Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Football Game

From the Mailbag:  Stadium Style – Dressing well at the game

Football season is upon us, and I’m visiting my Alma Mater for college games.  I’m not a jersey guy, but I want to represent my team and usually hit a tailgate or two on my way to the stadium.  Any tips for expressing school spirit, while at the same time keeping warm in the winter part of the season and still looking good? 

– Lewis
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This is tricky.  If you’re under the age of 60 and you show up to a football game in a sportcoat, you’re absolutely going to be “that guy.”  Some claim you can never be overdressed.  Gotta respectfully disagree.  You don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself, so for this scenario it’s all about fit and details without getting too out of hand.  With that in mind, here’s two options for those hitting a tailgate or two this fall.  One of which is a barely noticeable upgrade (the picks on the left), the other setup is a few notches up from that.
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The Sweater:  Crewneck Sweatshirt – $59.95 | L.E.C. Shawl Collar – $29.99

If you’re going with some officially licensed apparel from the school, look for plain or vintage designs.  Skip the bulky hooded sweatshirts and try a size down if all they have is thick sweatshirts.  If you’re fine with dressing it up a bit more and don’t need a team logo or graphic across your chest, try a shawl collar pull over like this one from L.E.C.  It’ll blend in with the hooded sweatshirts, but it’s a definite upgrade.

 

The Shirt Underneath:  J. Crew Factory – $39.50 | Brooks Brothers Extra Slim – $34.75*

Layering with a collared shirt is almost unheard of on game day.  The white oxford cloth is thick, plain, and casual enough to go well with the sweatshirt.  For a checked sport shirt, make sure you’ve got a button down collar.  Don’t bother ironing it for the game.  *Only if you buy two.  30%  off if you buy one, which makes them just under $50

 

The Pants:  GAP Standard Fit jeans in Resin Rinse – $39.95 ($59.95)

It’s a football game, so let’s not think too hard about what we’re covering our legs with.  Amongst the sea of hoodies and stone-washed jeans, a pair of dark & simple denim stands out for the right reasons.  The GAP Standard Fits are roomier than a 501 without being loose.  And that’s perfect for getting around the parking lots and avoiding bleacher butt while in the stands.  UPDATE: On sale but the 25% off code GAPGEM doesn’t work on them.  One of the exclusions is jeans.  That’s more than a little weak GAP.  Code expires today 8/17.

 

The Belt:  Rugby Green/Blue striped Surcingle Belt – $59.50

 

The boots: Clarks suede in Grey – $69.96 | 1901 Carl wingtip suede – $99.95

While the older alumni will be in cross trainers and most of the students will be in retro-sneakers, boots will keep you comfortable and the beer off your socks.  The price is terrific for the Clarks and the grey gives you a little more pop on your feet.  Meanwhile, the Nordstom house brand 1901 might have a serious winner on their hands.  Will have to do an in-person with these real soon.

 

The Watch:  Victorinox Renegade – $130 | Orient Aviator – $145 w/code DapperedAugust

Both can work with either outfit, but despite its rugged case and contrast stitching, the Orient Aviator really can look dressed up.  The case is larger but not gigantic, and you can tell from just glancing at it that it’s a real nice piece.  Unlike the automatic Orient, the Renegade from Victorinox is quartz, and the perforated strap makes it more casual.

Thanks to Lewis for sending in the style scenario suggestion.  For more style scenarios, see the archive.  Good luck to your favorite team this fall.  Hope they win.  That is of course, unless they’re playing one of mine.   Top Photo Credit