By Karen Aney (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: October 24, 2012
In what is likely an entirely optimistic spirit, I’ve decided to take this time to talk about proper attire for watching sports. But hey, even if the NHL isn’t up and running at the moment, there are still plenty of opportunities to watch athletes doing their thing – Abbotsford Heat games are an awesome time if you’re looking for a local example.
So girls, here’s a list of general tips. First, don’t dress impractically. This is a chance for you to be comfortable! As a general rule, anything you’d wear to a club is not something to wear while watching sports – either in person or on a big screen. No sparkles, no plunging necklines. It’s all about context.
Next, think about the sport you’re watching. A hockey game is not the time to rock a mini skirt. Conversely, if you’re watching our Cascades kicking it down the soccer field, that’s not the time for sandals – they’ll just get bogged down in the mud. A UFC event is not the time to wear lots of long necklaces, because those guys are scary and their fans might get too many ideas whilst watching their idols.
Stay away from anything overtly feminine and delicate. Now is not the time for lace, pearls and florals – like the club wear, this will make you seem out of place. It will make you look like you think watching sports is akin to a tea party. Don’t get me wrong, I love few things better than a steaming mug of tea and my big screen television on Sportsnet, but there’s a time and a place to be delicate – watching sports is not that time.
So that’s a pretty long list of don’ts. Here’s a list of dos. Do think about colours. Whether it’s basketball, boxing or bull fighting, there are certain colours you should stay the heck away from. Try googling the names of the teams you’ll be watching, that will help you figure out which colours you should be wearing. You don’t necessarily have to wear the home team’s colours, but stay away from the opponent’s palette if you don’t want to be ridiculed. If you don’t have any clothing in the necessary colours, try looking towards your accessories. Nails, belts, scarves – all of these are great ways to incorporate team spirit.
Layers are a great idea. If you’re watching the event in person, it could be cold inside the arena, and even if you’re watching a sport where it doesn’t get cold, you’re likely to be fairly sedentary for the duration of the game. Look to items like wrap cardigans and circle scarves – items with an excess of fabric that still look feminine. These can double as blankets to tuck around your legs.
Finally, keep a more subtle femininity in mind. Wear boots, but wear leather riding boots with feminine detailing. Wear team colours, but wear them in tailored fits. There’s no reason to forgo any attempt at sartorial excellence.
