Elevate Your Tailgate – Stylish And Comfortable Ways To Cheer On Your Team

By Brian Maynor

 

 

Football season is off and running and so is one of our favorite pre-game rituals, tailgating.  Whether it’s early morning or early evening nothing really compares to the experience of sharing food, fun and laughs with friends and family as you prepare for a game.  Unfortunately people seem to put a lot of their energy into making food and very little into what they wear.

Showing your team spirit does not have to stop with a logo t-shirt, scarf or other item.  There is a wide range of fashion to choose that is supportive, stylish and comfortable.  Here are just a few options that will elevate your next tailgate outfit:

 

1.   Varsity Jackets.  You may remember your varsity jacket from high school being laden with pins, letters and patches and probably packed them away right after graduation.  Now you can recapture that style and fit perfectly into the stadium environment with a scaled down, basic varsity jacket.  Fall’s hot new piece pairs ideally with both casual and dressy-casual options.

2.   Cotton Oxford Shirts.  One of the most versatile pieces in your closet, these shirts work just as well on the weekend as they do though the week by adding a layer of texture and color to your outfit along with some rugged coolness.  Whether you choose solid or striped you’ll be surprised how it balances your look and seems to work with everything.

3.   Textured Pants.  One simple style upgrade is to swap out your jeans for textured pants.  With this one change and nothing else you will immediately take ten style steps forward.  Cropped ankle pants aren’t just for Summer either.  They work just as great in Fall to create the feeling of casual elegance.  Plus who wants to have your pants dragging the ground through a parking lot?  I’m sure you’ve seen the aftermath of a parking lot on game day, and it’s not pretty.

4.   Comfortable Shoes.  Whether you bring chairs to relax in or spend time wandering from group to group this is not the time for platform stilettos or expensive leather driving shoes.  Neither one of those options will give your feet the support they need.  Flats now come in all shapes and styles so you can keep the pointy toe or opt for a more rugged, thick-soled shoe or boot.  Perfect for the season, they also play into the collegiate look perfectly.

5.   Accessories.  Sunglasses are always a must, but so are scarves and jewelry.  If you want to add some whimsy to your outfit go for the themed accessories, or you can just keep them simple and refined.  A tie may not be the first thing you think about wearing to a tailgate, but as the season moves on they are ideal for giving you more layers and colors.  It should go without saying that you’ll keep them loose and open.  It is a football game after all.

 

Tailgating is all about camaraderie and supporting your favorite team, but it should also be fashionable.  With these tips you prove fashion can be accessible, comfortable and easy.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges.  Please send your comments and questions to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

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