With the start of football season just around the corner and our first pre-season game out of the way, I’m anxious to get out and see a game again. As I put on one of my favorite vintage sports tees, I thought about what I see all the time at sporting events: women wearing crazy stiletto heels, barely there clothing in all of their team’s glory and purses so large they need their own seat. With nose-bleed seats that can be nearly 100 feet up and no elevator to help with the climb, I wonder why women dress like they’re going to a night club rather than like they are watching a (plug-in appropriate sport) game.
I think it’s best to channel Mel C (Sporty Spice) by looking smart, sporty and comfy because so many crazy things can happen at any given sporting event. Back in 2008, my husband and I went two football games outside of San Diego: The International Series game with the San Diego Chargers vs the New Orleans Saints, and then to a Pittsburgh Steelers home game because they were playing also my Chargers. I was pregnant at the time for both games.
At the Pittsburgh game, we were in the 5th to the last row near the top of the stadium. Heinz Field is an open stadium and the game was in November, so you can imagine how cold it was! I was in lots of layers and my wellies to ensure warmth and dry feet. About an hour into the game, angry words were exchanged between two fans, and a scuffle happened right behind me. My husband swept me up and we quickly shifted seats a few rows down until things calmed down. Security came over and ended the argument. Later we found out that it was over spilt beer.
Although both were cold weather games and more than likely everyone was wearing something comfortable and warm, I can’t say the same for the games out here in sunny San Diego. At a recent Padres game, I overheard an older woman complain about how much her feet hurt, asking her husband to slow down. When I turned around, she was wearing 3-inch spiked heels, a printed capri pant suit and hauling a beautiful (but incredibly large) designer purse. Her husband wasn’t too sympathetic to her situation.
Here is how I wear my favorite sports gear to show support for my team. I changed my shoes a bit to show how I wear it to the office, and how I wear it when I go to an actual game or even a sports bar.
1. A lightweight jacket or sweater – Games that go from the afternoon into the night can turn cold in a heartbeat. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
2. A piece of clothing that represents your favorite team – I like to do so in the form of a shirt or hat. Usually when it’s a shirt, it’s either a jersey or vintage tee. The one pictured above is one I bought on eBay. It’s my favorite.
3. Shorts, jeans or pants – It is very difficult to sit lady-like in a seat at a sports arena or stadium, unless you are in a suite or press box. If you sit in the regular seats with the regular folk like me, it’s best to wear some kind of pants or shorts because of all of the standing, sitting and climbing that can occur throughout the game. Wear skirts at your own risk (think about the trip UP when climbing stairs).
4. A flat shoe or a wedge – To me, heels and sports events do not mix. I will almost always wear flats, usually some kind of sneaker. But if I do wear a heel, it will be a wedge.
5. A cross-body bag – No matter how pretty or modern the stadium or arena, accidents will happen at a sporting event. You take the life of your purse into your own hands by placing it under your seat or in the seat next to you. It’s best to take just your essentials and wear a purse that can be easily slung across your body. This will free up your hands to carry your child, food and a couple of drinks if needed.
6. Sunglasses & sunblock – Unless your event is strictly indoors, take a pair of sunglasses for sporting events that happen during the day. It’s tough to be outside for that long, and your eyes can take a beating. Also remember sunblock. The back of your neck will thank you for it!
Top picture – London 2008, Wembley Stadium
Middle picture – Pittsburgh, PA 2008, Heinz Field
Outfit pictures – Cotton On sweater; vintage San Diego Chargers shirt from eBay; Hudson jeans; cross-body bag from Rome, Italy; Pierre Hardy for Gap wedges; Marc Jacobs red patent leather wedge espadrille sneakers; Alexander McQueen for Puma trainers