Tailgate Fashion

Do you like to watch football, hang out with friends, and cheer on your favorite Demon Deacons? Well you are in luck because it is that time of year again in the Forest. And do you know what football season means? It means it’s time to tailgate!

If you aren’t from around here, let me be the first to tell you that in the south we tailgate a little differently. It goes a little something like, “Girls with pearls, Guys in bow ties.” Which basically means that football games are not the time to show off your school spirit in jerseys, t-shirts, jean shorts, or anything else like that. Don’t look to those Big Ten schools for fashion advice on game day, look here! Her Campus is here to help you find your footing in football fashion.

For Girls: Wear sundresses and accessorize with wedges, Jack Rodgers, or cowboy boots. Be sure to add some trendy jewelry and a “Go Deacs” button and you’re set to go! Here are a couple of examples of tailgate attire for all you collegiettes out there.

Here we have sophomore Angela Gallagher (’16) who embraces that southern charm. She says, “Preppy patterns are perfect for Wake’s southern style tailgates. And cowboy boots are a must!” We have to agree with Angela. She looks fabulous in this green and navy Lilly dress and, obviously, cowboy boots go with everything down here! 

Grace Hallinan (’16) takes a different approach. She thinks of herself as a little more “hipster.” Here’s what she had to say about her look for tomorrow’s game: “My tailgate fashion is boho chic. I love to find great pieces at stores like Free People and pair them with fun sandals.”
As you can see, collegiettes, you don’t have to fully embrace the southern influence here in North Carolina if you don’t want to. Grace still looks amazing and tailgate-appropriate in this coral and navy (very trendy color combination) sundress and gold sandals with matching coral jewels. 

If you want to show some school spirit, Hunter Davis (’16) is showing you how to do just that! Find dresses that are in the good old black and gold. Hunter says that with growing up in North Carolina, she has always been one for college football. She says, “I like to wear gold and black to support my Deacs but be fashionable at the same time!” Take a hint from Miss Davis here and ditch the WF t-shirts for some classier attire.

For Boys: Don’t think I forgot about you! I get it; you guys are more interested in the actual game than what you are wearing. But let me tell you, it’s important! Do not show up in gym clothes or sneakers. Follow Addison McLamb’s (’16) lead. He looks classy and gentlemanly in some light blue seersucker pants, a collared shirt, and bow tie. Addison says, “Tailgates are a great time to hang out with friends. Dressing up is just part of the Wake tradition.” That’s right, Addison. Don’t be lazy on game days. Put a little bit of effort into your outfit. It will make all the difference.

Overall, although it may seem easier to throw on some apparel from the campus deacon shop and more comfortable to be in tank tops and cut-offs in the hot summer weather, just don’t. It isn’t how we do it here at Wake Forest; we never have and I doubt we ever will. Embrace the southern charm and join us tomorrow, in your sundresses and slacks, and help us cheer on the Deacs in fashion.