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Left to right: Aqua Cashmere Turtleneck Cashmere Sweater in Sunflower ($178, bloomingdales.com); Zara Metal Trim Block Heel Ankle Boots ($107, zara.com/us); Pittsburgh Steelers Women’s New Era Full Zip Varsity Sherpa ($70, shop.steelers.com); Smartwool Isto Retro Beanie in Honey Gold ($30, zappos.com); Athleta Salutation Stash Flare Pant ($119, athleta.gap.com)
Bloomingdale’s; BUYMA; Steelers Pro Shop; Zappos; Athleta
It’s game time! Aside from sporting your favorite team’s colors, your outfit for a day of tailgating parties and touchdowns or soccer goals (or an outdoor concert, for that matter!) comes down to comfort. Layering is the way to go. Of course, it depends on where the game is. In warmer parts of the country, you may not need a jacket unless rain is in the forecast. That said, it never hurts to have one of those portable plastic rain ponchos in your purse just in case.
Your play for game-day attire = Outerwear + Light Top Layer + Pants + Comfortable Footwear
Here are five, fun, unfussy outfits with varying degrees of weather protection and warmth:
Outfit No. 1: A quilted barn jacket in a neutral color is a staple of many chic women’s weekend wardrobes. Wear something light underneath, such as a white shirt or a cotton sweater in case the day turns out to be warm. Cream corduroy jeans and timeless Blundstone ankle boots (these are worthy of the investment!) keep up the casual country vibe, while a silk scarf in a classic equestrian print adds polish.
Clockwise from bottom left: Blundstone #2151 Women’s Originals High Top Boots in Antique Brown ($220, blundstone.com); 100% Mulberry Silk Printed Square Shawl Scarf in Dark Green ($35, silksilky.com); Outback Trading Company Women’s Barn Jacket in Brown ($108, outbacktrading.com); Coldwater Creek Pinwale Pull-on Stretch Corduroys in Antique White ($80, coldwatercreek.com)
Blundstone; Silksilky; Outback Trading Company; Coldwater Creek
Outfit No. 2: If you know rain is in the forecast, a cheerful yellow slicker with a hood can brighten your mood. Pair it with a cotton turtleneck sweater in classic navy and white jeans (yes, you can wear white jeans after Labor Day!). Bonus: These Levis have added stretch for comfort and a hidden tummy control panel. Cute navy wellies (rain boots) will keep your feet nice and dry.
Left to right: Chooka Classic Chelsea Rain Boot in Navy ($45, zappos.com); Water Resistant Hooded Striped Windbreaker Rain Jacket in Yellow ($79, northfashionstore.com); Women’s Cotton Shaker-Stitch Sweater, Funnelneck in Classic Navy ($35, llbean.com); Levi's 314 Shaping Straight Women’s Jeans in Classic White ($70, levi.com/US)
DSW; North Fashion; L.L.Bean; Levi's
Outfit No. 3: The masculinity of an oversized houndstooth blazer is offset by a pretty crepe blouse in an autumnal floral print. Add straight-leg jeans in a medium wash (these are a steal!) and waterproof suede boots with a chunky heel and you’re good to go.
Left to right: Dolce Vita Line H20 Boots in Olive Suede ($150, dolcevita.com); Lauren Floral Crepe Blouse in Black/Orange/Multi ($145, ralphlauren.com); Lapels Houndstooth Suit Blazer in Brown ($140, mango.com/us); Old Navy Mid-Rise Wow Boot-Cut Jeans for Women in Medium Wash ($22, oldnavy.gap.com)
Dolce Vita; Ralph Lauren; Mango; Old Navy
Outfit No. 4: A vivid knit poncho — especially one in candy apple red — is a perfect topper for a crisp autumn day. The feminine ruffled collar of this white cotton shirt will peek out from the poncho’s neck or stand alone beautifully with sleek and affordable faux-leather pants. Matching the low-heeled ankle boots to the pants will give you a nice long line.
Left to right: Women’s Chelsea Boots in Black ($70, factory.jcrew.com); Nic + Zoe Go To Poncho in Dahlia ($60, nicandzoe.com); Cotton Ruffle Placket Shirt in White ($128, brooksbrothers.com); The Audrey Pant in Faux Leather in Black ($119, anntaylor.com)
J.Crew Factory; Nic+Zoe; Brooks Brothers; Ann Taylor
Outfit No. 5: On a chilly day, a cozy insulated puffer vest keeps your core warm. Pair it with a cotton turtleneck sweater in the same shade for an elegant pulled-together look. The cable knit adds textural interest. A stretchy slim pant tucked into a knee-high riding boot finishes the look.
Left to right: Frye and Co. Women’s Gaylin Stacked Heel Riding Boots in Cognac ($80, jcpenney.com); Lands’ End Women’s Plus-Size Down Puffer Vest in Ivory ($90, landsend.com); Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton-Blend Turtleneck in Marscapone Cream ($145, ralphlauren.com); Mid Rise BiStretch Ankle-Zip Slim Pants in Camel ($80, gap.com)
JCPenney; Lands' End; Ralph Lauren; Gap
Final word on the weather: If the sun is shining, be sure to apply sunscreen or pack a hat with a brim, and sunglasses. If it’s cold, slip a pair of gloves and a wool beanie into your bag. ... If you’re a football fan, you already know the score.
Cindy Weber-Cleary is a freelance writer, consultant and on-air fashion expert who has appeared on Oprah, The View, Good Morning America and the Today show. She began her career as a fashion editor at Vogue and was fashion director at InStyle, Glamour and Cosmopolitan.
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