Tailgate Tactics

It’s football season, as I was ever-so-painfully reminded last weekend when Mr. Magpie’s Fantasy Football League draft took place.  (I’m sorry to sound snide, but I just do not understand the whole “fantasy sports” concept.  I also do not understand sports, as a general proposition, so perhaps that’s part of the problem.  Mr. Magpie tried his darnedest to dream up some sort of comparison that I could understand — “it’s like fantasy shopping, but for guys” he claimed — and I’m still lost.  To quote Carrie Bradshaw: “I like my money where I can see it: hanging in my closet.”)  But while I don’t care for the sportsmanship and drama on the field, I do enjoy a tailgate, and I couldn’t be more geared up for attending some of UVA’s games this fall, especially after seeing Tommy Hilfiger’s unexpectedly delicious ad campaign this fall:

Tommy Hilfiger’s Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

Now, though I adore the fine old Virginia tradition of dressing up for football games (bowties and dresses all the way — don’t get me started on the “Sea of Orange” trend), the cooler fall weather often thwarts my designs on easy breezy sundresses and Jack Rogers and makes heavier wardrobe decisions a necessity.  And this fall, I’m absolutely ga-ga over the idea of cozy camel and gray knits, slouchy leather bags, and the occasional appearance of Fair Isle patterning.  I would recommend a yummy cowl-neck sweater dress (Bird, $400, Net-A-Porter) as a staple for outdoor tailgating in the crisp autumn weather —

Pair with low-wedge boots (you know I’m bananas about the Loeffler Randall “Riley” OTK — check them out in this gorgeous tobacco color! — $825, Loeffler Randall) and a roomy tote (I’m normally not a Coach brand lover, but the new Kristin pleated satchel is too good to be true — $398, Coach):

Alternately, I like the idea of serious layering — perhaps this striped tee ($42.50, J. Crew) beneath a nubby sweater-cape (I like this ModCloth version — $54, ModCloth — and this amazing find from Old Navy (!) — $39.50, Old Navy), atop a pair of dark wash skinnies?

Tuck the jeans into the Riley OTKs or add a simple pair of cognac flats — I adore these bow-toe Pour La Victoires (on sale for $117, Bluefly):

As an alternative, what about this little denim shirtdress (on sale for $78, Revolve Clothing), paired with rich brown boots ($298, Madewell):

If it’s chilly out, I’d layer a striped tee beneath it  ($39, J. Crew — adore this “spiced olive” color) and throw on a fur vest (faux or not) — you can find them everywhere right now, from B.B. Dakota to Michael Kors :

Or how about  a fitted, frilled blazer ($138, Anthropologie) atop this slouchy little heather gray top ($54, MetroPark) and some skinnies:

Tuck into some equestrian-inspired flat boots ($89, Arden B), add some aviators ($139, Ray-Ban), and you’re set.

Alternately, how about a poncho-like camel sweater (Alexander Wang, $525, Shopbop):

(Ella Moss has a slightly more affordable alternative that I like as well — $220, Ella Moss.)  I’d layer it over some leggings or skinnies and tuck, as usual, into boots.  Other cozy options?  I loveeee the details on this J. Crew sweater — the buttons, the shawl collar — it’s all so yummy ($128, J. Crew):

I’ve also already mentioned this “cocoon shrug” but I can’t get it out of my mind (or off my shopping list) –$80, TopShop:

I kind of die over the idea of pairing it with a boxy-fit, striped tee ($26, Metropark), some dark-wash jeans, and a pair of cognac flats ($42, Shoes.com):

Alternately, pair a dusty-hued suede bomber (love the bomber jacket this season — $395, Madewell) with a cashmere tee dress (on sale for $72, TheOutnet) and some structured brown boots (do you not DIE over these Chloes? — $990, Bloomingdale’s):

Or how about a batwing sweater shrug ($114, Piper Lime) over a navy/white stripe tee-dress (Juicy, $160, Net-A-Porter):

Pair with flat brown boots and a corresponding brown leather tote.  Another thought: one of American Vintage’s lovely knit dresses in a camel color, beneath a nubby fair isle duster sweater ($650, Calypso):

This Hazel sweater provides a more affordable (though just as chic) alternative ($88, PiperLime) — I adore the little horn toggle buttons!

Of course, you can also go traditional-preppy by pairing a donegal/tweed blazer ($95, Shopbop) with a slim-fit collared oxford ($85, Ralph Lauren):

Wair atop a pair of skinny jeans and — my favorite — some Minnetonkas ($45, Zappos):

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy a cocktail while rooting on your team (go ‘hoos!)  — and if your man is looking for a little something for the day, point him in the direction of Southern Proper, full of bow ties and “frat caps” and so forth.  Love that they call their boxers “southern drawls” (get it?):