As we near the end of football season—also known as “go to a Super Bowl party and maybe watch the game” season for some of you—it’s common to wonder how to style a football jersey in a way that actually looks cute but doesn’t totally depart from the garment’s original intent.
As you get dressed for the big event, you might find yourself wondering: Is oversized with knee-high boots the vibe? Is it worth going DIY and making your own crop top? Should you go casual or glam? To answer these questions and more, we consulted the real experts on the subject: the WAGs of football players. These wives and girlfriends are the queens of turning football jerseys into capital-F fashion and making the sidelines a bona fide runway.
The WAG Styling Essentials
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After all, they don’t just have to dress up for one big game or party. They need dedicated ’fits for both home and away games, as well as for the whole season. And as Kristin Juszczyk, who turned her fabulous game-day fashion into her own line, Off Season, tells us, inspiration 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. They gave plenty of easy-to-follow inspiration for even the most novice fan. So football, meet fabulous.
How to style a football jersey like a WAG
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 can mean anything from dressing the jersey down—pairing it with cowboy boots and a denim mini—to going full glam with knee-high boots and some sparkly accessories.
The best part? All of this can be done using things that are 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,” Worley says.
Lindsy Lesmeister, whose fiancé, Connor Colby, is a guard for the San Francisco 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 with 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—who recently signed with the Arizona State Sun Devils—one component of the outfit is an MVP: “You can never go wrong with a jersey and cute boots.”
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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, and 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.
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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.”
How to style a football jersey like a celebrity WAG
Of course, outfit inspo can also be found among the famous women partnered with professional athletes. After all, these stars are used to having all eyes on them—even for a Sunday football game—and dressing accordingly.
When singer Taylor Swift cheers on her fiancé, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, she often chooses to wear designer looks in the team’s colors rather than merch. However, the look pictured above is a great example of how to style an oversized jersey. Wear it like a dress, or over bike shorts or a miniskirt if the length feels too short, then accessorize accordingly. Swift paired hers with knee-high boots and layered necklaces for a game-day outfit that still feels like her.
Gymnast Simone Biles is married to Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, and her personal style always comes through in everything she wears to his football games. In the look above, for example, she shows off how cute a cropped long-sleeve jersey or sweatshirt looks when paired with a coordinating skirt and boots.
How to style a football jersey like a street-style star
Still want more football jersey outfit ideas? We also scoured the best sporty streetwear ’fits for tips on how to make a team jersey look high fashion.
To dress like a style pro, try treating your NFL jersey like a basic T-shirt. Wear it sandwiched between a classic button-down and a roomy blazer, for example. All you have to do is add dad sneakers or sleek loafers, and now you have a fresh take on the collegiate look that feels unexpected and cool.
Another outfit idea: Pay close attention to the jersey’s fit and style accordingly. If the football shirt is cropped or fitted, maybe pair it with a baggy hoodie or loose-fit jeans to play with volume. A bigger sports jersey, however, will look better slightly tucked in or worn with slimmer bottoms like leggings or miniskirts.
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But for all of these Super Bowl party outfit ideas, there’s really only one rule you need to remember: Go with your gut. “The best looks are the ones you feel the most comfortable in,” Worley says. We couldn’t agree more.