LSU football Saturdays are here again, and with each weekend comes the game day checklist. Ride? Check. Ice chest? Check. Purple and gold wardrobe? Ehhh.
For guys, it’s easy. The biggest challenge they face is the choice between boat shoes or flip-flops. Slip on the favorite khakis or blue jeans with a purple or gold shirt. Done. Maybe they’ll get a little crazy and wear a jersey or some spirited bright yellow pants, but either way, the guys are going to stick to the same basic wardrobe they rock every season.
For girls, it’s different. Getting ready for game day can be a process. Some keep it simple like the guys with basic tees and shorts, but others waste valuable tailgate time stressing about their fashion. The key is to accept the fact that someone else will always be wearing what you’re wearing and keep a few important rules in mind.
1. Heels are a no.
Yes, even wedges. Why torture yourself? From the Parade Ground to Cox and back again, the day quickly becomes a walk-a-thon. Losing the shoes dancing to Serranos’ band is perfectly acceptable, but not at noon under the tailgate tent because a poor choice was made. Put on the ol’ faithful sandals or boots and enjoy.
2. Get your prints right.
We are not the leopards. We are not the cheetahs. We are the Tigers. So if you’re going to go animal print on game day, get yourself some tiger stripes. This no-no drives me especially nuts because I am legitimately concerned about whether girls know the difference between the members of the feline kingdom. It’s a little scary.
3. Be wary of the heat.
This is Louisiana. Of all the football season perks, most people would agree the 99 degree heat is not one of them. Soon the time of sweater dresses and blue jeans will be upon us, but not quite, so dress appropriately. Sweating will occur, so take care of that business as best you can by avoiding the wrong colors, anything tight or a lack of antiperspirant.
4. Sunglasses: don’t forget them.
This one goes for both the guys and the gals. Shades actually serve more than one purpose on game day. First of all, the obvious — protecting eyes from the piercing sun rays that flood Tiger Stadium. Secondly, shielding those lazy eyes that start to droop as the ice chests begin to empty. No one wants to run into Great Aunt So-And-So and have her ask, “Are you feeling OK?” Family embarrassment while buzzed is easily avoided when sunglasses are on deck.
5. Stick with a smaller purse.
Downsize that piece of luggage people call a purse for the day. Cross-bodies are ideal. They fit the necessities, stay close and basically can’t be lost. Unless there’s a willing friend around, a semi-giant purse is not on the list of things to take into a Porta Potty. Face the facts: eventually the seal will be broken.
Aside from my short tiger stripe rant, these rules are for the comfort of all Tiger tailgaters. The day is not a fashion show, although looking cute never hurt anyone. The main focus is to stay comfortable in order to maximize the day’s fun. No one wants to have to find a ride (or walk, yikes) home because, “My shoes are just killing me!” or “My sweat spots are insane!” or possibly the worst, “I dropped my purse … in the Porta Potty.”
Go ahead. Get happy and stay happy all day, because it’s game day.