Guide

What to Wear to the Red River Rivalry: Complete Game Day Fashion Guide

Red River Rivalry Staff
#Fashion #Game Day #Tips #Team Spirit

Attending the Red River Rivalry? What you wear matters—for comfort, team pride, and the perfect game day photos. Here’s your complete guide to dressing for the occasion.

Understanding the Dress Code

Team Colors Are Everything

Texas Longhorns:

  • Primary: Burnt Orange (#BF5700)
  • Secondary: White
  • Accent: Black (minimal)

Oklahoma Sooners:

  • Primary: Crimson (#841617)
  • Secondary: Cream/White
  • Accent: None needed

Golden Rule: Pick a side and commit 100%!

Weather Considerations

Early October in Dallas

Typical Conditions:

  • Temperature: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
  • Sun: Intense, especially afternoon
  • Humidity: Moderate
  • Rain: Rare but possible

Dress for the Heat

Do:

  • Lightweight fabrics
  • Breathable materials
  • Light colors (helps reflect sun)
  • Layers for indoor/outdoor

Don’t:

  • Heavy jackets (you won’t need them)
  • Dark colors in direct sun
  • Tight, restrictive clothing
  • Non-breathable synthetics

Essential Outfit Elements

For Texas Fans

Classic Gameday Look

Men:

  • Burnt orange polo or t-shirt
  • Khaki shorts or jeans
  • Comfortable sneakers or boots
  • “Hook ‘em Horns” cap
  • Sunglasses

Women:

  • Orange game day dress or romper
  • White shorts + orange top
  • Comfortable sandals or sneakers
  • Longhorns jewelry
  • Crossbody bag (clear or small)

Elevated Gameday

Men:

  • Burnt orange button-down
  • Dark jeans or chinos
  • Brown leather boots
  • Texas belt buckle
  • Cowboy hat (if you can pull it off!)

Women:

  • Orange maxi dress
  • Denim jacket with Texas patches
  • Wedges or stylish sneakers
  • Statement earrings
  • Game day hat

For Oklahoma Fans

Classic Gameday Look

Men:

  • Crimson polo or jersey
  • Khaki or gray shorts
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • OU cap or visor
  • Sunglasses

Women:

  • Crimson and cream dress
  • White jeans + crimson top
  • Comfortable flats or sneakers
  • Sooner accessories
  • Clear stadium bag

Elevated Gameday

Men:

  • Crimson dress shirt
  • Dark wash jeans
  • Dress boots
  • OU belt buckle
  • Vintage Sooners cap

Women:

  • Crimson jumpsuit
  • Cream cardigan
  • Wedge sandals
  • Layered necklaces
  • Statement sunglasses

Footwear Guide

Comfort is King

You’ll be walking 2-5 miles during game day (fair + stadium).

Best Choices:

  • Well-broken-in sneakers
  • Athletic shoes
  • Comfortable boots (if broken in)
  • Supportive sandals

Avoid:

  • Brand new shoes (blisters!)
  • High heels (you’ll regret it)
  • Flip-flops (unsafe in crowds)
  • Dress shoes (too formal, uncomfortable)

Texas Style

  • Cowboy boots (if comfortable!)
  • Nike/Adidas in orange
  • Converse in burnt orange
  • Western boots

Oklahoma Style

  • Classic sneakers in crimson
  • Comfortable athletic shoes
  • Casual boots
  • Vans or similar

Accessories That Work

Must-Have Accessories

Sun Protection:

  • Sunglasses (polarized recommended)
  • Hat or visor
  • Sunscreen (reapply!)

Practical Items:

  • Clear stadium bag (required)
  • Phone charging cable
  • Cash (for fair food)
  • Portable fan (game-changer!)

Team Spirit:

  • Face paint or temporary tattoos
  • Team beads/necklaces
  • Foam finger
  • Rally towel

Bag Policy

What’s Allowed:

  • Clear bags (12”x6”x12”)
  • Small clutch (4.5”x6.5”)
  • Clear tote bags

What’s Not:

  • Backpacks
  • Large purses
  • Diaper bags (unless clear)
  • Any non-clear bag

Family-Friendly Outfits

Kids

  • Team t-shirt or jersey
  • Comfortable shorts
  • Sneakers
  • Team cap
  • Light jacket (for A/C areas)

Babies/Toddlers

  • Team onesie or shirt
  • Sun hat
  • Comfortable clothes for changing
  • Extra outfit in clear bag

Matching Family

  • Coordinating team colors
  • Same style shirts
  • Matching accessories
  • Great for photos!

Group Coordination

Friend Groups

Matching Ideas:

  • Same shirt, different styles
  • Coordinated colors
  • Matching accessories
  • Theme costumes (within reason)

Popular Group Themes:

  • All jerseys
  • Matching custom shirts
  • Decades (70s, 80s, etc.)
  • Coordinated face paint

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

  • Coordinate colors
  • Plan ahead
  • Order matching items early
  • Take group photos!

Don’t:

  • Wear costumes that obstruct views
  • Go too over-the-top (respect others)
  • Forget someone in the planning
  • Clash with stadium seating (all one color)

Shopping Guide

Where to Buy

Official Team Stores:

  • Texas: University Co-Op (Austin)
  • Oklahoma: Sooner Sports (Norman)
  • Both: Official online stores

Sporting Goods:

  • Academy Sports
  • Dick’s Sporting Goods
  • Fanatics.com
  • Rally House

Budget Options:

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Amazon
  • Thrift stores (vintage finds!)

Price Ranges

Budget-Friendly ($20-50):

  • Basic t-shirts: $20-30
  • Caps/visors: $15-25
  • Simple accessories: $10-20

Mid-Range ($50-100):

  • Polos: $40-60
  • Jerseys: $50-80
  • Dresses: $40-70

Premium ($100+):

  • Authentic jerseys: $100-150
  • Designer game day wear: $100-300
  • Custom items: varies

Style Tips by Age

College Students

  • Jerseys and cutoffs
  • Vintage tees
  • Crop tops (within reason)
  • Casual and comfortable
  • Affordable basics

Young Professionals

  • Elevated casual
  • Polos and dresses
  • Stylish accessories
  • Quality over quantity

Families

  • Practical and comfortable
  • Easy-to-clean fabrics
  • Layers for kids
  • Matching options

Seniors

  • Comfortable classics
  • Sun protection
  • Easy-on/off layers
  • Supportive footwear

Special Situations

First Date

  • Show team spirit but stay classy
  • Comfortable but stylish
  • Not too over-the-top
  • Easy to talk to (avoid loud accessories)

Business Entertainment

  • Polo or button-down
  • Nice jeans or chinos
  • Clean sneakers or boots
  • Minimal but clear team allegiance

Tailgate Party

  • Extra casual OK
  • Prepare for spills
  • Comfortable for cooking/grilling
  • Team spirit maxed out

What NOT to Wear

Absolute No-Nos

Wrong Team Colors:

  • Burnt orange on Oklahoma side
  • Crimson on Texas side
  • You will be heckled!

Inappropriate Items:

  • Offensive slogans
  • Revealing clothing (family event)
  • Dangerous accessories
  • Anything banned by stadium

Uncomfortable Choices:

  • Brand new shoes
  • Restrictive clothing
  • Heavy fabrics
  • No sun protection

Packing List

The Night Before

Check List:

  • Team shirt/outfit
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Clear bag packed
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat/visor
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash for fair
  • Phone charger
  • Mobile tickets downloaded
  • Extra layer (just in case)

In Your Clear Bag

Essentials:

  • ID and credit card
  • Cash ($50-100)
  • Sunscreen stick (reapply!)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Portable phone charger
  • Tissues/wet wipes
  • Mints/gum
  • Small first aid (bandaids)

Instagram-Worthy Looks

Best Photo Opportunities

Stadium Shots:

  • In your seat pre-game
  • With the 50-50 crowd split
  • Victory celebration

Fair Park Photos:

  • In front of Big Tex
  • With your fair food
  • At iconic fair spots

Photo-Ready Tips

  • Coordinate with friends
  • Bring portable phone charger
  • Clean camera lens
  • Plan golden hour shots (sunset)
  • Tag #RedRiverRivalry

Post-Game Attire

If You’re Staying at the Fair

Consider:

  • Bringing a light change of clothes
  • Freshen up in restrooms
  • Swap sweaty shirt for clean one
  • Add a light jacket for evening

Dinner Plans

Quick Changes:

  • Pack a nicer shirt in car
  • Swap sneakers for cleaner shoes
  • Freshen up at restaurant
  • Most Dallas spots are casual

Final Tips

24 Hours Before

  1. Check weather forecast - Adjust accordingly
  2. Lay out outfit - No morning stress
  3. Break in shoes - If new, wear around house
  4. Test clear bag - Make sure everything fits
  5. Charge phone - Photo battery ready

Game Day Morning

  1. Apply sunscreen - BEFORE you go
  2. Dress comfortably - You’ll be in it 6+ hours
  3. Pack essentials - Check bag policy
  4. Wear team pride - Go all out!
  5. Smile - You’re about to have an amazing time

Bottom Line: Wear your team colors with pride, dress for comfort in the heat, and bring a clear bag. When in doubt, go with a classic team polo or t-shirt with comfortable shoes. You can’t go wrong with team spirit and practical comfort!

Ready to shop? Check out official team stores or visit local sporting goods stores for the best selection.

Get Your Tickets | Plan Your Day | Fair Food Guide