By Liz Gunn || It’s that time of year when two of my favorite things collide; college football and fashion. One of my favorite quotes on that subject is this …
“In the East, college football is a cultural exercise. On the West Coast, it is a tourist attraction. In the Midwest, it is cannibalism. But in the South, college football is a religion, and every Saturday is a holy day.” – Marino Casem, Alcorn State University.
In South Carolina – and most of the Southeastern region of the country – fashion is a top priority during football season. The SEC is particularly known for its well-dressed women, of course the South is also known for triple digit temperatures and suffocating humidity, so one has to be thoughtful in selecting the right ensemble.
Don’t get me wrong – if you’re the kind of girl who wants to wear your lucky Gamecock T-shirt and a pair of cut-offs to a ballgame, go ahead. But if you want to dress the part for an outdoor cocktail party with 85,000 of your closest friends, you might want to keep reading.
I love fashion, but by no means do I consider myself an expert. Honestly, I don’t think there is such a thing. Fashion is just an expression of who you are, and who the hell am I to tell you how to express yourself? I’m just offering my advice for selecting game day appropriate attire.
The first and most important thing to think about is your shoes. FITS’ founding editor has a major shoe fetish, and he may actually have more insight on this topic than I do. But he doesn’t wear ladies shoes – not to my knowledge anyway – so here are my thoughts on how to choose the right shoes for game day.
The first half of the season is always going to be really hot. Blistering hot at times. That means anything too strappy and you won’t make it through your first beer. Also, don’t even dream of wearing brand new shoes to a football game. That’s the absolute least appropriate time to be breaking in shoes. Trust me: you WILL regret it.
My choice? A trusty pair of broken-in wedges can get you through the day and night. And if you’re more of a flats kind of gal, well you’re in luck: Jack Rogers and Tory Burch both make classic flat sandals in a variety of colors.
Of course if you’re looking for more of a steal than a splurge, there are great options that look very similar at just about any shoe store you walk into. My compromise is often this – wear a great, kick-ass shoe to your tailgate, but pack some flats for the game. Also, Band-Aid makes a great product called “Friction Block” that every woman should carry on their person at all times.
Once you have a shoe in mind, you can start thinking about clothing. Until it cools off, I nearly always wear one piece. Sun dresses, rompers, maxis – whatever floats your boat. Multiple pieces, like a top paired with shorts or a skirt, will require adjustments throughout the day.
Skirts and shorts have a tendency to ride up or twist out of place. Who has time for that?
One word of caution here– remember that you will likely be taking in a lot of liquid throughout the day. Even if you aren’t drinking alcohol, you should be drinking more than you normally would to stay hydrated in the oppressive heat. That may require more frequent trips to the little girls’ room, so don’t wear anything that requires you to unfasten thirty buttons – or anything that you have to pull over your head.
I once wore a jumpsuit that basically required me to get naked in order to go the bathroom. Lesson learned!
Also stay away from silk. Did I mention the humidity in the south? I hope this one is self-explanatory.
As far accessories go, less is more. Maybe it’s just me – but half way through any normal day at the office, I’m usually down to just my basic jewelry; because the watch, the bangles, the statement necklace have all gotten in my way. For a football game, I highly recommend modest jewelry. And for the love of God don’t wear anything too expensive, with the exception of your wedding ring. If you’re a good fan you’ll hopefully be jumping up and down to Sandstorm and high-fiving your neighbors all night – the loss of your heirloom, diamond earrings during the game could really put a damper on your night.
Faux diamonds and pearls will do, just this once.
Oh, and pack a bag. As an adult I have finally learned to be prepared, even and especially at a football game.
By the time kick-off rolls around, chances are you’ve been sweltering for hours on end. Don’t forget a brush, some powder, lip gloss, gum, the Band-Aid Friction Blocker I mentioned and deodorant. That’s right – there are some things even a spectacular outfit can’t fix.
Below I’ve put together some examples of great game day options. You’ll notice some of these go against the “rules” that I just set forth. Yeah, I’ve never been one for following so-called rules when it comes to fashion. I encourage everyone else to do the same – so do your thing, and above all – GO COCKS!
Liz Gunn is a wife, mom, author, businesswoman, travel enthusiast, food snob, fashionista, lover of great wine and the No. 1 Gamecock football fan … ever. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, she lives in Columbia, S.C. with her husband and daughter.
98 comments
WTF? Pure, unadulterated fluff.
Targeting a demographic group.
Centrist, that’s ok with me, but my suggestion would be to not be harsh with Liz. She has put her time and effort into this new project. Let her draw in her targeted demographic group and give them some leeway in their comments. They may actually provide some entertainment value.
Yea dude, we need more chicks around here. It’s a sausage party.
Yeah… on game day, they bring the wings and beer… and then leave us to our filthy selves while they cluck and cackle together about our noises and smells in the other room.
Its no more “fluff” than the rest of the stuff here.
How about no LBD’s for fat asses?
What’s a LBD?
Little Black Dress…and Jamie is right.
Who cares????
Only tailgating worth a damn is the Blockhouse Steeplechase near Tryon,NC
Other than that, watch college football on TV (which I rarely do) or better yet, go to a high school game (I go a few times each season) where the money hasn’t corrupted the game QUITE as much.
After high school it’s all about the money and is bread and circus for the masses.
“better yet, go to a high school game”
That’s what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age.
Can’t argue with that
However, the absolute best spectator game in the world is women’s college volleyball = Tall athletic women in tight shorts (not to mention the game itself which is absolutely chock full of action).
The season is about to start BTW!!!!!!
Alright alright alright
Show us your tits!
That’s what I liked about settin” in the back of the truck on the access road after Talladega race.
Many excellent racks to admire and score!
“Football fashion.”
Just wear a goddamn t-shirt and a pair of jeans.
I’ve been attending football games and tailgating 30 years and have never worn a tee shirt or jeans. No one I know wears tee-shirts and jeans to games. Have a little respect for your alma mater.
thank you, Thomas! Agreed.
I have attended maybe a dozen college games in 40 YEARS and only tailgated once and I can go the next 20 without ever attending another one.
I did NOT go to college for its damn football team (or any sports team for that matter).
i went to college for an education and what mattered most is what I applied from the education I received from said university and put it to use for a career and (hopefully) enhance my financial worth for the rest of my working life – not its reputation as an ACC,SEC, Top 10, whatever…. powerhouse
College football is nothing but an extension of professional football and the players are basically mercernaries (it could be argued that they are the gladiators of 20th & 21st century)
I paid my tuition (well, Uncle Sugar basicaly paid it EXCEPT what I paid for out-of state), got my sheepskin and never looked back nor have I donated a damn nickel to the university and i sure as hell ain’t supporting their football team.
If someone wants to knock themselves to make a fashion statement or waste time in traffic that is their business but I think it is not worth the time, effort and expense – especially to support the machine that college football has become.
I’ve got better things to do on my Saturdays and Sundays.
TBG bets you’re a riot at parties. : )
I was thinking the same thing!
Does he get bonus points if he follows Gamecock fans and leaves the party early?
You are living in the past, old man. Get with the times. And there’s orange in the parking lot!
You F’ers still leave early, even when you’re winning. Hell, Fits was writing stories on here last year about bribing students to stay in the stadium.
link:
https://www.fitsnews.com/2013/09/15/south-carolinas-student-section-needs-a-pep-talk/
So how many will be in the stands Thursday night say around 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter? My money is the student section will be about 25% full. Upper west side about 50% full, the rest about 60% full. Kickoff weather is scheduled to be 92 degrees and sunny, those attendance numbers may be a tad high.
Actually I’m a real social guy and love tailgating at the Blockhouse and the only time I’ve missed The Blockhouse since 1987 is because I was in a war somewhere.
I just am not keen on fighting traffic, setting up/breaking down a tailgate “rig” then being crammed into a seat where you may or may not see the game without binoculars and then shuffling out of the stadium to fight the traffic again (not to mention supporting the sham that college football has become by attending the games).
Screw that.
I’ll say this though: A BIG 10-4 on the preppy frat/sorority comments!!!!!
So you’re one of the thousands in preppy frat boy attire?
There’s no points for originality, in fact there’s points deducted if you’re a “preppy frat boy”.
I never went to USC.
It’s a shame that respect for your alma mater doesn’t get you any forgiveness of student loan debt, though.
If that’s what someone wants to do, fine by me.
ahem…”if you’re the kind of girl who wants to wear your lucky Gamecock T-shirt and a pair of cut-offs to a ballgame, go ahead.”
he isn’t.
‘ the loss of your heirloom’ — yes, many a gal fondly looks back at that game where afterwards (or possibly even during) she lost her “heirloom”….
I thought the gals were getting the family jewels to make up for losing their heirloom.
They only get to hold the family jewels for a little while. Unlike heirlooms, they’re rarely lost.
Posts on tailgating, coffee, breast feeding, fashion – yada, yada, yada, puke, puke, puke
So, this is what you meant when you said this blog(i.e. you) needed to grow up
Well, it looks like you have grown up skippy and from where I am sitting a flaming bag of dog shit is more appealing
Your blog, your call
Damn, fellow…lighten up.
Lewis is what would be defined as a
“Curmudgeon”
Dog shit is more interesting if used properly.
I’m sure you know someone who could contribute an article on feminine odor. That logically is the next topic.
whatever floats your boat.
—–
are you aware of the etymology of that phrase?
No I’m not, please share.
the little man sits stranded on the shore, waiting for a swell to float his boat, so he can get off.
Max, you are one clever little devil….
When you’re pushing people’s buttons, you have to use a light touch if you don’t want to be offensive.
lol
Your comments re bathroom visits are important. I recommend a sundress worn commando to expedite that particular process.
I have a condo with a balcony right across the street from WB. My favorite game day activity is trying to ascertain the predominant uniform of the day for each game. Interestingly, the co-eds seem to cluster based on footware: Jack Rogers for these five; Rainbows for those; and, of course, there’s always the group in cowboy boots. It’s a veritable parade of pussy up and down the street every game day. And I love a parade. Who doesn’t?
EEEEEEEEKK..!! A PEEPER..!!
—————
Crooner, a good tactic here because if any of the game-day coeds read your post they may provide you with some really good stuff to look at. Telescope or Binoculars?
I’m pretty sure I’m not looking at anyone who reads this blog.
telescope or binoculars?
Close enough to need neither.
You do realize there’s like only 2 chicks who visit this website don’t you? I think you’re one of them.
But thanks for the female fashion advice all the same.
I think you’d be surprised, but yes I realize we are outnumbered – especially in commenters.
pondering the question, does Liz put on her resume that she wrote for FITSNews? Sort of like saying you wrote for Larry Flynt.
Not yet, no. And I’m not sure it would be relevant to most jobs I’d be interested in.
Well Will you had a good blog for a while, first you end photos of tits and discussion of tits, now you’ve hired someone who thinks fashion is newsworthy. In television it’s called “jumping the shark”.
Bravo Foxtrot Delta, this makes as much sense as some female interviewing a coach on TV at half time as he heads to the locker room.
You’re a sexist pig
That didn’t take long and you’re just a pig.
Don’t act like that’s not exactly the reason you posted that. Way to be original.
LOL, Figured out you posted in the wrong spot. You have no clue why I posted it, as the matter of fact I think it’s stupid when anyone interviews a coach when he’s running to the locker room at half time. As if a coach would actually broadcast the details of his strategy for the second half.
wait a minute… what?
If you want to talk about football fashions go ahead, just not my cup of tea. Go Red Skins.
If women were in charge of planning war, men wouldn’t go.
Go Red Skins.
There’d be decent lunch at least.
What? Quiche with asparagus shoots? The military makes the best food in the world.
Don’t act like that’s not exactly the reason you posted that. Way to be original.
She’s gotta break us in before she brings out the vagina topics. You can’t just walk into a bar nekkid, you know…let her ease into it gradually.
I wish there was a reply all button. 1) this is a blog, not a news site. Please learn the difference. You sound like an idiot. 2) Titles are there for a reason. See something that isn’t of interest to you? Here’s a novel idea – don’t read it! 3) who cares? Well, I think a lot of people care about SEC football and fashion – two industries that rake in billions every year.
Dear Liz…………
If you think this site is a blog and has no NEWS …then…my friend YOU may find yourself coming to the conclusion that YOU may be the idiot…!! This site is a WEAPON. …..To be used at will in a court of LAW to hold our leaders accountable to the taxpayers of this great state. Liz, when is the last time YOU were called into a court of law because of the informational value of an article you wrote..!? Why would anyone write anything if they did NOT want to make a difference..? If you want to write about football and fashion; then I highly suggest you ask yourself how much fossil OIL is used to deliver all those clothes from CHINA that your reporting on sitting in the stands..!? Liz……..just how much fashion is manufactured in our state from LOCAL energy and not fossil energy..!? Dare to ask Lindsey Graham that question before a child of yours one day grows up to DIE for OIL….!?!
Point number 2….yes titles are there for a reason. They are there in newspapers to attract eyes. However, for those weaponized informational sites such as Fitsnews, titles are to be used to HANG someone of value in our state. (ie…..Haley’s choice of slacks at halftime, Lindsey’s choice of tie while meeting with USC Muslim students, Tim Scott’s choice of shirts while reading about burn-pit VA sufferers in a press box…)
Point 3………WHO CARES..? Your friggin’ employer named WIL FOLKS…that’s who…!!! Liz, we feel sure that Mrs Folks has watched “Gone with the Wind” and understands the importance of make shift curtains being used to make a dress. Liz……since “Diane’s on Devine” has shuttered, we wonder if you really have the guts to tell Fitsnews readers what is really being “worn” and by whom in Columbia…!! We feel sure that some advertisers would love to know….!!!
SO…Liz, just as you,…. I care about Football and fashion. I however care more about the actual STUDENTS who have not read about this article here…
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28898223
….and understand why YOU have not called out Lindsey Graham or Tim Scott for not harnessing this energy to create LOCAL jobs for these students. If you must know…..these vents off of our coast have been known for some time. (At least 3 or 4 DECADES….)
Its time for you to stand and deliver Liz…………if you want to write for Fitsnews then write like you mean it…!!! Don’t write like its the SKIRT MAGAZINE…!!!
Do we understand each other….!?
Get busy……… (Fist poundzzzz..)
When I said “Who cares” I was responding to another commenter – I should have put that in quotes. I’ve worked for an actual news station, and believe me…this is a blog. Is it more widely read, maybe even trusted than some actual news sources? Yes. As it probably should be. But there IS a difference from a journalistic point of view. My “employer” as you called him told me I could write about anything I wanted, and gave his blessing on this one in particular. Not everyone comes to the internet for breaking news, breaking scandals and political drama – some people, myself included, like to read something a little lighter from time to time. Something entertaining, something fun. If my post was neither of those, I apologize. I tried. But I won’t apologize for the topic. Hear me when I tell you that I always write like I mean it…sometimes it just might be about things a little more…”fluffy” as one endearing commenter accused.
As always, though, I do appreciate your feedback!
Liz………WAKE UP…!!!
If you do not know each and every loyal “hound” that follows this Fitsnews “fox” and WHAT they “wear” then you need to study some more…!! This is an ARMY..!!! These readers are to be used by YOU to leverage the news..!!!
Fashion at a football game is worth BILLIONS. So…..how much do you think it is gonna cost when a Boko Haram or ISIS drone is used to say hello to women’s fashion at a football stadium…!!!?
This is SERIOUS….!!! You did not get educated in journalism for nothing…!! Take a look around you. Heck, look at all the security that is going into our state’s schools alone. (Elementary, Middle, High school, College…)
This is a free country and website and you can write about fluffy fashion if you want to. Just know that the readers here may seem “cranky”…..but when it comes to using Fitsnews for a daily “press” that the readers are looking for specifics to SLAM DUNK..!!
Liz…….name ONE lawsuit in our state where Fitsnews has been used as evidence..? Dare to wonder what Bobby Harrell wears while flying that “Cesna”..!? Dare to wonder what Bobby Harrell or Mayor Riley wear while discussing College of Charleston fashion in neck area development…!? Dare to wonder what fashion was worn by certain luxury box attendees when hammering out the North Charleston Terminal “upgrade”…!?
Liz………I know you have watched this movie…!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZMg4vFcRQs
….i highly doubt you wear bad shoes…..
“Not everyone comes to the internet for X”
No, but people visit specific websites for X. Sometimes Y and Z. When it starts being F, Q, N, S, and a dash of K, those who come for X/Y/Z start to get a little annoyed. It is unavoidable. It isn’t any different than not liking coffee, public education, or GrandTango.
Some people read Playboy for “just the articles,” perhaps they are fascinating articles too. I doubt a majority of their audience would ever notice. That’s not the fault of the writer, not at all, just comes with the territory of the publication and it’s audience.
+5 points…………
I get that. And if I was posting 3 x a day, maybe I would understand the frustration. What I don’t get is why people can’t look past things they aren’t interested in. I’ve been reading FITS for years…and believe me, there is a lot of it that doesn’t interest me at all. It doesn’t anger me. It doesn’t make me stop coming to the site. It just doesn’t interest me, so I ignore it. I’m not at all offended by anyone who didn’t “like” this post. I’m confused by the outrage over it. That’s all.
What I don’t get is why people can’t look past things they aren’t interested in.
——
The nature of that beast.
Fair enough. The commenters could just be the vocal minority, so don’t get too bothered.
perhaps they are fascinating articles too.
—–
I’ve often wondered.
Liz-You are doing a great job, keep up the good work.
Go Gamecocks!
thanks for the encouragement, 2 more days! Go COCKS!
Hey! pipe down over there! The temp is *saying* something!
(muttering) it’s like summer school without a teacher around here..
http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20121205194057/simpsons/images/e/e9/Nelson_Ha-Ha.jpg
If it weren’t for the class I bring to this joint, I wouldn’t even come here.
I still have the pair of “weejuns” I got got high school graduation. “1969”
Broke them and a pair of khaki duckheads out for the Jerry Butler concert in Newberry last fall.
Would I fit in?
Just remembered , there’s a beach music song that says all there is to know about fashion.
Title,” Mr. Beach”.
The Shagtime Band performs it wonderfully!
love that song :)
94.9THESURF
God’s music!
From a women’s perspective, what can a man do to get women’s rapt attention, sexually, that’s roughly equal to women showing us their tits?
oooh, now there’s a good topic I can write about…thanks for the tip, euwe.
So ……Liz, here is a challenge for you. You say you love FASHION and Football, right..?
Read this article here…
https://firstlook.org/theintercept/article/2014/08/25/icreach-nsa-cia-secret-google-crisscross-proton/
….then think for a moment. How would you stop a certain CHANT ..?
Like….”bye, bye Lindsey” right after every timeout commercial break…?
…..and Liz….if your still on the edge of your seat……
read this and think in “reverse”…
https://www.vocativ.com/isis-2/uncategorized/steven-sotloff/
Liz, just think what you “Know” about me..?
…..and your next fashion domino Liz…..iz…
here….
http://www.cnbc.com/id/101914919
….you do know how to use a “switch” do you not..?
Love this one. Reminds of some of the new apps I’ve seen for parents of teens, where they can cut their child’s phone off if they keep ignoring them. Thank God that didn’t exist when I was growing up. Neither did iPhones though…
…..and now you know why “Occupy Wall Street” got ……nowhere….
…what if you realized a “parent” thought the same thing about where you work at…?
Liz….keep your chin up….
I really enjoyed this article, Liz. As a female who reads the articles and news on this site on a regular basis, I appreciated this. I read local news, national news, international news, but I also enjoy blogs like this. It’s sad how the nay-sayers on here are probably in such desperate need for female affection….and yet they don’t take advantage of using this information to better their game. I guess they’ll just be back to being those hateful, sexist pigs who are so miserable at a tailgate that no female wants to come near them. Dare I call them pathetic? I guess I don’t need to- their comments speak for them. Keep living your sad, miserable, FITS news-comment-centered lives. I mean- I bet you checked this site as soon as you saw the notification! Not like you have any live human being sitting across from you wanting to actually engage you in meaningful, lively dialogue. Just you and your computer. Meanwhile, Liz and I will be the gregarious, fashion-forward lives of the party on Thursday! See you NOT there.
LIZ, you must be on to something — my cousin in the Huntsville, Alabama area has alerted me to these two fashion slide shows—- sweater vests to bow ties to boots >>>
ALABAMA
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/08/fall_football_fashion_alabama.html#incart_2box
AUBURN
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/08/fall_football_fashion_auburn_f.html#incart_2box
Yeah! Every school kind of has their own signature items, too. Unfortunately, in my opinion, ours has become dresses that were really meant to be tops (bc they are too damn short!) with cowboy boots (which is so gross considering how hot it is the first half of the season.)