The Girl’s Guide to Getting Game Day Ready

There’s so much to love about game day regardless if you’re there just for the party or to actually watch the game.  Tailgating is as fun as the actual game, so today in this girl’s guide to game day I’m going to talk about how to make the most of it all, from the fashion to the food!

Before we get started, let me warn y’all.  I’m a die hard LSU and Saints fan, so my opinion on who has the best food, traditions, and overall tailgate (duh, it’s LSU), may be a bit biased, but I’ll do my best to keep this post as general as possible!
1.  Show your spirit by dressing in team colors

First things first, always dress to show your team spirit on game day! If there was a girl’s guide to game day book, this would be chapter one!  Depending on which college game day you’re at, the traditions may differ.  For example, down here in the south, the dressier the better is our motto.  Anything from a cute dress, romper, or over sized tunic or sweater with leggings and boots is always a safe option! You can usually find game day outfits in local boutiques around college campuses or at online retailers.  My dress above is from Flying Colors Apparel, a flirty and fun clothing shop for women who want to make a statement and support their college! Flying Colors has tons of game day and everyday options and they make it easy to get game day ready, whether you’re a student, alum, or fan.

2.  Jazz up an outfit with accessories

Accessories come in handy for adding a finishing touch to the perfect game day outfit and for dressing up a neutral outfit that is in need of some team colors! Statement necklaces and earrings with pops of color are great options.  Tassel necklaces are all the rage these days and make a cute statement without overdoing it!
3.  Keep purse restrictions in mind

Although it’s not currently an issue for college stadiums, you will want to make sure you are carrying an approved bag into an NFL stadium on game day.  Clear bags up to 12″x6″x12″ are allowed, or non-clear clutches 4.5″‘x6.5″ in size (the size of your iPhone) are allowed inside stadiums.

4.  Claim your tailgating spot early

If you’re planning on throwing your own tailgate party, it’s a good idea to claim your spot early.  If your campus allows it, set up your tailgate tent the night before, or at the very least, very early in the morning because spots go fast!
5.  Prep food the night before to save time

To save yourself time and eliminate unwanted stress, cook the majority of your food the day before rather than the morning of.  Foods that can be easily reheated or kept in a Crock Pot (make sure you have a power source) are your best options! Save the meat for grilling and items like gumbo and jambalaya (for my LSU people) for day of, on-site cooking!

6.  Don’t forget the drinks and games

After all, it wouldn’t be a tailgate without the booze and corn hole, so be sure to pack a variety of drinks and games!  For every alcoholic beverage you plan to drink, I recommend packing enough water to have a glass in between each beer or cocktail. Doing this will help ensure you make it to the game!

This girl’s guide to game day post is sponsored by Flying Colors Apparel and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make The Southern Thing possible!