Texas Longhorn Game Day Fashion

For every Longhorn, there are four laws to live by on Game Day:

1. Come Early
2. Be Loud
3. Stay Late
4. Wear Orange with Pride

This past weekend marked the first home game at the Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium. As tradition would have it, thousands of Longhorns of all shapes, sizes, races and ages streamed through the stadium gates. But as diverse as they were, they were all united by one single color: Burnt Orange.

 
While most Texas Longhorns chose to stay true to the casual campus aesthetic of T-shirts and shorts this past weekend, many Longhorn ladies looked fabulous while decked out in our school colors. From head to toe, there were a variety of ways that these girls strutted their stuff. Read on for the tips and trends of Longhorn Game Day fashion and where to find them.
 
Sundresses
The Burnt Orange Jersey Cotton Sundress was by far the most popular pick for girls at the game. With temperatures teetering around 95 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity above 50%, this apparel choice proved to be a wise one. Sundresses come in a variety of shades and styles and can be found at a variety of retailers around the campus area.
 
Burnt Orange Jersey Skirts
Jersey knits drape especially well – which is probably why they look so darned cute as burnt orange skirts. A casual tank top or blouse tucked into a casual but eye-catching burnt orange skirt creates a look that is spirited, effortless and attractive. Also, wearing a style in a lighter fabric that has airflow and isn’t constricting, is a great way to stay cool and dry.
 

Cowboy Boots
Although Austin girls may not ride horses to class, Texas girls do love their cowboy boots! Cowboy boots were a favorite among many of the girls at the game this weekend. These boots are a staple in Western wear and can be worn to any number of events in Texas. Most girls chose to pair their cowboy boots with cute burnt orange sundresses and skirts. Cowboy boots come in an assortment of colors and styles, but the best part is the fact that these boots aren’t just comfortable and cute – they are heels too!
 
Other Boots
Wearing full out cowboy boots can be a little daunting if you aren’t in or from Texas; if you are looking for a style that is more trendy and less Texas inspired, try the riding boot or an over-the-knee boot style. Both are on the charts as top styles for Fall 2010, but they also look great when paired with dresses and skirts.
 
Sandals
Although other parts of the nation may be gracefully transitioning into fall, here in Texas we know that the sweltering summer heat almost never ends. So while others might be trying on their cardigans for fall – here in Texas, we beat the heat in sandals. Try updating the sandal look with tribal or metallic updates to stay cute and cool.
 
Leather Bags
Don’t be afraid to accessorize at a game. Woven leather satchels embody the spirit of adventure from the Wild West. Also, natural and neutral leather colors like tan and camel are not just hot for Fall 2010 season; they fit perfectly into a burnt orange color palette.
Cross-body styles are especially helpful at Football games. Football stadiums are crowded and it is necessary that you keep your belongings close to you at all times to avoid losing something or having something stolen. By wearing a cross-body style, you can sit down or run around without having to put your purse down.  
** For those who aren’t comfortable with wearing leather, there are many types of synthetic material that mimic the texture and color of leather.
 
While you may not have gotten gussied up for the first home game, don’t fret. Football season has just begun and you have plenty of time to stock up and strategize before the next game.
 
Here are some places near campus to find Burnt Orange pride:
 
University Co-op on Guadalupe: The University Co-op carries a huge selection of apparel in Burnt Orange. As the official retailer for University of Texas at Austin collegiate merchandise, the Co-op gives a portion of its profits back to the University each year. That means that money spent at the co-op goes right back to us, the students, in the form of grants, gifts and rebates! Check out the Ladies apparel store on the second floor for a huge selection of sundresses, blouses and anything else you can think of in Burnt Orange.
For more information visit them on the web at http://www.universitycoop.com/.
 
Manju’s on the Drag:Manju’s carries a decent selection of Orange merchandise at decent prices to cater to the University of Texas at Austin women.  
Located at 2424 Guadalupe St. next to Texadelphia.
 
Blue Elephant Boutique: Located in the Central Market plaza on Lamar. Carries a mix of high-priced and low-priced chic merchandise to cater to nearly any price level that you’re looking for. However, they also have cosmetics and skin care merchandise from Frederic Fekkai to Kiehl’s in-store; this is worth the trip even when you’re not looking for Game Day merchandise. With game time, they carry a few Burnt Orange pieces as well as game day accessories like removable Longhorn tattoos and Burnt Orange nail polish.
For more information visit www.shopblueelephant.com/  
 
Boots: To find some Texan cowboy or cowgirl boots, visit Cavendars or Allens Boots. But buyer beware, cowboy boots are not cheap. If you’re looking for a more cost-efficient alternative, visit online retailers like DSW.com or piperlime.com for look-alike styles as well as the more trendy over-the-knee boot and riding boot styles.