As the weather gets colder and the leaves change color, game days become more bearable for Tech students. Whether it’s braving the rain or gearing up for colder games, there’s always a way to look good while wearing navy and gold. A couple of Tech students and visitors shared their mindset while getting ready for game day.
Shopping
Sustainability has become an important aspect of students’ shopping. Not only is it resourceful, but it is also budget-friendly while providing unique pieces. Chichi Nwachukwu, first-year BCHEM, thrifted her yellow baseball jersey with “Jackets” embroidered on the front, a lucky find. Similarly, Aarington Brown, second-year BA, and Jacob Samuel, second-year ISyE, relied on thrifting for their game day outfits. Brown thrifted his collared shirt and paired it with his go-to game day shorts, while Samuel thrifted his gold and blue plaid short-sleeve button-up and paired it with little boy’s jeans from Kohl’s and his fraternity brother’s boots.
In contrast, stores like Urban Outfitters are also popular places to find trendy navy and gold clothing. Aubrey Ward’s, third-year IAML, yellow skirt is from Urban Outfitters. Reese Holsworth, a prospective senior hoping to attend Tech for ME next year, bought his pants at Urban Outfitters. The store is exceptionally popular with young adults, selling clothing that jumps ahead of current trends, is flattering, and very colorful.
Trends
Patterns in game day attire reveal notable shifts in what students consider stylish versus traditional. Cowboy boots, once considered a more trendy item, have shifted into an essential part of anyone’s close, according to Savannah Persky, third-year BA. “I think boots are just kind of a staple. Especially in the south,” she says. Footwear is an important focus for game day apparel. Cowboy boots are versatile, flattering and easy to find. Many current stores sell boots that resemble cowboy boots, but buying cowboy boots that are meant for riding horses could become a valuable investment.
While cowboy boots are quite popular for game days, some students add their own creative twist on the trend to add personality. Christine Schulz, third-year AE, tied yellow ribbons on her Boot Barn boots. She says that recently, she has seen more girls putting ribbons in their hair for game days and tying them on their shoes. By taking these two trends and combining them, Schulz demonstrates an innovative way to show personality and stand out on game days.
Both Schulz and Warren wear their respective sorority pins. Samuel says that he based his outfit around his gifted sorority pin. These pins serve as conversation starters, fostering connections with fellow students who recognize their organizations. By incorporating these elements into their game day looks, these students demonstrate how fashion can reflect personal identity and the bonds they share with others.
Brown said that he had seen lots of polos and khakis for men. A polo and khakis are an easy way to dress up while remaining comfortable. Additionally, Tech sells many branded polo shirts, making the style even more attainable. Holsworth sticks to this trend but adds his own twist: a blue Hawaiian shirt. Holsworth describes Hawaiian shirts as his go-to top for weekends, so wearing one with the Institute’s colors only suited him. When asked what he thinks a popular trend is, he mentions cowboy hats. Samuel paired his thrifted and gifted outfit with not a simple, brown cowboy hat, but a sequined cowboy hat.
Style vs. Comfort
Brown takes his comfort seriously. “I can’t be uncomfortable at a game for four hours,” he says. Tech’s first football games of the season tend to leave students standing in the direct sunlight and sweltering humidity. This makes dressing well quite challenging, but Schulz finds that the outfit comes together in the end. “I kinda go for style first, And then it, like, coincidentally works out that it’s comfortable,” she says.
The game against Duke is expected to have warm, sunny weather with a perfect drop in temperature later, making it ideal for students to showcase their style. Given how they were dressed to impress even in the rain during the game against the Virginia Military Institute, it will be exciting to see how they elevate their looks for this fair-weather game day.
Whether you are investing in new, high-quality pieces or buying secondhand, you can find great game day clothes anywhere. Games are long and hot, but Tech students prove that dressing for both comfort and style is possible. Adding your own personal touch to trendy styles makes the outfit the most comfortable.