It’s Illini football season, which means tailgating, Block, and endless orange and blue. For the perfect game day look, all you need is a few elements and a little preparation. Here are some of my favorite pieces for an easy tailgating look!
Orange & Blue Shirt
Start your Illini outfit with an orange and blue shirt. The more vibrantly orange or blue, the better! While a t-shirt works just fine, you can also get creative by adding a little DIY flair to an old Illini shirt, like one of the free ones you got as a freshman or at Quad Day. Try cutting out a choker v-neck, adding fringe, or turning it into a crop top. When it gets cooler, opt for an Illini pullover or sweatshirt.
Distressed Denim
The perfect complement for an Illini shirt is some quality denim. High-waisted shorts, cutoffs, capris, or jeans with lots of distressing is a great game day look.
Durable Shoes
Grange Grove and the surrounding tailgating lots are grassy, gravelly, and are sometimes super muddy. Plus, you never know when someone might spill a drink, so the ideal shoes are ones that can be easily cleaned or an old pair that you don’t care about getting dirty. You’ll also be on your feet all day for tailgating and for the game, so you’ll want a pair with good arch support that don’t make your feet hurt. My go-to game day shoes are old, dirty Converse or my trusty pair of orange and blue Chacos, which have incredible arch support and are pretty much indestructible.
Arm Candy
Add a finishing touch to your tailgating outfit with a mix of fun and glam bracelets. Anything orange and blue is a bonus. My favorite combination is this cute orange and blue marbled beaded bracelet with tassels paired with my Michael Kors watch and an Alex and Ani bracelet, which is fashionable yet still shows my Illini spirit!
Fun Purse/Wristlet
In terms of a purse, the smaller and more out of the way, the better. A wristlet or a cute lanyard are both great ways to carry around the necessities while not having to worry about losing it in the chaos of game day! I love this cute orange and blue Vera Bradley wristlet because it also has small straps so it can be converted into a tiny crossbody purse. Also, Memorial Stadium recently adopted a clear bag policy, so it’s important to check out the guidelines if you plan on attending the game.
Temporary Tattoos
A fun way to go all out with your Illini ensemble is with a cute Block I temporary tattoo on your cheek or arm! There are even fun sparkly temporary tattoos that add a little bling to your look.
All other photos are originals of the author.