Counting the days until you are back in The Shoe? Ohio State game day has turned into a real style event, where school spirit and personal taste share the same outfit. Tailgating on Lane Avenue, standing in the student section and hosting a watch party all ask for something a little different, and the color-out games add another layer of planning. Buckeye fans now mix vintage finds, cut-up tees and tailored pieces with the classic jersey. I have put together 20 complete outfits below, each with notes on how I would wear it, what to watch for, and which game or weather it suits.
Cutting an Old OSU Tee Into a Crop Without Ruining It
Several looks below use a cut-down Ohio State tee, and it is the cheapest way to get a fitted game day top. The rules are simple once you know how T-shirt jersey behaves. Knit jersey does not fray, so you never need to hem it, but it does curl and stretch after cutting.
- Put the tee on with the jeans or skirt you will wear, and mark the crop line with a pin about an inch lower than you want. Cut edges roll up and the shirt shrinks visually once it curls.
- Lay it flat, smooth out the side seams and cut straight across with sharp fabric scissors. Dull scissors chew the knit and leave a wavy line.
- Gently stretch the cut edge with both hands. It rolls into a soft finished edge in a few seconds.
- Never cut through the printed graphic. The print cracks and peels at a cut line after washing.
- If you want a wider neck, cut the ribbed collar off in one loop and try it on before taking any more.
Wash a cut tee inside out on cold and hang it to dry. Hot dryers make the cut edge curl even tighter and shrink the length you just measured so carefully.
1. Oversized Ohio State jersey outfit with knee high boots
An oversized scarlet jersey worn as a dress needs two things to work: a waist and a good boot. A thin black belt gives the shape, and sleek black knee-high boots make the sporty piece look deliberate rather than borrowed. I always wear biker shorts under a jersey dress, since bleachers and wind do not care about hemlines. The boot top should sit just under the knee so a little leg shows between hem and shaft; if the two meet, the legs look shorter. A gray Block O crossbody, small gold hoops and a backward cap finish it, and a leather jacket covers the cooler walk out after an evening game.
2. Cropped OSU tee with high waisted jeans outfit
A cropped Ohio State tee with high-waisted straight jeans is simple and hard to get wrong. Licensed or cut yourself, the tee should end right at the waistband so only a sliver of skin shows when you move. I pick light-wash jeans with some stretch because rigid denim digs in after a few hours on a bench. White leather sneakers handle the miles of walking. A scarlet and gray bead stack, a clear crossbody and big black sunglasses complete it. It is the outfit for anyone who wants to look put together in five minutes.
3. Scarlet strapless jumpsuit gameday outfit with Ohio hat
A scarlet strapless jumpsuit is a bold choice for a game, and it pays off if the fit is right. The bodice has to grip on its own; I test it by raising both arms over my head in the fitting room, and if it slides, I size down or add fashion tape and silicone grip. The wide leg moves nicely and balances the bare shoulders. A white or gray Ohio State cap shades the face, white platform sneakers keep you steady, and Brutus earrings plus bead bracelets bring personality. Carry a clear bag with scarlet trim. It goes from a noon kickoff tailgate to dinner downtown, though restroom trips take planning.
4. Vintage Ohio State jacket outfit with jeans
A vintage Ohio State jacket gives an outfit history you cannot buy new. Faded scarlet satin, a gray collar and block lettering on the back are the details to hunt for at thrift stores, or in a parent's closet. Older satin jackets were often cut boxy and shorter, so I wear one over a fitted white tee tucked into medium-wash straight jeans with a raw hem to keep the proportions clean. Black and white low-top canvas sneakers fit the throwback mood. Layered gold necklaces, a gray beanie on cooler days and a black leather crossbody finish it. Check the cuffs and lining before buying; worn knit cuffs on old jackets are hard to replace.
5. Cheerleader skirt gameday outfit for Ohio State
A pleated cheer-style skirt in scarlet or gray, mid-thigh length, brings out the spirited side of game day. I pair it with a cropped long-sleeve Ohio State tee, store-bought or cut at home. Crew socks pulled to mid-calf and chunky retro sneakers keep it playful. Pleats are only as good as the fabric: a polyester blend holds sharp knife pleats through a day of jumping, while cotton pleats go soft quickly. A scarlet ribbon in your ponytail, Brutus studs and a few bracelets finish it, plus a clear crossbody for the bag rules. It suits student section regulars who plan to be on their feet the entire game.
6. Denim overalls outfit with Ohio State tee
Overalls are comfortable, roomy and have more pockets than any other outfit here for phone, ticket and lip balm. I choose a relaxed light or medium wash and put an Ohio State graphic tee underneath, then either drop one strap for a loose look or buckle both for a cleaner line. Roll the cuffs once or twice so white crew socks show above the sneakers. A scarlet bandana at the neck or through a belt loop adds color, and a Buckeye pin on the bib is a fun detail. They work across the season: a tank under them in September, a thermal long-sleeve in November. Before buying, sit down in them; a short bib pulls hard at the crotch.
7. OSU hoodie outfit with leggings and sneakers
For a cold day that still needs to look intentional, I go for an oversized Ohio State hoodie in heathered gray or faded scarlet with black high-waisted leggings. A white tee underneath, with its hem peeking out, breaks the line between the two pieces. Compression leggings smooth things out under a loose top, and chunky white running sneakers add a little height. A scarlet and gray plaid blanket scarf, a black quilted crossbody and a gray pom-pom beanie finish it. Cotton hoodies get heavy and cold if it rains, so on a wet day I add a light waterproof shell over the top. It is made for late October and November in the stands.
8. Flannel and Ohio State shirt game day outfit
A flannel knotted at the waist is close to a Midwest tailgate uniform, and it earns its place. Start with a fitted heather gray Ohio State tee or tank and dark-wash denim shorts with a frayed edge. A red-and-black buffalo check or a flannel with subtle scarlet stripes stays tied around your waist until the afternoon cools. Comfortable canvas low-tops or slip-ons are right for this, along with sunglasses, a simple chain and a clear crossbody. On colder days, swap the shorts for black skinny jeans and wear the flannel open with the sleeves rolled. One note: a thick flannel knotted over shorts adds bulk at the hips, so a thinner shirting flannel ties more neatly.
9. Scarlet dress outfit with cowboy boots for game day
Southern game day dressing has drifted north, and this look borrows from it. A scarlet tiered mini dress in cotton or gauze is light enough for the heat of an early game, and a knit version takes you into fall. Tan or brown cowboy boots ground the ruffles. Tiered dresses add volume at every seam, so if you are petite, choose two tiers rather than three or the skirt starts to overwhelm you. A gray wool fedora, layered gold necklaces, a brown leather crossbody and gold Brutus earrings keep it Buckeye without looking costume-y. It looks especially good in late-afternoon light.
10. Ohio State crewneck outfit with denim skirt
A vintage-wash denim skirt with a classic gray Ohio State crewneck sweatshirt is collegiate and still feminine. I size the crewneck a little oversized so a front tuck gives the waist some definition. The skirt works best mid-thigh with a slight A-line and a touch of stretch for sitting. White high-tops with crew socks folded once add a preppy note. A scarlet leather watch, thin gold rings and a gray beanie finish it, and a thin scarlet ribbon woven through a side braid is a sweet detail I like more every season. It moves easily from a day game to dinner on High Street and brings a skirt into a lineup full of pants and leggings.
11. Red blazer and gray trousers gameday outfit
For alumni events or club seats, a tailored scarlet blazer worn open over a white Block O tee looks sharp and keeps the team colors front and center. High-waisted gray wide-leg trousers make a long line, and pointed black ankle boots or loafers finish it in a way you can still walk in. Wide-leg trousers drag on stadium concrete if they are too long, so I hem them to just brush the top of the shoe. Silver chain, small hoops and a sleek watch keep the jewelry clean. A structured gray tote holds a scarf and spare layer, and tortoiseshell sunglasses add polish. It suits a pre-game alumni event or a dressier tailgate.
12. Oversized Ohio State sweatshirt outfit with bike shorts
On a hot, sticky September Saturday, an oversized Ohio State sweatshirt worn as a dress with black bike shorts is surprisingly comfortable. The sweatshirt should hit mid-thigh and be soft and roomy, with the shorts just barely showing. I go for a lightweight French terry rather than fleece-lined, because a thick fleece in 80-degree heat is miserable. Crew socks and chunky white dad sneakers carry the streetwear mood, and a dad cap, small oval sunglasses and a clear crossbody with a bright accent finish it. Scarlet lipstick ties it back to team colors. As evening comes, swap the cap for a beanie and knot a flannel at the waist.
13. White button up layered under Ohio State sweater outfit
A crisp white button-down under a scarlet Ohio State V-neck sweater is a preppy look built on small details. The collar and cuffs should peek out neatly, which means pressing the collar before you leave and choosing a shirt with sleeves a touch longer than the sweater. Tuck both into black skinny jeans or tailored trousers. Black heeled ankle boots lengthen the leg. Pearl or gold studs, a thin red headband and a structured black bag or clear tote complete it. It brings classic East Coast collegiate style to Columbus and suits cool October and November afternoons. If it warms up, take off the sweater and roll the shirt sleeves.
14. Ohio State tank top outfit with denim shorts
For early noon kickoffs in the heat, a fitted scarlet or gray Ohio State racerback tank tucked loosely into raw-hem light denim shorts is about as cool as you can dress. I pick a cotton-modal tank over plain cotton because it stays smoother when damp. Flat sandals or white slip-on sneakers keep it easy, and a natural straw hat plus aviators protect against sun. Carry a Block O canvas tote packed with sunscreen and a phone charger, and add a Buckeye pendant or red beaded anklet. Be honest about sun exposure: shoulders burn fast in a racerback, so reapply sunscreen at halftime.
15. Ohio State printed leggings outfit with cropped hoodie
Printed Ohio State leggings, with Buckeye leaves, block logos or color stripes, are loud on their own, so I balance them with a plain cropped gray hoodie that ends at the waistband. That clean break keeps the print from running top to bottom. Crew socks pulled over the leggings and chunky white sneakers keep it sporty. Thin, printed leggings can turn see-through when you bend, so test them in daylight before game day. A high ponytail with a scarlet scrunchie, a clear backpack and a red quilted headband for chilly mornings finish it, for fans who like their pride loud.
16. Vintage Ohio State t-shirt outfit with distressed jeans
A soft, faded, slightly oversized vintage-style tee with a retro Buckeye graphic is the heart of this edgier outfit. I front-tuck it into high-waisted distressed black jeans with ripped knees, then add black combat boots or lug-sole loafers. Real vintage tees are often thinner cotton, which drapes better but shows sweat, so I keep this one for cooler days. Layered silver chains of different lengths, thin stacked rings, a backward scarlet cap and a black leather crossbody finish it. It suits fans who lean streetwear and like their team pride understated.
17. Scarlet wool coat outfit with black leggings for cold game day
November in Columbus calls for a proper coat, and a mid-length scarlet wool coat looks good while doing the job. A wool blend with a high wool percentage holds heat best; very low wool blends feel thin in wind. I layer it over a black fine turtleneck and fleece-lined black leggings, then add flat black knee-high riding boots for stairs and concrete ramps. Size the coat so it closes over a sweater, not just a turtleneck, and you will be warm later in the season too. A gray scarf, black leather gloves, a structured black tote and a scarlet and gray beanie complete it. It stands up to the cold wind that sweeps through the stadium in late fall.
18. All black Ohio State gameday outfit for wear black game
When Ohio State calls a Wear Black game, like the 2025 matchup against Penn State, go fully dark and sleek. A black Ohio State hoodie or long-sleeve tee with scarlet and gray details keeps the branding visible. Black skinny jeans or cargo pants and all-black high-top or low-top sneakers keep it cohesive. All-black outfits can look flat in photos, so I mix textures: a matte hoodie, washed denim, a leather bag. Then add controlled hits of scarlet with a red beanie, a Block O bracelet or bold lipstick. A clear backpack with black trim stays on theme. It is built for a night game.
19. Gray Ohio State gameday outfit for helmet stripe game
The helmet stripe game turns Ohio Stadium into a giant Buckeye helmet, and the section you sit in decides your color. For gray sections, I build around a heathered gray Ohio State hoodie or crewneck with gray jeans or trousers for a tonal look. Heather grays vary a lot between brands, so do not worry about an exact match; slightly different grays look richer than one flat block. White sneakers brighten the bottom, a scarlet beanie or cap adds a pop, and a gray and scarlet striped scarf nods to the stripe itself. Carry a clear bag and add small Brutus jewelry. It helps build one of the most striking crowd scenes in all of college football.
20. All red Ohio State outfit for scarlet the shoe game
Scarlet The Shoe asks the whole stadium to wear red, so this is the day to commit. A scarlet Ohio State jersey, authentic or replica, layered over a white long-sleeve tee gives warmth and contrast. Red skinny jeans or scarlet leggings carry the color down. Matching reds from different makers rarely line up exactly, so I put the white tee and white sneakers between the red pieces to separate them. A Block O pendant, a red ribbon in your ponytail and a white beanie keep it spirited without overload. A clear crossbody with red trim finishes it. Joining more than 100,000 fans in one color is something you remember.
One Small Wardrobe for Every Color-Out Game
Ohio State runs several themed games in a season, and buying a new outfit for each one adds up quickly. I build a small set of pieces that cover all of them, then mix them up.
- A plain scarlet base: one scarlet tee or long-sleeve, plus scarlet leggings or jeans if you like full color, covers Scarlet The Shoe.
- A heather gray hoodie and gray jeans cover gray sections for the helmet stripe game.
- A black hoodie and black jeans cover Wear Black games and look sharp at any night game.
- White sneakers and a white tee work under every theme and separate strong colors so they do not clash.
- Small scarlet accents, like a beanie, scrunchie or lipstick, tie any of these back to the Buckeyes.
Check your ticket or section map before a helmet stripe game, since your color depends on where you sit. And keep the color-out outfit warm enough for the date. A themed game in late November still needs a thermal layer underneath, even if it hides part of the color.
Suit Up for the Next Saturday in The Shoe
Ohio State dressing is part personal style and part team project. Pick the look that fits your seat, the weather and the theme of the game, then build it around shoes you can stand in all day. Watch the athletic department announcements for helmet stripe and Wear Black games, and keep a basic scarlet, gray and black piece ready for each. Do that, and getting dressed on Saturday takes ten minutes instead of an hour. Go Bucks.
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