What to Wear to the Red River Rivalry: Complete Game Day Fashion Guide
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
- Check weather forecast - Adjust accordingly
- Lay out outfit - No morning stress
- Break in shoes - If new, wear around house
- Test clear bag - Make sure everything fits
- Charge phone - Photo battery ready
Game Day Morning
- Apply sunscreen - BEFORE you go
- Dress comfortably - You’ll be in it 6+ hours
- Pack essentials - Check bag policy
- Wear team pride - Go all out!
- 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.