18 Cute & Trendy Tailgate Outfits For College Game Day!

tailgate outfits

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Game day is finally here!

That means you’ll need a cute outfit so you can tailgate, party, and enjoy the game in style.

You’re in luck! In this post, I’m sharing 18 trendy tailgate outfit ideas perfect for college game day.

You’ll find a mix of hot and cold weather outfit ideas from a ton of different schools, so you’re sure to find the perfect inspiration for your tailgate look.

When you see an idea you like, be sure to save it to Pinterest by using the red “save” button on each image.

So, let’s get into it.

18 Cute Tailgate Outfits

#1: Cropped Tank & Team Colored Shorts

tailgate outfits

First is this super cute look with just a simple white crop top and some really cool painted shorts!

I definitely wanted to share this look for any artsy gals and DIY queens reading this looking for unique ways to personalize their tailgate outfit.

I’d definitely suggest sketching out your design on your shorts in pencil first, and then going over it with some fabric markers or fabric paint.

Once you have your shorts all done, pair it with a simple top to balance out the look.

Related: How To Put Together The Cutest College Bed Party

#2: Trucker Hats

tailgate outfits

If trucker hats are your vibe, here’s a look you’ll love.

Find a trucker hat in your school’s colors and pair it with a crop top.

For bottoms, a tube skirt or simple denim shorts will look great!

I love how these girls finished off the look with simple sneakers to add a casual feel to their outfits.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of standing or walking on game day, I’d definitely suggest doing the same.

Related: The Easiest Low or No Cook Game Day Party Snacks Ever

#3: Cropped Jerseys & Polos

tailgate outfits

Next are these adorable sporty outfits inspired by Penn State fans!

You’ll want to find a jersey or polo shirt that are already cropped, or you can DIY this and crop your shirt yourself.

If you do, make sure to try your shirt on first and use a pencil to lightly mark where you want to cut.

For the bottoms, try either baggy ripped jeans for a casual vibe or a tennis skirt for a preppy one and complete the look with white sneakers.

Related: The Ultimate Tailgating Playlist (Rock, Pop, & All The Classics)

#4: Cozy & Colorful

tailgate outfits

Looking for cold weather tailgate outfits? Here’s one you’ll love!

If bold pants are totally your style, save this idea to use as inspiration for your next game day look.

Those star spangled pants are super bold and eye-catching!

They’re also really festive and a great way to show off your school pride.

To stay warm, you’ll want to pair a graphic tee with a simple, long sleeved undershirt and complete the look with boots and winter hats.

This is a cute look for a hockey game, as well.

#5: T-Shirt Dress

tailgate outfit ideas

There’s two cute ideas to talk about here.

First is the Iowa shirt dress look, which is perfect if you love super sporty and comfy fashion.

You can recreate this look by tying a flannel button down around your waist along with a fanny pack.

For the flannel, I’d find either a black and white one since that’ll go with everything, or one that matches your school colors.

The flannel is also convenient to have around in case you get cold.

For shoes, try Converse and festive crew socks.

The other outfit is a classic t-shirt, denim shorts, Converse, and cross body bag look that’s really easy to throw together and always looks good!

Related: 10 College Football Game Day Outfits To Wear This Season!

#6: Tube Skirt

tailgate outfits

The base of this next idea is a tube skirt using your school’s main color.

Like with idea #3, you can take a jersey and crop it.

Then, wear a sports bra underneath to make a cute layered look that’ll keep you cool if it’s hot out.

Find a cute shoulder bag to match the colors in your outfit and some simple sneakers to tie it all together.

Related: 12 Practical Gifts For College Students (Stuff They Really Need)

#7: Tube Top & Shorts

tailgate outfits

Now for a pit stop at the University of Georgia.

For this look, you’ll want to find a school themed tube top and pair it with denim shorts or a skirt.

Now for the fun part! I get mild country girl vibes from this look, especially with the big belt and bandana.

If that’s totally your style, find some similar accessories to dress up your look.

You can even find some cowgirl boots to lean into the country girl style even more.

This idea is also a great one to match with your BFF and get some cute pictures!

Related: The Perfect Tailgate Party Playlist For Pop Music Lovers!

#8: Crop Top & Sweatpants

tailgate outfits

Here’s another cute tailgate outfit idea for fall and winter games.

These looks are all about staying comfy and cozy and I’m so here for it.

There’s nothing more comfortable than sweatpants, so find a pair with your school name or logo on it!

For the top, you have so many options to explore depending on how cold it is.

You can try a t-shirt, crop top, sweatshirt, or tank top to start.

If it’s not too cold, I suggest wearing a fitted top to balance out the looser look from the sweatpants.

But if it’s a chilly day, totally go for a looser sweatshirt or hoodie to stay warm.

I love pairing sweatshirts with an oversized jacket or coat, so there’s another cute idea to try.

To complete your outfit, wear some classic knit beanies and sneakers.

Related: The Ultimate Rock Tailgating Playlist For Your Next Tailgate

#9: Ruffled Rompers

tailgate outfits

For some fun, frilly, and girly tailgate outfit ideas, here’s an inspiration image you’ll want to save.

To get the look, find one main piece that’ll serve as the base for your outfit.

This will typically be something like a simple romper or dress in your school’s color.

Pair it with white platform sandals and accessorize with game day pins and sunglasses! Super cute and summery.

Related: 11 Penn State Game Day Outfits Perfect For Cold Weather

#10: Crop Top & Skirt (& Statement Pants)

tailgate outfits

These girls’ tailgate outfits are so cute!

There’s a ton of tailgate outfit inspiration in this image, and I love each look for different reasons, but those swirly white and orange pants are just the coolest.

If you want to wear a similar look on game day, you can pair your pants with a simple strappy crop top and trendy gold jewelry to tie it all together.

For shoes, you can never go wrong with classic white sneakers, specially with bold, patterned pants.

#11: Cheerleader Skirts

tailgate outfits

I’m loving the cheerleader vibes in these next outfits!

To recreate this look, you’ll want to find either a pleated skirt or wrap style tube skirt and pair it with a matching tube top, crop top, or tank.

Accessorize with some fun game day accessories like pins and buttons, or even beaded necklaces, bucket hats, and bandanas.

#12: Colorful Converse

tailgate outfits

This next piece of inspiration also uses cute pleated skirts!

For this look, pair your skirt with a cropped t-shirt or tank top.

Complete the outfit with matching sneakers and crew socks for a sporty vibe that’s perfect for game day.

I’m also loving the ripped t-shirt look that will look really good with a colored sports bra underneath.

There’s another fun idea to turn your tailgate outfit into a mini DIY project that’s sure to impress.

Related: 10 Cold Weather Game Day Outfit Ideas (That Actually Look Cute!)

#13: Ripped Baggy Jeans

tailgate outfits

If you love ripped baggy jeans like me, you’ll love this next look.

Simply pair your jeans with a cropped t-shirt or tube top that shows off your school pride.

Finish off the look with matching Converse.

Platform sneakers will also look awesome with this outfit idea, plus you’ll get some added height which is especially helpful if your jeans are on the longer side.

If you don’t have platform sneakers to balance out longer jeans, you can always roll your jeans up a couple of times, which always looks cute.

Related: 14 Outfits To Wear To A Tennis Match (Preppy, Sporty, & Stylish!)

#14: Fishnet T-Shirt

tailgate outfits

How fun is that University of Florida fishnet t-shirt the girl on the right is wearing?

The options when it comes to layering are endless!

A top like that will look cute with simple denim shorts or biker shorts.

Remember to coordinate the different pieces of your outfit with matching colors so everything looks seamlessly put together (if that’s the look you’re going for).

Related: 20 Super Cute White Out Outfit Ideas For Game Day!

#15: Arizona Wildcats

tailgate outfits

These next looks are super fun and festive!

Perfect to wear to a tailgate party.

To incorporate this style into your outfit, find some bold and fun accessories like oversized sunglasses, bucket hats, pom poms, scrunchies, and anything fishnet.

Don’t forget to get a fun picture with your friends wearing all of your cool props and accessories, too.

Also wow!

Those fringe white sneakers the girl in the middle is wearing are the coolest game day sneakers I’ve ever seen.

What a great way to make your shoes a statement piece in your look.

Related: 19 Cute Ways To Wear A Sports Jersey!

#16: Team Specific Shoes

tailgate outfits

Another two in one!

The tops and bottoms in this picture are adorable, but I really want to talk about the socks and shoes.

The striped socks are perfect for adding a fun pop of color to any game day outfit in a sporty chic way.

They’ll also help keep your feet and ankles warm if it’s chilly out.

The girl on the right is wearing slip on sneakers with awesome Michigan themed illustrations and doodles on them.

Sounds like another fun DIY project!

Find a blank pair of sneakers and trace your drawing on the fabric using pencil before going in with fabric markers or fabric paint.

If you don’t want to do that, you can always find an artist on Etsy or Instagram that paints custom shoes!

Related: 11 Adorable Outfits For University Of Georgia Game Day

#17: Oversized Jersey & Boots

tailgate outfits

There’s a ton of ways you can style combat boots for your tailgate outfit, and here are two of them!

One is with an oversized jersey/t-shirt dress, and the other is with a tube shirt and strappy crop top.

No matter your style, combat boots are a great way to add a bold look to your outfit on game day.

Related: 13 Next Level Basketball Game Day Party Ideas!

#18: Gator Nation

tailgate outfits

And now for the final tailgate outfit idea in this post!

For a super cute, bold, and colorful look, find a tube skirt and crop top in two different colors and accessorize with some game day pins and other fun apparel.

To tie your outfit together, use simple jewelry and sunglasses.

Related: 7 Ways To Romanticize College Every Day (Aesthetic & Motivating)


Outro & Closing Thoughts

This post showed you 18 tailgate outfits for college game day.

Game days are my absolute favorite part of being a college student!

I love the energy, food, excitement, and spirit everyone brings to the game.

Plus, game days are an awesome opportunity to experiment with some cool styles the ones in this post.

I’ll always support my team, win or lose!

Hopefully you found the perfect inspiration for your next tailgate look in this article as well as some cute finds to help you recreate the look.

Thanks for reading my post “18 Cute & Trendy Tailgate Outfits For College Game Day!”

For handmade digital art prints, icon packs, wallpapers, & more designed by me, be sure to stop by my digital boutique: Designed By Nikki Lo.

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Nikki Lo

Editor-In-Chief, yogi, small business owner, among other things! Catch me binging YouTube, decorating, or exploring my current home city of Rochester, NY.

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