Tailgate Style: How to Look like One in 102,455 on Gameday

Jacket: Nordstrom, sold out (Similar Here); Tank: Vintage via Goodwill (Similar Here); Jeans: Gap via Goodwill (Similar Splurge // Save); Belt: Vintage via Goodwill; Necklace: Johnnie Q, old (Similar Here); Sneakers: Ugg

College football season has officially kicked off! *insert praise hands emojis* Although the gameday experience hinges around kickoff time, Southern girls know the day is really all about the tailgate style. From sky-high stilettos to jersey dresses, I have seen the full spectrum of tailgate attire. Some of my biggest fashion faux paus have been showcased on the runway that is gameday Have no fear, I’m here to save you from the bedazzled tees and jersey dresses of yesteryear!

Layers. It’s all about the layers. We all know that tailgating is a marathon, not a sprint. Being outside for 8-10 hours could mean experiencing a dramatic change in temperature. The South is still hot in September and October, but the nights are a little chilly, especially when that whiskey jacket starts to wear off. Layering a tank or tee under a utility or bomber jacket is key for dressing for all possible conditions. Ditch the jacket during the heat of the day and layer up for kick-off. Plus the added pockets let you store essentials like your coozie, cellphone, and tickets without violating stringent stadium bag policies.

Vintage. I LOOOOOOVE to stock up on vintage team gear from Goodwill! There’s always something to find no matter who you root for. I purchased this tank for $2 during Half Off Saturday, and later found out it’s at least 20 years old. (My uncle claims he received the same tank at a UT baseball clinic in ’91 or ’92.) My $2.99 vintage UT belt from Goodwill almost became a dog collar for my fur brother, but I rescued it just in time! Don’t pay too much for vintage sports gear because Goodwill is a GOLDMINE when it comes to vintage sports jerseys/tees/sweaters/sweatshirts. One of the great things about vintage finds is that I may be the ONLY one of 102,455 people in Neyland Stadium with these vintage pieces! Plus, I like to reminisce on the UT football dominance of my childhood

Comfort. Again, Marathon. Not a sprint. This goes for drinking and shoes, too. As a spry youngster at UT, I walked my fair share of Tennessee’s infamous hills in stilettos. That was dumb, y’all….real.freaking.dumb. Wearing comfortable shoes doesn’t mean they can’t be cute or stylish. Take advantage of the athleisure trend, and sport a pair of Nike Air Max or Van Slip-Ons.  The victory dance is so much sweeter when you’re not stumbling around in 3 inch heels. Gameday is also not the time to wear your new skin-tight dress or mini skirt, especially if you plan to add a couple of mimosas to the day and get WGW.

You can wash, rinse, and repeat this look for any of your favorite teams this weekend, but I will be cheering my heart out for my beloved Vols from Turn 2 of Bristol Motor Speedway! Where will you be cheering on your favorite team this weekend? Leave me a comment below!