If football is the headline, gameday outfits are the footnotes. The details that reveal who’s watching, where they’re from and how they feel about being here. The first home game of the season hummed with the anticipation of the start of autumn. The breeze on September 6 felt more like a fall festival than a football match. Colorado State was hosting the University of Northern Colorado. Outside of Canvas Stadium, the lawn of Moby Arena and tailgate lots showcased the range and versatility of Aggie gameday outfits.
Two hours before kickoff, students posed for group photos in coordinated outfits at the Lory Student Center lawn. The outfits mixed planning with improvisation. Some wore country wrangler jeans tucked into boots, wide-brimmed cowboy hats, and belts with buckles that could double as dinner plates. Others borrowed from streetwear: oversized jerseys, crisp sneakers, and chains glinting in the late-afternoon sun.
Coordinated looks are common among any group. Matching shirts, hats and boots make for strong appearances. Some groups paint overalls and design T-shirts with slogans tied to the team. This isn’t necessary, but outfits stand out in the crowd and effectively show who is the home team.
CSU gameday style has been a mix of agriculture roots and modern college culture. Here is a breakdown of the essentials.
Cowboy boots are the anchor of Aggie fashion. Worn by both men and women, they pair easily with denim skirts, shorts, or jeans. Neutral leather boots give a classic look, while brighter or patterned boots stand out and glow in the crowd. Comfort matters less than presence, since boots are as much about identity as utility.
Jeans, skirts, and cut-off shorts form the base of most outfits. Wranglers remain a favorite, tucked cleanly into boots. Skirts and shorts lean more casual but leave room for layering with jerseys or oversized tees. Distressed denim is common, but plain dark washes are just as prevalent.
Cowboy hats and ballcaps tend to dominate the scene. Cowboy hats lean into Aggie heritage, while caps carry athletic branding. Belts with large buckles are a staple for men. Jewelry and layered chains appear more with women’s outfits. Orange face paint, temporary tattoos, and green or gold hair ties finish the look.
Oversized jerseys are everywhere. They are worn with shorts, skirts, or, on top, layered over long sleeves. CSU football numbers show up often. Some jerseys highlight the old Aggie branding in orange. Crop tops and cut-off tees with the CSU logos are another option, especially in the warm weather that accompanies the pre-sunset pregame.
Green is the foundation, in all of its hues. Gold often appears in different parts of CSU Aggie gameday outfits. Orange adds variety and is tied to CSU’s Aggie history. Successful gameday outfits combine the two of the three colors. Matching isn’t required, and layering different tones creates depth.
Alumni lean toward older gear from past seasons like polos or quarter-zips. Letterman jackets from the ‘90s stand out. Children usually wear miniature jerseys, making gameday a display of spirit wear for families.
Accessory packs are part of the look. Sunglasses are common for style. Comfortable shoes other than boots are a backup option, especially if tailgating is long before kickoff. Weather in Colorado can change anytime, so layering is recommended.
The mix of agriculture heritage and student culture creates a rustic atmosphere that is closely related to the past and present of CSU. The variety of outfits builds a collective identity that is visible as you step onto campus. On Sept. 6, CSU fans demonstrated how fashion and football overlap. The look of the crowd matters for the sake of playing at Canvas Stadium. Dressing for gameday is a way of taking part in the event before the first kickoff happens.
