GGGOOODDD MORNING WOLVERINES!!! Welcome to the greatest university in the world, and furthermore, the greatest season Ann Arbor has to offer — football season. Whether or not you care about seeing Bryce Underwood’s legendary arm chucking a football across the Big House, there is no denying that the University of Michigan is a community dominated by our dedication to collegiate football, and its corresponding tailgates and partying. With such a big moment staring us all in the face, I am here to help out in the best way possible — outfit inspo. Almost every Saturday from now until November is going to entail early wakeups, the journey to various tailgates and nail-biting football games that are bound to result in a Michigan victory. Tailgating is not just part of our culture here at the University — it’s also one of the best opportunities for students, new and old, to make friendships and craft the perfect Instagram post to show your mom, dad and high school friends how much fun you’re having. Wearing a good outfit that blends both style and comfort is key to all of this, especially since it’s something you will probably wear for hours and hours on a football Saturday. Here are a few options I would suggest to survive the moody Ann Arbor weather while still looking way cooler than the person next to you.
Let’s build the outfit from the bottom up. On the feet I think the best option is, of course, a pair of sneakers. Sneakers are a classic sporty and aesthetic shoe that just scream “TACKLE THEM,” but also offer the comfort necessary to survive the thousands of steps your Saturday is certain to have. Instead of the more “basic” Nike or Adidas sneakers, here are three suggestions for a cooler look that matches the comfort of your beloved Air Force 1s. Yellow Onitsuka Tigers, yellow or blue Puma Speedcats and the blue Adidas Forums. Thank me later — for now, just run to purchase them before the first big game.
Moving on to bottoms, I’m going to suggest a few options for the brief period of Michigan warmth, and then dive into some of the more helpful Michigan winter protectors. For the game or two where the sun is shining, I would suggest a baggy jean short. I like to find vintage ones in thrift stores or on Depop, but you can search “baggy jean shorts” on Google for some pairs online. Jean shorts are so versatile and easy to accessorize with a statement belt or some yellow and blue ribbon tied along the belt loops to keep that school spirit high, yet still fashion forward. For the inevitable cold, a simple jean is of course a good option, but I think to really stand out, a baggy pair of vintage track pants is best. Most of my track pants come from either the thrift store or Depop (can you tell I’m obsessed), but there are also some good ones online at Urban Outfitters.
Moving on to the top half, for our students who want to show off a little skin or maybe their gym gains from the Intramural Sports Building, a tank top is always a great option. For this I would highly suggest perusing through your local thrift store and pulling out any and all options you find with a yellow, navy or white color to match our school’s color palette. This is the best way to find unique and elevated versions of a simple tank top while staying within budget. I found my dream navy tank with lace detailing this way, so trust me, I know what I’m talking about. If you’re not a tank lover, that’s OK, I would suggest a cool T-shirt that references the University in a more exciting way than just “Michigan.” You can find tees like that at University Vintage, located right on State Street directly next to Ondo Bakery, or being sold right outside the Michigan Union some days during football season.
During the winter months, I would suggest a good jacket to layer over your already killer outfit. A lot of times these months are survival of the fittest, and even making it to the games is an accomplishment. But if you do want to keep fashion a priority, I would again go back to University Vintage and invest in a high-quality parka-type jacket. The ones they offer there are genuine University vintage, so you can stay both stylish and warm. With that complete, we have assembled a wonderful and stylish outfit that is sure to turn heads all the way from home to the Big House, yet I have a few more suggestions for the overachievers of the fashion world.
Change up that usual makeup for a pop with a winged blue liquid liner. I wear the NYX Epic Wear Liquid Liner in Sapphire every single game day, and it has never disappointed me. You heard me talking about ribbons earlier — Amazon sells multiple packs of different colored ribbons for cheap. Finally, finding a pair of black sunglasses will turn any outfit, boring or not, into a lesson on being the coolest person in the room. With that I will send you all on your merry way; have a happy and successful shopping spree.
My final piece of advice is to remind everyone to cherish this time you have with your friends because you don’t realize how fast it all goes by — trust me, I’m speaking as a rising senior with only one fall left at the greatest university in the world.
Daily Arts Writer Bobby Currie can be reached at bobcur@umich.edu.
