What To Wear to a Football Game
Fall is here and that means that football season is officially back full swing.
Whether you’re a huge fan of the sport or you’ve simply been roped into plans to watch a game in person, it’s still fun to participate in the excitement through our sartorial choices.
Even if you don’t care which team wins, I love any reason to get dressed up, and we can use sporty chic style as the guide to what to wear to a football game.
If you’re looking for football game day outfits, you have come to the right place. Your stadium outfit can be comfy and casual or skew a little more dressy depending on the vibe.
The good news is that the bulk of these outfits stem from items you likely already own and you can keep things casual (unless you want to go full on WAG.)
As you probably know, I am a lifelong New York Giants fan and while most times I watch the games from the comfort of my own couch, going to MetLife in my game day outfit and seeing them play in person is always a highlight.
No matter the weather, location or time of year, here are my top recommendations for what to wear to a football game.
Football game outfit base:
Team jersey
This one is a no-brainer! A jersey will always look like it belongs in a football stadium.
If you don’t have a favorite player, you can even buy a logo-less jersey in the team’s colors and style it.
I personally think that a jersey looks cute tucked into a pair of jeans or high-waisted shorts or to go a little fancy you could wear it with a mini skirt or skort.
Sweatshirt
Given that fall is the kickoff to football season, you’ll likely need a long-sleeve option for your game day look.
I love the look of a vintage-inspired team sweatshirt! I found mine on Etsy and there are lots of options on there for every team.
Abercrombie also has a collection of NFL crewnecks for football season and these are so cute to wear to the stadium and on your couch.
Windbreaker/jacket
If you are someone who is willing to brave games in the colder months of the year, a jacket or windbreaker in your team’s colors could be a great investment.
You can wear it season after season if you attend games frequently and you can also let that be the statement piece and keep things simple with your favorite pair of denim.
Jeans
To the surprise of probably no one, most of the outfits that I style for football games are centered around jeans.
I love having jeans as the anchor to my outfit because I can pair them with a jersey or t-shirt in the warmer months and trust they’ll keep me warm in the colder months.
You can pick a lighter wash if you’re in a warm climate or go for a dark wash or black jeans in the winter months.
My personal favorite jeans come from Abercrombie and Madewell.
Football game outfit accessories:
Baseball cap
Want to keep things simple? Getting a baseball cap with your favorite team’s logo on it means you can wear it to lots of games and change up your outfits while maintaining the team spirit.
I just got a new Giants hat from Macy’s for this fall and have already worn it to a game! They go on sale a lot too so keep an eye out for that.
Sneakers
I know the WAGSs make it look normal to wear cute boots or even heels to games.
But if you are going to be commuting to the stadium on public transit, tailgating or standing to cheer…I must implore you to go for sneakers to ensure maximum comfort.
I just got these New Balance 408 sneakers and the adidas Sambas from DSW and both of them broke in quickly and were comfy for long days when I was on my feet.
Scarf
If you’re headed to a chilly game, I think that a scarf in your team color is a great way to make an impact while staying warm.
If possible, I’d also suggest making this a color that you’d wear throughout the winter anyway so it gets more action outside of game days.
Socks
Show your team spirit from (you guessed it) head to toe with some fun logo socks.
Socks may end up being hidden under your jeans to keep you warm but if you’re wearing shorts to a game, they could also be the star of the show!
Football game outfits by season:
What to wear to cold weather football games
I’m from the northeast and I’m here to tell you that it will get chilly starting from mid-October through the end of football season.
If you frequently attend games in a colder climate, I’d highly suggest investing in some thermal layers to wear under your outfits to games to keep warm.
You can also invest in a statement piece like a puffer jacket in your team’s colors or add a pop of those colors with a beanie and gloves.
I’d also recommend packing hand warmers in your purse if you’re able to for those especially frigid days.
What to wear to warm weather football games
Maybe you live in a warmer climate or are catching an early season game in August or September and need some different outfit ideas.
For a summery twist on my go-to outfit, swap out a sweatshirt for a t-shirt or jersey and the jeans for a pair of denim shorts.
I’d also suggest wearing a breathable pair of sneakers (bonus points if they’re made with mesh) and ankle socks to stay cool.
Warm-weather games are also a great chance to break out a bucket hat and sunglasses to protect your scalp and eyes from the sun (in addition to sunscreen of course!)
Other tips for football game outfits:
- Read the stadium policies and make sure that you have a bag that will be allowed in. Many stadiums have transitioned to clear bags only. I always try to bring a portable phone charger with me.
- When in doubt, bring layers! A puffer vest would be cute over a long-sleeve top or sweatshirt and bringing an extra beanie if it looks like it will be windy could make the game more comfortable for you.
- If there is rain in the forecast, bring an emergency poncho, it will be much more lightweight than carrying around a jacket and will protect you as you watch the game outdoors.
- You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe to attend a game by any means! You’ll feel the team spirit even by incorporating one or two of their colors (and avoid the opposing team’s colors when you can!)
Need more ideas for how to style jeans with sneakers? Check out this post.
If you have other favorite game day accessories or tips for what to wear to a stadium, please leave a comment and share with us!
yours,
Austen
