The Complex Guide to Tailgate Style

Image via Complex Original

NFL season is upon us, and for most guys, we're pouring ourselves into these games twice as hard — for reasons we don't need to mention. One of the great traditions of football is the parking lot pre-game. Not a lot of sports advocate getting drunk in public while grilling a variety of meats prior to watching the game, but we're glad this one does.

It's also the revered Harvard vs. Yale game this weekend, where a lot of people go there specifically for the epic tailgate. Whether you're a fan of the NFL or prefer following the collegiate games, we've rounded up some clothing and accessories you'll need to really be ready for some football. Strike your best Tebow pose and check out The Complex Guide to Tailgate Style.

Pom Beanie

Supreme Tigers Patch Beanie, $30 

If you haven't noticed, pom beanies are huge right now. They're the perfect tailgate accessory, think of all the potential jump-offs that'll want to "touch your ball" after a couple of drinks. It's a cool ice breaker that actually keeps your head warm.

Flannel Shirt

Stussy Quilted Flannel Shirt, $113 

Flannel is definitely a fall staple, and this shirt from Stussy is also quilted on the inside, offering more insulation and that crucial bit of extra warmth that goes a long way when you're gonna be standing outside for hours. 

Bottle Opener

Makr Bottle Key, $11
Mark Key Chain with Snap Hook, $32 

Beer openers can be clunky things to keep around, and while there's a variety of objects they've been implemented into like rings, belt buckles, and watches, we think the key-shaped openers are the least tacky. Slip one on your keyring and your brew-loving tendencies are all but hidden.

Varsity Cardigan

YMC Plum Y College Shawl Cardigan, $206
Tommy Hilfiger Collegiate Cardigan, $89 

You don't have to rock school gear to get back in the school spirit. If you're visiting the alma mater, throw on a varsity-inspired cardigan with either a contrast placket or a shawl collar. Pair it with jeans and go tie-less to avoid looking like your old professor. And if some co-eds happen to think you're a student and invite you over their dorm for a post-game party... well, we won't blame you for celebrating.

Blanket

Pendleton Yellowstone Blanket, $324 

Here's the thing: don't ever leave the house in a snuggie. Bring a real blanket and use it in a variety of ways. A cool pattern from a company like Pendleton is a great way to differentiate your property from the rack of team-related gear you're likely to run into while manning the grill or knocking back a brewski. Use it as an impromptu picnic blanket, wrap it around your girl when she gets a little too chilly, or fold it up and use it as a comfortable booster seat when your little cousin is trying to see what's happening on the field from way up in the nosebleeds.

Down Vest

Canada Goose Lodge Down Vest, $295 

On gameday, go simple. Ditch the western-style leather yokes and extreme-temperature tested synthetics and just go for a basic navy or black vest you can layer over just about anything.

Flannel-Lined Pants

J. Crew Flannel-Lined Tompkins Pant, $108 

A lined pant not only eliminates the need for long johns, they also add a bit of rugged style to your outfit. If you want, buy them a little bit longer so you can cuff them and show off the plaid pattern underneath. The slim cut on these pants from J. Crew also gives you a fitted look without being super tight.

Flask

Coleman Tailgater Flask, $17 

Sometimes you just need to stay warm the old-fashioned way. It worked for grandpa, it'll work for you. The leather on this classy-looking flask insulates your hands against touching cold stainless steel, and the included funnel ensures you won't waste a drop of the good stuff.

Scarf

Mitchell & Ness Washington Redskins Scarf, $30
Mitchell & Ness New York Jets Scarf, $30

Across the pond, "football" has a totally different meaning. One thing international soccer clubs are known for, however, are their totally sweet scarves. These throwback editions by Mitchell & Ness emulate that but translate it for the teams we're cheering for on the gridiron. College football fans already know that repping a school scarf was a thing to do way before Harry Potter ever came out. Ivy League schools have always had vertical-striped scarves fashioned after the school's colors from preppy shops like J. Press.

Varsity Jacket

The Hundreds Public Label J6 Letterman, $169 

Varsity jackets are a reliable outerwear piece for autumn, and definitely appropriate for any sporting event. This season, designers seem to be pushing for murdered-out versions combining black wool and black leather. The J6 Letterman from The Hundreds Public Label, Bobby Hundreds' more fashion-forward brand, takes its design cues from the iconic Nike Destroyer jacket and offers a solid piece at an amazing price.