely your style – don’t force it for game day clout.

The Accessories That Matter

The Clear Bag Situation

Stadium rules mean you need a clear bag. Fine. But make it work for you by switching out the straps – black, red, or even a neutral blush tone depending on your outfit. This small detail shows you actually thought about the complete look. Add vinyl letters or your team logo if you’re feeling crafty.

Buttons, Pins, and Extras

These aren’t just decorations – they’re how you bring in your team colors when your outfit is more neutral. A black dress becomes a game day look with the right pins and a red bag strap. Don’t underestimate these small touches.

The Cold Weather Formula

Alabama gets cold. Tennessee gets cold. Wherever you are, you’ll need a plan. A fitted top with statement jeans (stars, distressing, flares) plus a coordinating jacket is your friend. Keep your boots in your team color, and you maintain the game day vibe without freezing. Layer a jersey over a long-sleeve shirt for added warmth – this works better than you’d think.

What Actually Works

Here’s what I’ve learned: game day outfits don’t need to be complicated. You need three good dresses, two pairs of statement jeans, one jumpsuit, one oversized jersey, and boots in two colors (red and black, typically). Everything else is just noise.

Mix and match these pieces, change up your accessories, and you’ll have enough variety to get through an entire season without repeating a look – or at least without anyone noticing if you do.