Travel Outfit Essentials for A Bowl Game - Pants Store

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Traveling to a Bowl Game? Pack These Essentials

  • 6 min read

Your team made it to a bowl game, and you're ready to travel and show your spirit in style. Between game day in the stadium and exploring a new city, you need outfits that look amazing in photos while keeping you comfortable for a full day of celebrating. Smart packing means choosing versatile pieces that work for multiple occasions, from the airport to after-game dinners. Here's your guide to the clothing and accessories that will make your bowl game trip unforgettable.

Building Your Bowl Game Travel Wardrobe

Packing for a bowl game trip is all about balancing style with practicality. You'll be on the move, taking tons of photos, and spending hours in stadium seats. The secret? Choose pieces that photograph beautifully while still feeling comfortable enough to wear all day long.

Statement Game Day Dresses

When it comes to bowl game style, dresses are a go-to. They're effortless to wear and take up less space in your suitcase than separates.

Strapless Styles That Show Team Spirit

Strapless dresses in team colors are perfect for game day. Whether you go for a bold red, classic black, or eye-catching patterns, these dresses make a statement. Look for styles with:

  • Fitted bodices that stay put during all the cheering

  • Fun details like button accents or scalloped hems

  • Lengths that work with knee-high boots

Polka dot strapless dresses are particularly on-trend right now. Choose colors that coordinate with your team's palette, and you'll stand out in the stadium crowd while staying true to your style.

Midi Dresses with Flutter Sleeves

For a more refined game day look, midi dresses with flutter sleeves offer the perfect balance of dressy and comfortable. These work great for:

  • Pre-game brunches

  • Team watch parties

  • Post-game celebrations at local restaurants

The flutter sleeve detail adds a feminine touch, while the midi length keeps you comfortable in stadium seating. Pair these with platform sandals or boots depending on the weather at your bowl game destination.

Shirt Dresses with Puff Sleeves

Shirt dresses are the ultimate versatile piece for bowl game travel. The puff sleeve trend adds a fashion-forward element, while the dress silhouette keeps things polished. These dresses typically feature:

  • Zip-front or button details

  • Belted waists for a flattering fit

  • Enough structure to look put-together without trying too hard

Choose these in team colors like navy, black, or red. They work equally well with knee-high boots for game day or platform heels for dinner out.

Coordinated Sets That Travel Well

Matching sets are a game-changer for bowl game travel. They look intentional and stylish but require minimal effort to put together.

Plaid and Tweed Rompers

A coordinated romper in plaid or tweed is perfect for creating that preppy game day aesthetic. These matching top and short sets work because:

  • They count as one outfit but look pulled-together

  • They're comfortable for hours of sitting and standing

  • They travel well without wrinkling

  • They pair perfectly with boots

Look for patterns and colors that complement your team's palette. Black and white plaid, red tweed, or classic patterns all photograph beautifully.

Footwear That Makes a Statement

Your shoes can make or break your bowl game outfit.

Knee-High Boots in Multiple Colors

Knee-high boots are the MVP of bowl game footwear. They work with dresses, rompers, and create that polished game day look everyone's after. Stock options in versatile colors:

  • White or cream boots for a bold, eye-catching look

  • Black boots that work with everything

  • Tan or taupe for a neutral option

These boots add height, elongate your legs in photos, and provide more coverage if temperatures drop in the evening.

Platform Sandals for Warmer Destinations

If your bowl game is in a warmer location, platform sandals offer style and comfort. Look for neutral colors like beige or tan that coordinate with multiple outfits.

Men's Bowl Game Essentials

The guys need game day style too. Based on what works best for bowl games, men should pack:

Quarter-Zip Pullovers

Team-branded quarter-zip pullovers are the classic game day choice. These work over button-down shirts for a layered, preppy look. The quarter-zip detail means you can:

  • Adjust for temperature changes throughout the day

  • Show off the collar of your dress shirt underneath

  • Keep the team logo visible

Look for pullovers in team colors with embroidered logos.

Quilted Vests for Layering

Quilted vests are perfect for bowl game season. They provide an extra layer of warmth without restricting movement, and they work over both button-down shirts and quarter-zips. Choose vests in team colors to show your spirit.

Button-Down Shirts

Pack a couple of button-down shirts in subtle patterns or team colors. Gingham and plaid work particularly well for game day style. These shirts:

  • Look polished but not overly formal

  • Layer well under vests or pullovers

  • Work for pre-game activities and dinners out

Classic Khakis and Dress Pants

Stick with classic bottoms like khaki pants or nice jeans. These neutral options work with any team color and create a clean look.

Leather Boots

Brown or tan leather boots complete the men's game day look. They're comfortable for all-day wear and photograph well.

Accessories That Complete Your Look

The right accessories pull your entire bowl game wardrobe together and help you pack lighter by creating variety with fewer clothing pieces.

Bags for Game Day and Travel

You'll need a carry-on bag for your flight or road trip, plus a smaller crossbody bag or backpack for game day. Look for neutral colors that work with multiple outfits, and make sure your game day bag is clear or meets stadium requirements if necessary.

Statement Jewelry

Keep jewelry simple but impactful. Layered bracelets, delicate necklaces, and statement earrings add polish without overwhelming your game day look.

Team Spirit Accessories

Don't forget the little things that show team pride:

Your Bowl Game Packing List and Travel Tips

Having the right travel gear makes a huge difference, especially if this is your first time traveling to a bowl game. Here's how to organize your essential items for a stress-free trip.

Choosing the Right Luggage

For a short trip to a bowl game (typically 2-3 days), a duffel bag or small rolling suitcase works perfectly. If you're making it a longer trip and exploring the host city for several days, opt for a larger suitcase.

Creating Your Packing List

Start your packing list at least a week before your trip. This gives you time to shop for any must-have items you're missing. Your clothing packing list should include:

  • 1 game day outfit (dresses, rompers, or coordinated sets)

  • 1-2 casual outfits for exploring

  • 1 dressier outfit for dinners out

  • Comfortable travel outfit

  • 2-3 pairs of shoes (including boots)

  • Travel accessories like belts, jewelry, and bags

Smart Packing for Easy Access

Pack items you'll need first on top or in easy-access pockets. This includes your travel outfit for the return trip, pajamas, and toiletries. When you arrive at your hotel room after a long day of travel, you don't want to dig through your entire suitcase to find what you need.

Keep essentials like your phone charger, any medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag or personal item. This is particularly important for longer trips or if you're dealing with potential jet lag from traveling across time zones.

Travel Accessories That Make a Difference

While your clothing and shoes are the stars of the show, a few key travel accessories are worth mentioning as must-have items for your trip:

  • A portable charger to keep your phone ready for photos all day

  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated at the game

  • Hand sanitizer for easy access throughout the day

  • Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection

These small additions to your packing list can make your bowl game experience much more comfortable.

Smart Packing Strategies

How you pack matters as much as what you pack. Using packing cubes keeps your suitcase organized and makes it easy to find what you need without unpacking everything in your hotel room. Roll softer items like tees and fold structured pieces like dresses to minimize wrinkles.

Plan your outfits before you start packing. Lay everything out and make sure each piece works with multiple other items. This ensures you're not overpacking and that you have options for different activities throughout your trip.

Wear your bulkiest items during travel. This typically means wearing boots and your warmest jacket or vest on the plane or during your road trip to save space in your luggage.

Making Your Bowl Game Trip Memorable

At Pants Store, we know that bowl game travel is about celebrating your team's success and creating memories with friends and family. Having the right wardrobe means you can focus on enjoying every moment, from the excitement at the airport to the final whistle at the game to exploring everything your destination city has to offer.

Our collection includes all the statement dresses, coordinated sets, boots, and accessories you need to look amazing throughout your bowl game trip. From polka dot strapless dresses to classic shirt dresses with puff sleeves to men's quarter-zips and vests, we make it easy to pack smart and show your team spirit in style. Plus, with free shipping on orders over $100, you can get everything you need delivered right to your door.

Shop our latest arrivals today and get ready for an unforgettable bowl game experience. Your team made it to a bowl game, and your wardrobe is ready to celebrate in style.

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