Football season is here, and college campuses are gearing up for fall tailgates and kickoffs.
Before you spend a fortune on new team merch, consider building your look from online resale sites at a fraction of the cost. Thrifting is one of the easiest ways to put together a standout college gameday outfit without the hefty retail price tag. On Madilyn James, you can shop thousands of unique, pre-loved fashion finds perfect for tailgate season.
In this guide, we’ll cover why secondhand is the smartest way to shop, our gameday outfit picks, and how to style a thrifted tailgate outfit from head to toe.
Why Secondhand is the Best Option for College Gameday Outfits
Between wearing out tailgate outfits and wanting new styles for each game, buying clothes from online marketplaces is among the most sustainable options for this time of year. Here are some of the benefits of buying secondhand gameday outfits:
- Save money on pieces you’ll only wear a handful of times a year.
- Wear unique outfits and stand out in one-of-a-kind fashion instead of the same mass-produced “gameday tee” as everyone else in your section.
- Get better quality with more durable items than new fast-fashion alternatives.
- Shop more sustainably, keeping pieces in rotation instead of buying something new for every game.
- Support independent sellers and small businesses listing curated, hard-to-find pieces you won’t see on a retail rack.
Thrifted Gameday Outfit Ideas for Every Type of Game Day
Not every game calls for the same look. Here’s how to think about building a thrifted tailgate outfit depending on the day:
Warm Weather Gameday Outfits
For early-season games, lean into breezy, easy pieces: mini skirts, bodysuits, baby tees, and tank tops in team colors are all easy to thrift and mix into countless combinations. A matching set in team colors is also an effortless one-and-done option if you’d rather not piece together separates.
Milly Elegant Red Tank – $94
Current/Elliott Polka Dot Denim Mini Skirt – $75
The Classic Saturday Gameday Outfit
A dress in team colors is one of the easiest ways to show spirit without piecing together separates. Pair it with sneakers for a casual gameday, or dress it up with heeled boots, a school pin, and a jacket if the day starts warm and cools off by kickoff.
KUT from the Kloth White Sweetheart Sundress – $30
The Jersey Day
A thrifted jersey or oversized tee paired with long boots is a gameday classic. This outfit is comfortable for a full day of tailgating and a great way to repurpose a vintage or oversized jersey you already found secondhand.
Nike Georgia Jersey – $22
Sunday Funday Football Sweater – $45
The Western/Cowboy Boot Trend
Cowboy boots have become a gameday staple, and they’re easy to style multiple ways:
- Cowboy boots + a mini dress for a dressed-up tailgate look
- Cowboy boots + denim shorts for a warm-weather game
- Cowboy boots + jeans for a classic, all-season pairing
- Boots in team colors for extra spirit
Shop the trend: Smoky Mountain Monterey Boots – $65
Cold Weather Gameday Outfits
For late-season and night games, layering is everything:
- Team-color sweaters
- Puffer, varsity, and leather jackets
- Scarves and beanies
- Fleece-lined leggings
- Jeans
- Fuzzy boots
- Long-sleeve tees or turtlenecks
Layer a statement leather jacket over a tucked-in team-color sweater and jeans for a look that’s polished enough for a dressed-up tailgate, but still warm enough for a cold kickoff. Finish it off with black boots.
Shop the look:
Madewell Black Leather Jacket – $80
Light Purple Sweater – $45
Kiczoy Acid Wash Straight Leg Jeans – $28
How to Style Thrifted Tailgate Outfits
A few styling tips to make secondhand pieces look intentional, not accidental:
- Knot or tuck-in oversized tops
- Layer pieces from different eras
- Stick to team colors, not just logos
- Let one piece be the statement
- Mix textures and fits
- Finish with the right accessories
Accessorizing College Gameday Outfits
Add in some thrifted extras to make any base outfit feel complete:
- Necklaces and earrings in team colors add a personal touch
- Hats are practical for sunny gamedays and easy to thrift
- A clear purse keeps you stadium-compliant while still on-theme
- Boots anchor an outfit and hold up better than sandals for a full day on your feet
- Sunglasses are easy to find secondhand and instantly finish a daytime tailgate look
- Hair accessories in team colors are a small, low-cost way to add spirit
- Layered bracelets and rings are easy to find in bulk and mix with team colors
- Pins, patches, or buttons are great for customizing and adding some school spirit
Shop on Madilyn James for Your Next Tailgate
Gameday fashion doesn’t have to come at gameday prices. On Madilyn James, college students and fans alike can shop and sell tailgate outfits for every season.
Don’t spend hundreds on each game; shop your next gameday outfit today on Madilyn James.
