Ask almost any University of Iowa student what their favorite part of the fall semester is and I guarantee the answer is going to be Hawkeye football. With the Orange Bowl championship under our belt and the recent Hawkeye win over Iowa State, school spirit is at an all-time high. With our school colors pretty much pumping through our veins as we blare Wiz Khalifa’s new jam, Black and Yellow, tailgating has become the newest reason to be creative with our wardrobe. Settling for the basic T-shirt from the bookstore is no longer an option; Fashionista/os are getting more creative and outgoing with their football attire.
This Fashionista is the perfect example of how to go all out to support your school and look stylish doing it. Black and gold are the main color components of this outfit, and she didn’t settle with just wearing the school colors to show her Hawkeye pride. She made this outfit her own. Getting creative with her (once) basic T-shirt was the first step to making this look one-of-a-kind. She cut a wide neck to give the shirt the ability to fashionably fall off her shoulder. She then decided to chop it up and add black beads. The simple addition of the beads to the ends of the cut fabric transformed what could have been a pretty standard outfit into a black and gold fashion statement.
Her outfit becomes even more successful with small, yet effective, decisions in regards to her sports bra, cap, and shoes. The black and white polka-dotted sports bra only shows on the side of the shoulder exposed, but having a pattern adds some playfulness. Also, the backwards Iowa hat, like the polka-dotted sports bra, added an element of fun as well. The black, sparkly Chuck Taylors were the perfect shoe for this outfit, and she even customized them with Hawkeye stickers just for the game. She didn't let the rain stop her fun either, instead just grabbed an umbrella with a crazy pattern. Again, it was little additions that made the outfit as a whole so unique and full of spirit!
With Homecoming fast approaching, all of you Fashionista/os should take this opportunity to try what this Fashionista did – make a tailgating outfit your own! Turn an XXL hoodie into an oversized crew neck that you wear with leggings, try cutting up your T-shirt in a new way, add some beads to your boring school T-shirts, or wear a pair of shoes that you have customized just for the day. Create a look that lets everybody know who you will be cheering for in the stands. And remember, if your football team is looking good this season, be the best fan you can be and try to look even better.
Hint: Simple sports bras and basics can be found at Target! Try something different like tie-dye or a fun color. The best Hawkeye apparel, including hats, T-shirts, and stickers, can be found at the Iowa Hawk Shop or Iowa Book, and don’t forget you can make anything you find there your own! My favorite shoes to make any tailgating look complete are either Chuck Taylors, similar to this Fashionista's, or Nike High Tops (they come in all different colors and styles, which makes them ideal for matching with almost any school color). Both make a statement on their own, and compliment basics such as T-shirts and jean shorts to give the outfit an extra kick!