It’s officially football season, or it’s “go to a tailgate party and maybe watch the game” season. But you may be wondering how to style a football jersey so it actually looks cute but isn’t a total departure from the original intent of the garment.
We had the same questions. Like, is oversized with knee-high boots the vibe? Or should we go DIY and make it cropped? Should you go casual or glam?
So, we consulted the real experts, a.k.a. WAGs of football players. These ladies are the queens of turning football jerseys into fashion and making the sidelines a bona fide runway.
After all, they don’t just have to dress up for one game or party. They need a dedicated ’fit for both home and away games. But as Kristin Juszczyk, who turned her fabulous game-day fashion into her own line, Off Season, tells us, inspiration for the ’fit can be found anywhere.
“It’s about finding that one piece or idea that makes you want to create,” says Juszczyk, the wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. “Sometimes, it’s as simple as scrolling online and spotting a cool, unique silhouette that catches your eye, something that makes you think, I’d love to wear this to the next game, but also represents your team. That’s where the magic happens, figuring out how to blend both.”
We chatted with Juszczyk and other stylish WAGs about their top tips for how to style a football jersey, and they gave plenty of easy-to-follow inspiration for even the most novice fan.
Football, meet fabulous.
Accessories and shoes are key.
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with pairing a football jersey with jeans and calling it a day. But what’s the fun in that? With the jersey as a starting point, you can use accessories to completely change the look depending on your vibe that day.
For Mikaela Worley, whose fiancé, Jeremy Reaves, is a safety for the Washington Commanders, that means everything from dressing the jersey down, with cowboy boots and a denim mini, or going full glam with knee-high boots and some sparkly accessories.
The best part? All of this can be done using things already in your closet, making the whole thing rather simple.
“What I love most about a football jersey is how effortlessly you can style it,” she says.
Lindsy Lesmeister, whose fiancé, Connor Colby, is a guard for the 49ers, also likes to switch things up from game to game.
“Whether that means chunky hoops and stacked bracelets, a slicked-back ponytail or a fun updo, and a statement handbag—those simple changes make fanwear feel more fun and personal,” she says.
For Katie Jones, who spends her Saturdays cheering on boyfriend Lyrik Rawls as he plays safety for the University of Kansas, one component of the outfit is MVP.
“You can never go wrong with a jersey and cute boots,” she says.
Don’t love the fit? DIY it!
Nearly all the WAGs we spoke to said they love to alter jerseys, either by working with a professional or DIY’ing a look.
“I’ve worked with a local seamstress to completely rework jerseys by cutting them up and sewing them to make halter tops, corsets, or even skirts,” says Julia Falconi, whose fiancé, Jordan Stout, is a punter for the Baltimore Ravens. “I love making jerseys more girly and fashionable especially for summer and warm-weather games.”
Jones adds that a simple DIY can change the look of a jersey, such as cutting the neckline to make it off-the-shoulder or adding easy cinches in the waist to make it more fitted.
But if you don’t have time or are nervous about cutting the fabric, Lesmeister has a brilliant solution.
“My favorite ways to do [cropped], without actually cutting the jersey, are to tuck it into my bra or tie it up in the front,” she says. “It instantly makes the outfit feel more flattering and fashion-forward.”
And there’s one way Jones recommends to instantly make a jersey more glam: Bedazzle it, baby!
“Adding rhinestones to the last name, number, and team name makes you stand out in a good way,” she says.
Lean into your own style and comfort.
As Juszczyk puts it, it’s all about finding a way to wear a jersey that both inspires you and makes you feel the most confident.
“Maybe it’s reworking your jersey into a cropped style, pairing it with elevated layers, or adding embellishments or embroidery for a personal touch,” she says. “The key is to have fun with it and let your personality shine through while still showing your team pride.”
Worley agrees. “The best looks are the ones you feel the most comfortable in,” she says.