Culture

Game On

Fashion and football—a timeless Texas tradition.

Marianne Dougherty

September 2022

No doubt about it, football is one of our favorite sports in Texas, but what should you wear on game day? We traveled into the heart of Aggieland to the boutiques at College Station’s Century Square to see the notable styles this football season. This isn’t just for Aggie fans, though—these styles transcend fan factions, offering options for any football fashionistas.

Since it’s hot as all get-out this time of year, it’s a good idea to play it cool. Throw on a pair of shorts and a lightweight top, slip into a pair of cowboy boots, and you’re good to go. But if your wardrobe is missing a few crucial pieces, or you’re just looking for a way to show some team spirit this fall, we can point you in the right direction.

The trendiest styles in College Station can be found when you head over to Grass Stains, where they've got everything you need to walk down the Kyle Field aisles in style. With flirty dresses and fun tops, this is a one-stop shop for whatever style you choose. Here, you will be greeted by eye-catching shorts in different styles and brands, including an exclusive line of Hammies, a line of retro corduroy shorts that can’t be found anywhere else in Texas. If fast fashion isn’t your thing, kick it old school with their repurposed Wranglers and all the thoughtful denim pieces from Moussy. From hair accessories to stylish shoes, Grass Stains keeps you staying cool while looking hot from head to toe.

True fans know by now that you need a clear bag to stash your stuff if you’re going to a game, and at King Ranch Saddle Shop in Century Square, you’ll find them embellished with maroon (whoop!) canvas. Want to personalize your bag? Ask them to monogram your purchase. Quail Western Snap Shirts in Brick are popular with guys looking to sport that famous maroon color, and Gameguard microfiber shirts keep you cool as a cucumber when it’s hot as blazes out there.

Galleria Spa, Salon, and Boutique is Century Square’s hairstyle headquarters, featuring some of the best stylists and barbers in the city to get your locks ready for that big game. Come in for a blowout or book a manicure with football designs sure to “catch” some attention. OPI Bogota Blackberry and OPI Funny Bunny come as close to maroon and white as it gets. While you wait for those pretty new nails to dry, wander over to the in-store boutique where you’ll find straps for your clear bag that spell HOWDY in maroon and white beads. This spot really covers you from head to toe in enviable Aggie style.

Are you more classic style? You can’t go wrong with a short skirt or vintage denim shorts and a pair of cowboy boots. Lucchese Bootmaker at Century Square has a wide selection of boots handmade in Texas by master artisans. During football season, they offer special-order game-day boots with the A&M logo on the front. The Elena, a short suede boot that comes in burgundy is the perfect boot for a fashion focused girl who still wants to show off that western flair. For women who love a traditional western look, try the tan Savannah with a 12” shaft in burnished mad dog goat or ranch hand cowhide and an iconic Lucchese stitch design. The knee-high Priscilla offers an even balance between cowgirl chic and timeless flair. Ask for it in Glitz Cream, a great neutral shade that goes with everything.

At Hemline in Century Square, you’ll fi nd cut-off shorts, flirty dresses and graphic tees plus a range of stylish accessories from jewelry and sunglasses to messenger bags and hats. Jeffrey Campbell’s Western mid-calf Orville Boots in pink or silver with fringe detail give the classic cowboy boot a run for its money.

Accessories can make or break any outfit, and you’ll fi nd a huge collection of earrings, bracelets, rings, and necklaces, all at affordable prices, at Kendra Scott in Century Square. Each piece is crafted in their Austin studio utilizing natural gemstones and natural materials, including genuine stone and shell. The custom HOWDY necklace is the perfect accessory you can wear on gameday or as an easy piece to fancify your fi t for class. While you’re there, visit the Color Bar where they’ll help you design a piece of jewelry custom for you, unlike any other. Heads up, Aggie fans: a maroon gemstone is available exclusively at this location.

Solidify your spot as the cutest girl at the tailgate when you pair Merge Boutique’s fringe booties or embroidered stitch cowboy boots with their stylish shorts. This Century Square staple lets you ditch traditional denim for their White High Rise Distressed Shorts. Or swap the shorts for a denim skirt with Aztec Detail for a more feminine look. They’ve also got a large selection of t-shirts and tops, allowing for maximum comfort with maximum style. For game day, we love the “Never Lost a Tailgate” tee in maroon, of course.

At Onward Reserve, the motto is “Live authentically.” That means that every piece of clothing they produce is inspired by authentic stories and memories with best friends or family. Stop by the store at Century Square and check out the performance polos—some sporting a Reveille logo—which wick moisture away from the body and provide ultraviolet sun protection. Also in store is a large selection of gameday gear sporting the Texas A&M logo, including graphic tees, polos, and hats.

No matter where your gameday loyalties lie, the hottest new fashions are waiting for you at Century Square, the best shopping College Station has to offer.