The 5 Wardrobe Essentials You Need for a Fall Football Tailgate

Get ready to pre-game and cheer on your favorite team in style this season.

Cara O’Bleness | Oct 19, 2023

Taylor Swift and Wear by Erin Andrews Kansas City Chiefs windbreaker.

RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post/Getty Images and Fanatics

Whether you’re a longtime NFL or NCAA football fan, or are just getting interested in the sport due to a certain hot celebrity pairing, I’ll let you in on a little secret: pre-game tailgating is one of the best parts of attending a professional or college football game.

A great tailgate is composed of tasty snacks, fun drinks, a game or two, and great company–but you’ve of course got to look the part, as well. We’ve broken the tailgate wardrobe essentials down for you, so whether you’re new to the party or simply wish to refresh your closet for the season ahead, we’ve got you covered when it comes to team spirit, functionality and comfort.

2023 Sideline 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat, $37.99 (neweracap.com)

New Era Cap’s latest

NFL Sidelines collection

features styles that the players themselves wear, so you can channel your favorite athlete. And since this hat is available for all 32 NFL teams, you can rep yours in style.

Kansas City Chiefs WEAR by Erin Andrews Women’s Vintage Throwback Windbreaker Full-Zip Jacket, $99.99 (fanatics.com)

Kansas City Chiefs windbreaker — fanatics.com

When Taylor Swift wore this stylish windbreaker to the Kansas City Chiefs game on Oct. 12, it immediately sold out. Pre-order the very same one above, or find the style with your favorite NFL team’s logo here.

AE Curvy Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Cargo Jean, $62.95 (ae.com)

Not only are cargo jeans super trendy, they’re also incredibly functional for tailgates and game days. If you’d rather not lug a clear bag into the stadium post-tailgate, you can stuff the essentials into your pants pockets.

Nike Court Legacy Lift Sneaker, $89.96 (dsw.com)

Nothing beats a comfortable and sporty sneaker on game days.

Ben Crossbody Bag, $78 (sheergear.com)

Finding a cute, stadium-compliant bag is tricky, but SHEERGEAR makes the task simple. Available in different colors, you can even customize the brand’s fanny packs and crossbody bags. Plus, the line is beloved by SI Swimsuit model Christen Harper.

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Published Oct 19, 2023

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.