It will soon be fall, and you know what that means: comfy sweaters, spiced lattes, and tailgating! If you’re like most mega-fans, you’re already brainstorming the many ways you can put your own special spin on your next tailgate party, and we’re here to help you knock it out of the park. Because let’s be real…you always do things your own way, so why should tailgating be any different? Here are some of our favorite 2018 tailgate trends, with ideas for what to wear, what to eat and how to make the party all your own.
1. Ripped, Frayed and Tied-Up: Modified Team Gear—If you’re about to retire your favorite pair of frayed cutoffs for the season, don’t worry. This year, it’s all about extending the distressed and homemade feel of your summer shorts to your spirited team shirts. Here’s how to do it: Start with a shirt you love but one that doesn’t quite fit right or one that’s almost ready to retire (we love the ones you can get in the $5 bin at the bookstore or vintage versions from the thrift) and then decide how you want to modify it. You’ll find tutorials online for how to turn tops into something else entirely, like how to transform old tank tops into something new that’s perfect for your fall fan style.
2. All You for Fall You: Monogrammed Outerwear—There is nowhere, and we mean nowhere, that monogrammed apparel doesn’t look totally at home, even in the parking lot at the stadium. Obviously, if you’re headed out for a day of tailgating, you have to pack a comfy hoodie, zip-up or a light jacket. To ensure that your look is a 100 percent one-of-a-kind, top it off with some monogrammed outerwear so there’s no mistaking your personal style. Tie it all up with a scarf in some team colors and you’ve got yourself a versatile fall ’fit that can go just about anywhere.
3. Understated, not Underdressed: Team-Colored Outfits—While it’s definitely fun to paint yourself from head to toe in team colors, sometimes it’s even more fun to integrate your team spirit in more subtle, muted manners. For example, rather than spray-painting your hair in the hues of the home team, maybe you wear a dress and sneakers with more restrained hints of team colors. We love this look from college fashionista Victoria Michaels, who dressed down her University of South Carolina tailgate look with some super-subtle nods to the garnet and black last season. That is some on-point fan fashion!
4. Team-spirited Nails (Because the Devil’s in the Details)—We’re so, so happy the nail art trend keeps getting bigger and bigger. The past few seasons, we’ve seen some amazing team nails celebrating all the pro and college squads, and this year we expect to see even more done in new ways. There will surely be plenty of novel versions featuring the ultra-popular dip nail trend, but since dip nails don’t leave as much room for artwork, we’ll probably see a revitalization of more swirl, tie-dye, and glitter nails done in team colors. It’s all about subtly spirited style, anyway!
5. Prepped and Ready: Preppy Tailgate Style—What is fall fashion if it’s not preppy? Celebrate your collegiate style with a positively prepped out long-sleeved top, quilted vest and skinny jeans or use your layers to create a classic New England or Southern look that’s smart yet relaxed. If you really want to take tailgating prep to the next level, you’ve got to top off your look with a monogrammed herringbone vest. The best part is, you’ll be able to sport this style until spring with literally dozens of different looks. Think of it as your seasonal style investment!
6.No More Sloppy Joes: Fancy Fan Food—The menu is as good a place to show your style as anywhere! Don’t get us wrong, we love mini weenies as much as the next fan, as long as they’re done creatively! This year, kick your tailgating menu up a notch or two with some gourmet tailgate food that helps you sustain for several hours of rooting. We love the idea of giving your ’gating snacks a local flavor…think gumbo for the Saints, lobster rolls for the Pats and fancy chili for the Bengals.
7. Drink Up: Cocktails, Craft Brews and Gourmet Coffee—Don’t get us wrong: There is nothing wrong with cheap gas station beer, especially when it’s fall and there’s a game going on. But if you find yourself wanting to sip on something special, then, by all means, get crafty! The key to creating a good tailgating cocktail or fancy coffee drink is to make it portable and easy to mix up anywhere. Stick to mixed drinks you can make beforehand and toss in a pitcher or beverage dispenser to share. To keep it simple yet sophisticated, load up your cooler with the small-batch brews.
8.Instagram-Worthy Team Cutout Cookies—Modern-day bakers are truly some of the most creative out there. We’re especially big fans of the crazy cutout cookie trend that seems to be everywhere. Find a good baker and you can get elaborate, custom-shaped cookies for just about any occasion, the big game included. Have your favorite cookie crafter make you a dozen or two in the shape of your team’s logo, mascot or even the starting quarterback. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can even make your own football-shaped cookies frosted in team colors.
From homecoming to March Madness, these tailgating trends will get you in the mood to root for the home team. The key is to bring your own creative spin, whether it’s through personalized, homemade apparel or by whipping up a few special appetizers and desserts to share. The important part is that, even if your team flops, you know you gave it your best effort! Happy tailgating!
