Celebrate in style: Senior tailgate fashion guide

Holly Swasko

The tailgate brings the incoming senior class together as a way to kick off the final year of high school. Last year the theme was Woodstock, but this year it will be USA.

It’s time for the junior class to celebrate becoming the oldest in the school at the annual senior tailgate that’s set to happen on May 25, 2017, at Tower Field. With the theme being USA this year, here are some outfit ideas to get you ready for all of the festivities.

Jackets

Since the tailgate takes place before school, there’s a chance it may be chilly in the hours of the morning, so bringing a jacket along is a good idea for staying warm. Instead of your everyday sweatshirt, allowing your outerwear to fit the theme is a great way to incorporate some festive red, white and blue.

Denim jackets, specifically, not only incorporate a subtle wash of blue, but you can also find some styles that feature embroidery or patches of American flags for an even more patriotic look. Denim jackets are stylish, and they come in cropped styles, as well as over-sized fits for a more laid-back, vintage look.

Arizonavintage.com
Patches on light wash denim add a unique touch to a simple basic.

Tops

Instead of plain solids, opting for graphics or red, white and blue patterns is a great way to stand out. The tailgate is a time for making your first memories of senior year and that means taking tons of pictures with friends, so don’t be afraid to go for something fun and lively.

For tops, sites like Brandy Melville sell a wide array of USA-themed apparel. They sell everything from graphic sweatshirts to shirts and hats in a variety of fits.

Brandymelville.com
A light sweatshirt pairs well with shorts or jeans.
Brandymelville.com
A versatile tee can also work for upcoming holidays such as the 4th of July.

Accessories 

Brandymelville.com
Navy colored six-panel USA cap with flag embroidery.

If you want an accessory to complete your tailgate outfit, hats are great to consider. You can’t go wrong with choosing a hat that has stitching or a little flag detail.

Nordstrom.com
‘Black Peter’ sunglasses with a light blue tint that correlates with the USA theme.

Around this time of year, the temperature gets hotter and the sun gets stronger, so having your favorite pair of sunnies is essential. They can be styled many ways, which include wearing them on your face, over the head or draped over the neckline of your USA themed top. Not only do they protect your eyes, but they also make you look super stylish in photo shoots. In terms of shapes and lenses, picking out round, aviator, mirrored or transparent sunglasses correlate perfectly with this type of fashion.

narscosmetics.com
Audacious lipstick made by NARS that dresses up lips with bold coverage.

Lastly, if you want to add some flair, using a deep red lipstick color would be the trick. Lighter reds would work too, but using darker colors will attract more attention to your face.

Shoes 

Nordstrom.com
A versatile leather sneaker with monochromatic color palette features.

When shopping for shoes, it is best to go with a neutral color like a white or cream color, especially if your outfit is a bulk of color. Other times, it’s a smart idea to mix things up and try a shoe with a color. Sneakers are simple, comfortable, and match with almost any casual piece of clothing.

 

Lastly, make sure you’re comfortable in whatever you choose to wear because it’s what you have to wear for the rest of the school day. Enjoy the tailgate!