Wildcat Wardrobe: STITCH's Guide to Tailgating
It’s everyone’s favorite time of year: tailgate season. While we all love cheering on the ‘cats at Ryan Field, the best part about game day is decking out in purple gear and taking endless amounts of pictures before the game even begins. Tailgating is about showing off your wildcat pride, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to mix fashion’s latest trends with school spirit.
Tailgate fashion is quickly growing into more than just a t-shirt you throw on before game day. College students all over the country have created businesses in which they sell custom made tailgate apparel. Some of the most popular are lojobands.com and tailgateteesbygabby.com, but Instagram is filled with accounts solely dedicated to designing and selling tailgate attire. Yet for those college students on a budget, creating the perfect tailgate look can be an easy DIY project.
These days, a Northwestern t-shirt from the bookstore just won’t cut it, so trade in your boxy purple t-shirt for one of these tailgate trends:
The Cheerleading Skirt: You don’t need a set of pom-poms to rock a purple cheerleading skirt. Pair it with a white crop top or tank top and you’ll be the most spirited wildcat fan in the stands.
Available at discountsportsuniforms.com
The DIY Shirt: Take one of your old Northwestern shirts, grab a pair of scissors, and cut away. Turn your favorite baggy t-shirt into a halter or crop top, and spray it with bleach for an edgier look.
Writer Emily Chaiet (left) in her DIY shirt
The Lace-Up Shirt: Lace-up is one of the hottest trends right now, so why not incorporate it into your tailgate outfit? Visit lojobands.com or tailgateteesbygabby.com for custom made lace-up apparel and more. If you’re not looking to spend any cash, take some scissors and a pair of shoelaces and create the look yourself.
Writer Emily Chaiet's own lace-up sweatshirt from lojobands.com
The Oversized Jersey: The jersey is a classic football look, but give it a more feminine twist by wearing it as a dress. Buy a football or basketball jersey that’s a few sizes too big and pair it with a pair of purple high socks and converse.
Available at Beck's Bookstore
Graphic Tee: Whether your Northwasted or Nerdwestern, a cute graphic tee is the perfect way to make your game day a little more fun. Check out medicatedhousewife.com for graphic t-shirts, sweatshirts and tank tops.
Available at medicatedhousewife.com
Purple leggings: No head-to-toe purple look is complete without purple leggings. Whether the weather is hot or cold, these are a tailgating necessity. Pair them with a white Northwestern sweatshirt or t-shirt to really showcase your purple pride.
Available at polyvore.com
Overalls: This ‘90s trend is making a comeback and what better way to embrace it then at a tailgate? Whether you choose to go classic with denim or show your school spirit with a purple pair, overalls are the perfect way to stand out at a tailgate. Wear them with a bandeau or tank top underneath.
Available at fansedge.com