Girl, let’s style your game day fit.

Hey girl, it’s game day!   I love that for you.   

Now for the fun part – styling your game day fit.

Let’s start with the basics.  What exactly is a game day fit?  Fit refers to your outfit and how it’s styled to create your perfect look.   Your game day fit, is a combination of what you’re wearing to the game and the energy, confidence, and demeanor you bring on game day.  Look no further than the ladies of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) for inspiration.  These athletes are dripping with confidence and swagger.  These are the vibes we want with our own game day fits.  We may not be the ones competing, but we can certainly still turn heads as we show up to the game! 

But wait, I thought I need to wear a jersey?

Jerseys can be a great – and simple - addition to your fit.  They easily pair with any bottoms (especially jeans or shorts), can be dressed up or down (depending on your choice of bottoms and shoes), and can be an easy way to show off your fandom.  But jerseys can come with a hefty price tag.  And if you’re new to sports, you may not be willing to make this investment just yet.  Here are some tips if you do want to consider a jersey:

• Your jersey can come with an athlete’s (last) name on the back or it can be left blank. The athlete jerseys are often a little pricier, but if you have a favourite athlete on the team, it’s a great way to show your support.  It can also be a good conversation starter with other fans!  If you’re new to the team or want to save some extra cash, consider a blank jersey –it will be timeless.

• Jerseys come in different sizes, including kids, youth, and adult sizes.  If you’re able to squeeze into a kids or youth size (rather than an adult jersey), you will save yourself some money!

• When choosing a size, be mindful of how you plan to wear the jersey.  If there’s a chance you’ll layer the jersey with a long sleeve or sweater underneath (think sporting events that are outside or played in the winter months), you’ll want to make sure you have enough room for that.

• There will be different colour options for you to choose from.  There will be anything from home jerseys (the colour the team wears when they play at home), away jerseys (the colour the team wears when they play in other cities), and other specialty jerseys (which may include older versions of the team’s jerseys or jerseys to mark special occasions or initiatives).  There’s no rules with this one.  Choose whichever one suits your personality the best!

What else do I need to consider when styling my game day fit?

No matter if you’ve decided on a jersey or not, here are some other things to think about as you style your game day fit.

Weather.  Just like any outfit you’re putting together, you will need to consider the weather when deciding what to wear.  There’s nothing worse than being outdoors for hours with no way to protect yourself from the sun.  So don’t forget sunscreen and consider a team ball cap, especially if it’s a hot day.  If it’s cold, wear layers (this is where its helpful to be able to layer under your jersey) or consider a branded hat or scarf that can be paired with whatever warm clothes you have. 

Will you be sitting or standing?  It’s important to know what location your tickets are for!  Are you sitting in a seat for the duration of the event?  Or are you in a standing room only area (or plan on hanging out in an area that is primarily standing room only)?  This is key for two reasons.  Firstly, if you’re doing a lot of standing, you’ll want to wear shoes that are comfortable enough to stand around in for a few hours.  Secondly, if you’re in a seat, be mindful of your outerwear.  Unless you have a very premium ticket (which most of us don’t!), you will likely not have a coat check or area to store your coat, which means if your jacket is too big and bulky, it may be uncomfortable to have to sit on for the duration of the event.

The vibes.  The vibe and atmosphere of the sporting event you are attending may impact what you decide to wear.  Social media and some quick internet searching can help you to determine the vibe.  For example, if you’re going to a baseball game and hanging out in the outfield with other fans, eating hot dogs and other ballpark snacks, a more casual outfit is likely the way to go.  But if you’re sitting near the court at a basketball game, an area that catches everyone’s eye, you may want to flex your own personal style a little more.  Taking a few minutes to do some simple researching can help you to determine what vibe you want to go with!

Budget. You can look like a fan no matter what your budget is! If you're trying not to break the bank, consider smaller pieces of apparel such as hats or t-shirts. You can then accessorize with other items in your closet depending on the look you're going for. And if you're not ready to invest any money on game day apparel just yet, wear a colour that matches the team you're cheering for.

Be original.  If team apparel isn’t calling to you, but you’re a little crafty and creative, consider having some fun and making your own team apparel!  Iron-on patches are an easy way to embellish denim jackets or jeans and you can be sure that no one else will be rocking your look!

When in doubt, a ballcap is the way to go.

After reading all of this, you still may be undecided on what to wear or unsure what team apparel you want to invest in.  If this is the case, consider a team ball cap.  Ball caps are not just for baseball!  Just about any team will have a hat and you can pair that with whatever outfit you’re wearing.  This also makes your outfit a little more versatile.  Coming from work?  Going out after the game?  It doesn’t matter!  Throw on that ball cap and you’re ready to support your team!

You will find a variety of colours, designs, and patterns and can choose the hat that best fits your own personal style. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to be yourself!

No matter what you choose to wear, the most important part is that you look and feel like your best self.  Because when you feel like your best self, you are sure to have fun! 

Enjoy the game!