Game Day Outfits by School Color: What to Wear in 2026

Fan of the Year: Game Day Outfits by School Color

The fall season offers a lot for us to look forward to each year. From the changing leaves, to the crisp air, and the taste of warm apple cider- it’s a season of friends and family, thankfulness and gratitude, and cozy, soft sweaters. 

But, most importantly…

It’s the season of watching your team absolutely demolish your rival school.

Sure, being back on campus with your friends is fun, but the commencement of football season makes leaving summer in the past worth it. Beach days turn into tailgates, and casual nights out turn into campus-wide celebrations. Whether this is your first year experiencing the glory of game days, or you’re a seasoned vet, there’s so much to look forward to this season. It comes and goes by faster than you can anticipate, so it’s a good idea to stock up on cute game day outfits early. 

Struggling to find the looks that show off your school spirit? I’m here to help style you in the best game day outfits of 2026. I’ve put together some game day outfit inspo that combines all the trends with pieces that match your school’s colors. If your school didn’t make the list this time, don’t worry- I still love you! American Threads has so many more game day outfits just waiting to be discovered.

 

Let’s Hear it for the Home Team: Game Day Outfits for Your School Colors

Black and Gold Game Day Outfits

Okay, some of these schools’ colors are technically black and yellow, but gold = win, so let’s just go off of that association. Here’s what to wear to a college game day in 2026 if you go to:

• University of Iowa

• Purdue University

• Wake Forest University

• Vanderbilt University

• University of Central Florida

• or another yellow or gold and black school

Emmalina Striped Halter Top in “butter yellow” + Karla Leather Wrap Mini Skort

The Emmalina is a gorgeous open back halter that has a slight sheen to its material, which contrasts beautifully with the faux leather of the Karla. It’s an elevated look for game day that is a showstopper in its own right. The Emmalina is an amazingly versatile top for anyone in need of a golden look, and will definitely be rewearable throughout the semester. The Karla shorts go with anything, great for layered looks throughout the fall, as well as occasions such as themed parties. Both of these pieces can be dressed up or down to achieve any vibe, and together make a cool and edgy black and yellow game day outfit.

Red and Black Game Day Outfits

Whether your school calls it red, scarlet, or crimson, a black and red color palette is so fun to work with as you build your game day wardrobe. Here’s what to wear for game day if you’re a student at:

• University of Georgia

• Texas Tech University

• University of Cincinnati

• San Diego State University

• Harvard University

• or another school that rocks the red and black

Tilly Cowl Neck Halter Top in “red” + Vic Double Slit Mini Skort in “black”

The Tilly is a chic deep cowl halter that makes a striking game day top. It’s ultra flattering and extremely comfortable, so you’ll have no problems wearing it all day long. The rich red of the Tilly is versatile enough to pair well with black, white, or denim skirts, shorts, or pants. For a trendy black and red game day outfit, wear the Tilly top with the Vic skort. The Vic is such a reliable and cute game day skirt, with hidden shorts underneath and small slits on either side, giving the look a bit of a varsity vibe.

Red and White Game Day Outfits

Similar to the red and black color palette, red and white is an excellent canvas for building a college gameday look. It’s sporty, bold, and can be dressed up or dressed down. My preference is always to take it up a notch for game day- after all, we’ve got to dress for success! Here’s what to wear to the game if you’re rooting for:

• University of Alabama

• University of Utah

• Cornell University

• University of Arkansas

• University of Houston

• or a different red and white team

Paloma Halter Tie Back Crop Top in “red” + Daytona High-Rise Tiered Ruffle Skort in “white”

The Paloma is the shirt of the season. It’s not your regular crop top, it’s so much better. The crossed, deep v-neckline keeps the front interesting, but the real party happens in the back. This top comes together in the back with the cutest, big white bow tie, instantly transforming the look into a sporty spice moment, with a subtle nod to cheerleading. Paired with the darling ruffles of the Daytona mini skirt, this red and white game day outfit is feminine, fun, and made to win. 

Blue and White Game Day Outfits

Blue and white is such a classic varsity color pairing that invites stylish and trendy looks. Red schools, close your eyes- but blue schools, the Paloma Top from above also comes in a gorgeous navy, and pairing that with the Daytona Skort could make an amazing game day outfit for you as well (and since the red schools are still closing their eyes, I’ll tell you that I think you would look even better in it ;) ). If you want something a little different, though, I’ve got a couple of other pieces for you to check out. Here’s some blue game day outfit ideas for those who go to:

• Duke University

• Penn State University

• University of Kentucky

• UNC Chapel Hill

• Columbia University

• or another blue and white school

Skylar Off The Shoulder Ruched Top in “light blue” or “white”

This soft off the shoulder top is super on trend, without being basic. The lightweight material is breathable in the heat, perfect for those sunny game days that still feel like summer. While most schools’ shades of blue lean a bit darker, the light blue shade keeps you on theme while staying unique. Pair the light blue with the Daytona Skort, or the white with the Harlow Denim Mini Skirt.

Colby Terry Cloth Mini Skort in “navy”

The Colby is the quintessential sporty skirt. The terry cloth material and drawstrings make it a cute and casual piece that will become your go-to college game day skirt this season. Easily pair it with any white tee or tank and sneakers for a trendy game day outfit that gives a bit of a Y2K vibe.

Red and Gold Game Day Outfits

Also known as red and yellow, this college colorway can feel a bit daunting to match. Aside from school merch, such as t-shirts and sweatshirts, finding anything that has both red and yellow in the piece is rare. My favorite hack for these situations is to stick to one of the primary colors for the outfit, and accessorize with the other. With that in mind, here’s what to wear for game day if you’re cheering on:

• University of Southern California

• Iowa State University

• Florida State University

• Arizona State University

• University of Minnesota

• or another red and gold or yellow team

Jadia Off The Shoulder Ruched Top in “red” + Azelia Denim Mini Skort

The Jadia is a cool-girl-approved slouchy top that cinches at the waist to give you that “snatched” feel. It doesn’t try too hard while still looking impressive, which is always the vibe for game day. The Azelia skort is a great game day denim mini skirt, equipped with hidden shorts and four functional pockets. Top this look off with a yellow purse and gold jewelry for a completed red and gold game day outfit.

Blue and Gold Game Day Outfits

Like I stated in the red & gold section, it can be hard to find clothes that have both blue and yellow or gold in the same piece. You blue schools have it a little bit easier, though, because you can always rely on a good pair of denim as your outfit’s “blue” aspect. Denim’s a staple in school fashion anyways, so let’s just go ahead and work smarter, not harder. Here’s what to wear for game day at:

• University of California, Los Angeles

• University of Michigan

• University of California, Berkeley

• University of Notre Dame

• University of Pittsburgh

Kalena Draped Button Down Top in “lemon” + Dasha Micro Mini Denim Skort

I might be biased, but I think I saved the best for last. The Kalena top is a cool every day top that you’ll want in every color. The “lemon” version is that perfect yellow game day outfit essential that isn’t blindingly bright and bold, but remains on theme. Pair it with the Dasha denim skort for a winning blue and gold game day look.

 

Pretty at the Playoffs: Building Your Game Day Wardrobe

This season, forget about the stress of finding the trending game day outfits of 2026. Mix and match your favorite American Threads elevated basics for a look that feels like you, with the added touch of school spirit. We’ll focus on your look, so you can focus on making your future favorite memories. Cheer your team straight into the playoffs this year, and look cute doing it- all thanks to our game day outfits.

Cheers to cheering,

Brooke

 

Game Day Outfits FAQ

Can I wear my school’s colors on themed game days?

Themed game days, such as “white outs” and “pink games” encourage students to dress in accordance to the theme, rather than the school.

Do I have to wear my school's colors on game day?

You don’t have to wear your school colors on game day, but doing so allows you to further connect with your peers and build that community! It’s a fun tradition that shows off your school spirit, and  supports your team on game day.

What should I wear on game day?

On game day, opt for an outfit that matches your team’s colors, but is comfortable enough to last all day. Game day starts way before and lasts far longer than the actual game itself, but even the game can feel long while sitting in the stands! Expect to be in this outfit all day, with a lot of walking, sitting, and standing involved

What if my school's colors are hard to shop for?

Combinations like red and gold or blue and gold rarely exist together in a single piece outside of official merch. Anchor the outfit in one of the two colors and bring the second in through accessories. A gold bag and gold jewelry over a red top reads as red and gold instantly. Denim also counts as your blue, which makes blue and gold the most forgiving of the difficult palettes.

What shoes should I wear on game day?

Sneakers are the most practical choice, and white low-tops work with every school color combination. Western or ankle boots are a staple at Southern and Texas schools where the tailgate culture leans that direction. Skip heels entirely, gravel parking lots, concrete concourses, and bleacher steps make them miserable by the second quarter.

What should I wear to a game day when it's still hot outside?

Early-season games can be brutally warm in the stands with no shade. Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics and open necklines like halters and off-the-shoulder tops, and consider a lighter shade of your school's color. A light blue still reads as team spirit while sitting far cooler than navy. Save terry cloth, denim, and faux leather for the October and November kickoffs.

Where can I buy cute game day outfits?

You can buy cute game day outfits online at shopamericanthreads.com or at any American Threads store. American Threads has the trendiest game day outfit essentials that work for any school!