On the banks of the Red Cedar, there is a school that’s known for its traditions and excitement surrounding brisk Saturdays in the fall. Game day has morphed into a way that students, alumni and fans can show their support for the team in the green and white. Filling every inch of campus with grand tailgates ultimately leads to some of the most important style moments of the semester.
Deciding what to wear to each game can be challenging and could lead to re-wearing the same few outfits over and over. Although showing school spirit and personal style does not mean having to buy a whole new wardrobe, this style guide will explain the hottest pieces that have been showing up this season and where to find inspiration if you are looking to refresh your staple game day attire.
Putting together the perfect Spartan game day outfit is all about finding the essentials. You can never go wrong with matching a green shirt and white pants, sporting a jersey, or simply wearing the student section shirt. Having these pieces already on hand opens up the opportunity to add different elements that shake up previous outfits.
In recent years, it has become a huge trend to alter basic crew-neck T-shirts by using scissors. This leaves a lot of room for creativity if you want to try something a little different. Some of the most popular ways this is done are by cutting the collar to create an off-the-shoulder look, or simply cropping the bottom of the shirt. By altering the shirt to your liking, it makes just a basic tee more fun and playful.
If you want to stay more on track with the current trends, incorporating designs or patterns into the look will do the trick. Currently, stripes are at their peak within the trend cycle, meaning it would be relatively easy to find pieces that feature them. A striped green and white set, either in a tank and mini shorts version or a long-sleeve and flared leggings, doubles as stylish and spirited.
With Michigan weather known for being extremely difficult to predict, trying to dress for all different types of weather is a challenge, but it is not impossible.
The trick to being able to stay cool during the afternoon's scorching tailgates and warm at the freezing night games in Spartan Stadium is layering. By utilizing pieces you already own, such as puffer vests, leather coats, Michigan State sweats or a denim jacket, it becomes easy to adjust to the weather throughout the day.
The biggest aspect that goes into having an outfit that both represents your school spirit and your personal style is the accessories paired with it. It is an easy way to add the finishing touches to an outfit, even without being in head-to-toe MSU apparel. Putting on green glitter, wearing a Gruff Sparty button in your belt loop, tying green ribbon in your hair or wearing small MSU face stickers are all great ways to bring an outfit together.
Other accessories that are often seen on Spartan game days include small purses, scarves, chunky jewelry, green baseball hats and big sunglasses. These small details are some of the most important, allowing the wearer to add their own personality while still embracing the traditional green and white spirit of MSU.
If you are looking to add some new pieces to your collection, there are a number of great shops in the East Lansing area that sell MSU gear. Local thrift stores have a ton of older pieces listed at a cheaper price point, making them a great option for finding unique and vintage clothing. For those who prefer to shop online, there are a number of small businesses that offer trendy Spartan gear.
Michigan State game day fashion is all about finding the perfect balance between individuality and school spirit. Being stylish on Saturdays does not have to mean you are crafting a whole new wardrobe each week, but rather investing in long-lasting, versatile pieces. Allowing your personality to shine through your game day outfit will result in being comfortable and trendy. See you on Saturday Spartans!
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