ASU football games have become more than touchdowns and tailgates.
For many students, game days have become a creative outlet. From maroon and gold overalls to custom pieces, game day fashion is becoming a prominent aspect of Sun Devil spirit and a chance to show team pride in a creative and personal way.
For Ramsey Wilson, a junior studying communication and someone who shares game day outfits on TikTok, the tradition runs deep. Growing up in Texas with a big football family, she said culture has shaped how game day style is approached.
"I have childhood pieces that are embroidered and patched together, so (for) a lot of my pieces now, I will go to Goodwill and hand cut everything and then match them to do patchwork," Wilson said. "And I get all of that inspiration from my mom, who did that for me as a child."
Wilson has adopted ASU's style, describing it as more street-inspired and mature compared to her Southeastern Conference roots.
Wanting to document, Wilson started a TikTok series, where thrift hauls, DIY process and game day outfit styling are shared. Her content has gained attention both online and in person.
With over 28,000 followers, Wilson remembers being recognized by someone outside of ASU — making her realize how much attention the game day outfit posts get.
"I've never had someone come up to me and be like 'I've seen your videos,'" Wilson said. "That's when I realized people actually are seeing my videos and getting inspiration."
RaeAnn Luksza, the owner of Knee Deep Tempe, a boutique on Mill Avenue, said she's noticed the trends shift with each football season.
"I've been seeing crop tops getting a little bit longer because girls are wearing super low-rise jeans, so it's interesting to see jeans dictate the trend of game day tops," Luksza said.
Luksza also added the rise of game day fashion could be attributed to the football team's recent performance.
"It's hard not to recognize how well they did last year. Of course, there is always a lot of momentum built around a team that does really well," Luksza said. "I think it's impossible to miss that hype. It's a lot of fun."
READ MORE: ASU football defeats No. 24 TCU after nail-biting final 2 minutes
The trend has also caught the eye of The Fashion Collective at ASU, where members have noticed how students are reshaping game day style.
Members Lexi Stevens and Kara Keene both said they have consistently seen the trend, styling and overall creativity of game day fashion.
"I have ASU jerseys and those on their own are not fashionable but with accessorizing, belts, certain coats, sunglasses — you do what you can to make it trendy," Stevens said.
READ MORE: ASU's most fashionable football players: Top 5 best off-the-field looks
Keene mentioned that Arizona weather also affects the outfits that people wear to games.
"A big thing that determines ASU game day style in particular is the heat, because it's so hot out here that it feeds into what people's outfit choices are," Keene said. "So there's a lot of mini shorts, mini skirts, crop tops, guys will wear tank tops or even go shirtless because it is so hot out."
Wilson said the growth of game day fashion reflects a bigger shift in ASU culture.
"ASU is starting to take game days more seriously," Wilson said. "Our culture is really growing and it is becoming more of a trend of people wanting to tailgate, wanting to take pictures, wanting to look presentable, wanting to have personalized stuff for game days because it's fun — it makes you feel involved."
As football season continues, the stands of Mountain America Stadium are becoming a place where football, fashion and fandom go hand in hand.
Edited by Jack McCarthy, Senna James and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at mssuarez@asu.edu and follow @melinasszmedia on X.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
Melina Suarez is a reporter at the sports department, telling the stories of ASU sports and related topics at The State Press. She is in her 1st semester with the State Press.
