Whether in pouring rain, bitter cold or unbearable heat, NC State students never fail to show up and show out when it comes to game day outfits. Beyond the cheers and roar of the crowd, tailgate fashion choices are a defining feature of the Wolfpack game day experience.
As the 2023 college football season comes to an end, here’s a look back at frequent fashion highlights of the season.
Ribbons
Whether they’re tied to a clear bag, holding together an updo or tied to cowboy boots, ribbons have been the “it” accessory this football season.
Maddie Weber, a first-year studying fashion and textile management, said ribbons were her favorite game day trend this season.
“I’ve been loving the red ribbons everywhere,” Weber said. “Ribbon bows in hair, tied to purses and tied to boots.”
While ribbons never went out of style, they’ve certainly made a comeback this fall. Weber said ribbons are a great addition to game day outfits.
“It’s a good way to accessorize without being too obvious with it,” Weber said. “If you’re not someone who loves red, you can add a subtle red accessory through a ribbon somewhere on your outfit.”
And the Wolfpack did, as the sight of red ribbons flocking through the air against an all neutral or black outfit never lacked this season. Ribbons are a great way to represent school spirit without going overboard, which makes them the perfect accessory to elevate a simple tailgate outfit.
Red boots
Students, alum and fans alike donned their favorite pair of cowboy boots — a common and iconic game day staple — at Carter-Finley this season. However, this season there was an uptick in particularly red boots.
Following the recurring trend of red accessories with an overall neutral outfit, bright red boots have been at the height of popularity this season. Blending stereotypical tailgate fashion with NC State’s trademark color allows for the perfect Wolfpack outfit.
Denim on denim
Bringing back a ‘90s staple, this year’s tailgates have been thick with denim. Whether matching sets, a collection of washes or just plain old jeans, denim was everywhere. However, the denim-on-denim look takes the prize for dominating game days fashion-wise.
Ella Troiano, a fourth-year in design studies, said denim was one of the most common fashion pieces she saw over the course of the season.
“This year I saw a lot of mini skirts and denim,” Troiano said. “My favorite trend I wore this year is a denim vest styled for game day.”
However, it wasn’t only vests. This year, denim jackets paired with a pair of jeans or maxi skirts became a common look among fans.
Vintage NC State
Keeping with the ‘90s fashion comeback, vintage NC State hats, jackets and jerseys were a hit this year. For example, old school varsity jackets with the NC State logo were a frequent sight.
“I also saw a lot of girls wearing cute bows and vintage NC State hats to the game,” Troaino said.
Often found at thrift stores or inherited from alums, vintage hats, among other pieces, elevated fans’ looks this season.
This year’s football season saw a return of retro styles and simplicity to Carter-Finley. From red accessories to denim or a variety of vintage pieces, the Wolfpack did not come to play when it came to outfits.
