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No jersey? No problem.
Super Bowl outfits are a very real thing, and unless you already own tons of team gear, coming up with ideas can feel somewhat tricky. Thankfully, there are plenty of options when it comes to your Super Bowl look—including, but not limited to, Taylor Swift’s many game-day ensembles. If your team isn’t playing, you could choose a side and plan around their color palette (or, if you’re bitter, stay neutral). Non-NFL fans—a.k.a. those just coming for the company, snacks, and halftime show—have it easy. With no strings attached (save for a friendly wager or two), you can wear pretty much anything and everything as your Super Bowl party outfit—loungewear, denim, funky prints, or a dress. It’s all fair game.
Still, if you want tips on how to score a sartorial touchdown this February, we've got you covered. Below, fashion experts weigh in with their secrets to styling a winning ensemble for the big game.
Comfort Is Key
Celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman tells InStyle that when picking out your Super Bowl outfit, there are two key pillars to keep top of mind: comfort and individuality. To check off the cozy box, Freeman suggests classic pieces with an interesting twist. Think bomber or varsity jackets with vintage team T-shirts, a loose pair of cargo pants, and a pair of sneakers.
Try Denim on Denim
Canadian tuxedo, anyone? Freeman suggests a denim long-sleeve button-up shirt or jacket paired with a jean bottom. You can then spice up the look with cowboy boots or even a chunky-soled option.
Pick a Color Scheme
Football teams come with a set color scheme, so use that to your advantage when putting together your Super Bowl outfit. While you can nail the combo by rocking different pieces, Freeman envisions a head-to-toe printed look "comprised of sumptuous-looking silks and synthetic fabrics that flow across the body creating a relaxed silhouette."
Embrace Athleisure
NY-based fashion stylist Melina Kemph describes herself as “all things sports-obsessed” and claims the Super Bowl is essentially her Golden Globes. “I’m watching the game as closely as the commercials and halftime performance(s),” she says, explaining that, because of this, her outfit must be as comfortable as it is colorful, with sneakers being her starting point.
Shop Your Closet
Consider this a friendly PSA from celebrity stylist Madison Guest: You don’t need to buy a brand-new outfit for your Super Bowl party, especially if you don’t actually care about the sport. “I usually choose to root for whatever team goes better with my existing wardrobe,” Guest tells InStyle.
Go With a Graphic Tee
Celebrity stylist Soneca Guadaral considers herself a “traditionalist” when it comes to her Super Bowl outfit. “I like to dress up like I am attending an actual football game,” she says. “It’s all about showing off my sense of style but also letting everyone know I am a football fan!” Her go-to fit? A graphic tee that either represents one of the competing teams, her favorite team regardless of who’s playing, or anything Super Bowl-related, like a T-shirt that says something like “Game On!”
Stay Cozy in a Sweater Dress
According to Express lead stylist Maddison Chirumbolo, for anyone who wants to feel comfortable and look stylish, a sweater dress will be your M.V.P. Chirumbolo suggests adding a wool-blend coat, knee-high boots, and super soft accessories to elevate the look. Of course, she adds, you’ll want to swap in your team’s beanie and gloves “for a fun fit.”
Get Crafty
If nothing in your closet is standing out as-is, Emma Trask, owner of The Chrysalis Lab, suggests exploring your artistic side by upcycling a vintage tee or jersey. “I typically add interesting trim and rhinestone bling detailing to enhance the graphics, with fringe and cutouts completely transforming the tee,” she tells InStyle.
Layer Up
Considering the Super Bowl is in February, winter weather layering comes highly recommended by stylists as a way to creatively incorporate a sports jersey into your look. Try it over or under a dress for a delightfully unexpected outfit.
Mix Prints
Mixing prints and patterns may be the number one way to inject some fun into an outfit, and sports-themed looks are no exception. If you have a striped jersey, consider pairing it with animal print pants for a mix-and-match look.
Accessorize
Not all sports jerseys were made to be worn on the football field. Whether yours was borrowed or bought, add some temporary embellishments in the form of accessories, like silver hair clips or bag charms. A micro mini skirt adds another unexpected element for a Super Bowl look that perfectly toes the line between masculine and feminine codes.
Show Off Your Party Pants
If athleisure isn’t your cup of tea, consider elevating your look with a pair of party pants, a.k.a. the Gen Z equivalent of the going out top. Bonus points for metallic sequins.