Half the fun of a Notre Dame football Saturday is getting dressed for it. You might be tailgating in the Joyce lot, sitting on a bleacher inside Notre Dame Stadium or cheering from the couch, and the outfit should handle all three. Navy, kelly green, gold and white give you a generous palette to play with. The harder part is South Bend weather, which can be summer in early September and close to freezing by late November. I have put together 20 complete outfits below, from jersey-and-jeans basics to cold-weather layers, and I note which part of the season each one actually suits.
Planning Layers From the September Opener to November
South Bend sits close to Lake Michigan, and the season changes fast there. A September opener can feel like summer, with afternoon highs often in the 70s or warmer, while late November games can start in the 40s and finish near freezing once the sun goes down. Wind off the lake makes it feel colder than the number on the forecast. I plan game day outfits in three bands rather than one.
- Warm games (70s and up): one layer, breathable cotton or linen, shorts or skirts, and a light jacket you are happy to carry.
- Mild games (50s and 60s): a long-sleeve base, a mid layer like a sweater or flannel, and boots or closed sneakers.
- Cold games (40s and below): thermal base layer under jeans or fleece-lined leggings, a sweater, a vest or coat, wool socks, hat and gloves.
Evening kickoffs move you down one band by the fourth quarter. If the tailgate starts at noon and the game ends after dark, dress for the colder band and peel off layers early rather than shivering late.
1. Notre Dame Jersey With Jeans Outfit
The jersey and jeans combination is the safest choice on this list, and I mean that as praise. A navy or green jersey with a small front tuck into high-waisted distressed jeans keeps the shape from going boxy, and a brown leather belt shows off the tuck. Football jerseys are cut wide through the body, so if yours swallows you, a knot at the hip does the same job. White leather sneakers handle stadium stairs, and a gold pendant with simple hoops softens the sporty base. I keep a cream cardigan over the shoulders for the walk home, since evening games cool off fast once the sun drops behind the stands.
2. The Shirt With White Tennis Skirt Outfit
"The Shirt" changes design every year and wearing the current one is a Notre Dame ritual in itself. I tuck it fully into a white tennis skirt with built-in shorts, which keeps it tidy and makes bleacher sitting easy. These shirts are usually cut as unisex tees, so they can be long; a quick fold under the waistband before tucking stops the hem from bunching at the hips. Scrunched white crew socks and white sneakers keep it clean. Grab a clear stadium crossbody bag for security, and a few gold bracelets or green and gold beads add shine. Save it for warm early-season games.
3. Green Two-Piece Set Outfit Notre Dame
A matching green two-piece is team spirit without a single logo. A fitted crop top or tank with a green mini skirt reads clearly as Irish from across a parking lot, and white platform sneakers add height without hurting your feet. Big gold hoops and a fine chain give it polish. I always pack a cropped denim jacket, because a crop top in a late-afternoon breeze stops being fun quickly. The green cowboy hat with a little sequin trim is a playful nod to the Irish Wear Green game, and it does real work as shade during a long tailgate.
4. White Bodysuit With Jean Skirt And Vintage ND Jacket Outfit
This look starts with a white bodysuit, which never untucks no matter how much you jump. Over it goes a medium-wash jean skirt that stops just above the knee, then the star: a vintage Notre Dame jacket, either a retro satin pullover or a thrifted letterman. Old jackets often fit large in the shoulders and short in the body, which actually works over a skirt because the hemline stays balanced. Square sunglasses and gold hoops modernize it. White low-tops and a clear purse with a gold chain finish it, and the jacket comes on and off as the afternoon sun gives way to an evening chill.
5. Gold T-Shirt And Navy Shorts Notre Dame Outfit
A gold Notre Dame graphic tee tucked into high-waisted navy shorts is about the quickest true-colors outfit there is. Cotton or linen shorts breathe in September heat; avoid stiff denim if the forecast is in the 80s, because it traps heat at the waist. Bright gold can wash out very fair skin in full sun, so if that is you, look for a deeper mustard gold instead of a lemony one. White sneakers handle the walking, a navy ND cap shades your face, and a slim gold chain plus a few stacked rings finish it. It is the outfit I reach for when kickoff is early and nobody has time to think.
6. Notre Dame Graphic Sweatshirt With Leggings Outfit
Once the stands start getting cold, an oversized navy or heather gray Notre Dame crewneck with high-waisted black leggings is easy and warm. I keep the sweatshirt oversized but not past mid-thigh, since anything longer covers the leggings so completely it looks like you forgot your pants. White crew socks pulled up and chunky white sneakers keep it from looking like the gym. A green quilted crossbody and an ND beanie add color and warmth, and small gold studs break up the neutrals. It works for a mid-season game or a watch party where you want to be comfortable.
7. Green Sweater Dress With Cowboy Boots Outfit
A kelly green sweater dress sits right between dressy and practical. Above-the-knee length paired with white or tan cowboy boots gives a fun Midwest-meets-Western look, and a brown belt pulls the waist in. I check the knit before buying: a loose, thin knit stretches out at the seat after a few hours on a bench, so a tighter gauge or a cotton blend holds its shape longer. Layered gold necklaces and a clear crossbody handle the details. If the evening turns, a cream teddy coat over the shoulders keeps it warm and still looks considered.
8. Oversized Notre Dame Jersey As Dress Outfit
An oversized jersey worn as a dress is the lowest-effort look here, with a lot of impact. Choose navy or green that lands at mid-thigh, then belt it with a belt bag worn crossbody to give it a waist. White cowboy boots make it sharper; white platform sneakers make it more casual. Bending and climbing bleachers is the risk in a jersey dress, so I always wear bike shorts underneath. A black ND cap, dark sunglasses and a couple of gold chains finish it. It is a hot-weather outfit; on a cold day, the open mesh of a real jersey offers no warmth at all.
9. Navy Vest Over Gold Sweater Outfit
A navy quilted vest over a gold cable-knit sweater is a preppy look that suits the old stone buildings around campus. Cream or khaki straight-leg pants and brown leather loafers keep it classic. I size the vest to fit over the cable knit without pulling at the armholes, because a vest bought to wear over a tee will strain over a chunky sweater. The vest keeps your core warm and leaves your arms free to cheer. A brown leather crossbody, small gold jewelry and tortoiseshell sunglasses complete it for a cool mid-season afternoon.
10. Cropped Notre Dame Hoodie With High-Waisted Jeans Outfit
A cropped kelly green hoodie with high-waisted light jeans is youthful and comfortable. The trick is making the crop meet the waistband: if a gap of skin shows when you raise your arms, the jeans need a higher rise, and that is the first thing I check. Clean white leather low-tops keep it crisp for hours of walking. A gold nameplate necklace and small hoops add a personal touch. Put your phone and keys in a clear bag with gold hardware, and green sunglasses are a fun extra. It is best for early-fall games when a hoodie alone is enough.
11. Notre Dame Bomber Jacket With Bodysuit And Biker Shorts Outfit
A satin or nylon Notre Dame bomber over a black bodysuit is one of the sportier looks here. Black biker shorts at mid-thigh and white crew socks pulled up make it balanced, and white platform sneakers give height. Satin bombers look great but show water spots in rain, so if the forecast is unsure, I choose the nylon. A thick gold chain and stacked rings bring some shine, while a black cap with small ND branding keeps it grounded. A clear mini backpack handles stadium rules. It is best on a mild day when the jacket can stay open.
12. Plaid Dress In Notre Dame Colors Outfit
A plaid dress mixing navy, green and gold tones feels like autumn without trying. Mini or midi both work: a mini with knee-high brown boots, a midi with tan ankle boots. Plaid is busy, so I keep jewelry simple and gold and let the print lead. Check where the plaid lines meet at the side seams, because cheaper dresses do not match the pattern and it shows in photos. A navy cardigan or cropped denim jacket handles cooler weather. I reach for it at late-season home games, and white sneakers make it more casual if you want.
13. Notre Dame Flannel With Tank And Denim Shorts Outfit
A green-and-navy plaid flannel worn open over a white tank is my easy pick for a warm opener. Distressed denim shorts and cork sandals or white sneakers keep it summery. Flannel is heavier than people expect, so when the sun is high, tie it at the waist with the sleeves knotted in front, which also covers the seat if you sit on dusty grass. Pull it on as the evening cools. A gold pendant and green beaded bracelets add team spirit, and a woven straw crossbody keeps it relaxed for a long day of walking.
14. Green Cable Knit Sweater With White Pants Outfit
A chunky green cable knit tucked into white jeans looks crisp in late fall. Thick knits are hard to tuck, so I do a front tuck only and let the back hang, which keeps the waist clean without a lump. Brown leather ankle boots or classic duck boots handle muddy lots, and a brown belt with a matching satchel completes the colors. Little gold shamrock earrings or plain hoops add a festive touch. White pants and muddy tailgates are a gamble, so bring a stain wipe. It is made for cold November games.
15. Notre Dame Quarter-Zip With Leggings And Puffer Vest Outfit
For the coldest games, a navy Notre Dame quarter-zip pullover under a green or navy puffer vest keeps the core warm without bulky sleeves. Fleece-lined black leggings add warmth with little bulk, and tall riding boots or waterproof duck boots keep feet dry on damp grass and cold concrete. Cold rises up from the metal bleachers, so I add wool socks before anything else. An ND beanie, touchscreen gloves and a clear tote with hand warmers finish the setup for a late-November game near freezing.
16. Navy Blazer With ND Graphic Tee And White Jeans Outfit
A structured navy blazer over a vintage Notre Dame tee turns the classic game-day look into something sharp and unexpected. White slim jeans keep it fresh, and brown loafers or white sneakers decide whether it leans polished or casual. I pick a blazer with some stretch, because a stiff, fully structured one restricts your arms when you cheer. Push the sleeves up to keep it relaxed. Layered gold chains and a tan structured bag add polish. Wear it to a nicer tailgate or a booster event, or any game where you want to stand out in a sea of sweatshirts.
17. Kelly Green Turtleneck With Leather Skirt Outfit
A fitted kelly green turtleneck tucked into a black faux-leather mini is one of the sleeker looks on this list. Black opaque tights keep your legs warm, and block-heel ankle boots give height while staying stable on stairs. Faux leather does not breathe, so on a warm afternoon it gets sticky; I keep it for evening and colder games. A black crossbody and either silver or gold jewelry finish it. The green turtleneck carries the team spirit on its own, so you need no logos at all.
18. Notre Dame Varsity Jacket With Crop Top And Baggy Jeans Outfit
A vintage varsity jacket with leather sleeves gives instant old-school charm. I layer it over a white crop top and relaxed baggy jeans in a medium wash, which balances the boxy jacket better than skinny jeans would. White high-top or low-top retro sneakers lean into the throwback feel. A Fighting Irish cap and small gold hoops finish it, and a clear mini backpack holds the basics. Wool varsity bodies are warm but not waterproof, so it is best on a dry, mild day when the jacket is a choice and not survival gear.
19. White Jeans With Green Sweater And Duck Boots Outfit
White jeans with a soft green crewneck look bright on a gray late-fall day. Brown duck boots with thick socks peeking out keep feet dry on wet grass, and a quilted green vest adds warmth and doubles the color. I choose a slightly heavier white denim for cold days, since thin white jeans show everything underneath and do little against the wind. Gold studs and a delicate chain keep it understated, and a tan crossbody plus a navy knit headband finish it. It is a smart pick for a damp, chilly afternoon from tailgate to final whistle.
20. Notre Dame Tracksuit With Sneakers And Baseball Cap Outfit
A matching navy or green Notre Dame tracksuit is as comfortable as game day gets while still looking coordinated. The zip jacket and tapered joggers move with you through cornhole and stadium stairs. Look for a brushed-back fleece or heavier knit, because thin polyester tracksuits feel cold and cling with static in dry weather. White sneakers with no-show socks keep it clean, and a white ND cap and a simple gold chain add polish. A clear belt bag worn crossbody keeps your phone and keys secure. It works from an early kickoff to a cold one.
Navy, Green and Gold Without Looking Like a Mascot
Notre Dame colors are rich, and three of them at full strength in one outfit can tip into costume fast. I use a simple rule: one main color, one accent, and everything else neutral. A green sweater with gold earrings and white jeans reads polished. A green sweater, navy skirt, gold shoes and a green hat starts to look like a uniform.
Kelly green is the trickiest color. It is bright and very saturated, so it looks best close to the face on people with clear, high-contrast coloring. If it makes you look tired, wear it lower on the body as a skirt or bag, and put navy or cream near your face instead. Gold reads best as jewelry or hardware rather than a large fabric area, which can look yellow in cloudy light.
What Holds Up in South Bend Rain
Late-season games often mean drizzle, and some fabrics on this list handle it far better than others.
- Wool knits stay warm when damp and dry without much fuss. Lay them flat afterward; hanging a wet sweater stretches it.
- Fleece and nylon shrug off light rain, which is why a puffer vest is so useful.
- Suede boots darken and stiffen when wet. Treat them with a protector spray before the season or wear leather or rubber duck boots instead.
- Satin bombers spot in rain and white denim picks up mud, so keep them for dry forecasts.
Three Questions That Settle the Outfit
Getting dressed for Notre Dame comes down to three questions: what the forecast says at kickoff, how long you will be standing, and how much team color you want to show. Answer those and the right look from this list is usually obvious, whether it is a jersey with jeans or a blazer over a vintage tee. Wear shoes you have walked in, carry a clear bag, and always bring one more layer than you think you need. Go Irish.
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