It’s time to leave the tailgate shirts at home and go just a little crazy.
If you’re trying to hide from an ex-boyfriend, ex-friend — ex-anything really — all you need to do to blend into the crowd is throw on a tailgate shirt. They’re everywhere and, on a normal game day, a great go-to.
Homecoming calls for a little something extra, though. A perfect way to stay warm and stand out from the crowd is to hunt the vintage stores (there are many in this town) and find yourself a nice knit, red and white baggy cardigan to throw over a white T-shirt.
Everyone and their brother has a white T-shirt. So, if you’re struggling for time or money it is the simplest option come game day.
Cream is easy, though.
Don’t just use red as an afterthought this year, but make it your main color. Candy stripe pants are always a good way to go, but if you don’t have the means to shell out $50 for pants that are only acceptable to wear on game days, don’t be discouraged.
You can always find great, slightly tacky red pieces at Goodwill. Bonus if you can find a pair of red, long overalls. Roll up the bottoms to show off the high tops you’ll inevitably wear and cheer your heart out. Don’t forget to keep your socks in Hoosier colors.
If you are really getting into the homecoming spirit, buy some temporary red hair paint and color a strip (or your whole head) crimson. Because, let’s be honest, the most spirited people at homecoming aren’t just wearing cream and crimson, but have the colors everywhere.
While I suggest leaving the face paint at home — it can smear pretty easily and fade throughout the day — a temporary tattoo on your cheek is always acceptable. For girls, this is the perfect time to bring back the scrunchy and embrace the red lip. Grab Mardi Gras beads from the dollar store and go to town.
Have at least two possible outfits in mind for Homecoming for different types of weather. It’s finally fall, and we’re all incredibly happy to be able to walk to class without being sweaty messes when we get there. But October can be unpredictable, and though we’re all hopping for 65 and sunny, there’s always a possibility of dreary weather. So, layer well and leave the shorts at home.
Homecoming is for celebrating — celebrating that our football team isn’t completely terrible this year, but also celebrating just how great it is to be a Hoosier.
Our school is pretty great, now let’s show it.
schulzek@indiana.edu | @kas_Schulze
