It has happened, y'all -- the first Caturday of the year. One of my favorite things about football season is not only getting to rage at the Bowl but the creativity and personal style that you see all across campus on Game Day. Here in the SEC, it is not uncommon to see a lot of girls wearing similar dresses, complete with their Ariat Cowgirl boots. I love this traditional look, but occasionally it's fun to bring in an edgier flare to the Commonwealth.
This week, I interviewed Sarah Beth Johnson, a senior Kappa Delta and merchandising major here at the University of Kentucky. All of her sisters know her as the fashion guru in their chapter.
SBJ's unexpected acknowledgment of the green hints in her patterned shirt from Eula Ferns (an online boutique) separates her outfit from all the rest at the Bowl. From the UK blue harem pants from Bluetique to the bold printed top, SBJ takes tailgating to a whole new level. One of the things to most appreciate about her outfit is the way she mixes blue and black in a way that works. The Payless wedges and Francesca's handbag tie this look together. A lot of people are afraid to do this color match, but if done right, it can make such a fashion statement.
I went ahead and asked SBJ a few questions about her style and these were her answers!
1. What is the inspiration behind your outfit?
"The inspiration behind my outfit was to create something that is very fashion forward yet still representing my school spirit and love for the cats! No one ever thinks about mixing other colors with UK blue like the like green hinted in the shirt, but it can turn out to be so beautiful! I really enjoy pushing boundaries here in Kentucky to help break myself and others of the conservative stereotype. Also the harem pants (a.k.a. parachute pants, bringing back the 90's) have been a huge fashion staple on the runway, so why not bring that to a Kentucky tailgate? Also these items are very comfortable and lightweight which for a hot day helps keep the sweating to a minimal."
2. How do you think your outfit fits in with your own personal style?
"This outfit fits my personal style with the bright colors yet still black thrown into tone down the boldness of the blue, which is also why I did more of a nude lipstick."
3. How would you describe your personal style?
"I wouldn't say I have a complete personal style. I like to have a variety of everything. This can go from a Lilly dress to converse and camo to a midi skirt. I'm all over the place and love to try new things! I tend to stay minimalistic and wear more neutrals because of how simple and elegant they look but I'm starting to venture into bolder colors and get out of my box."
4. How does it feel to go beyond the typical UK blue dress and cowboy boots for tailgate?
"It feels good to break the social norm of a dress and boots, even though there's nothing wrong with a classic look! Obviously, it is extremely different than others which can be scary and intimidating even, but you want to be yourself! It's not bad to try new things and you can even set a trend yourself. I'd say more girls loved the outfit and guys just didn't really care. I also really liked trying to break the whole red lipstick trend too. Color pop cosmetics makes incredible ultra-matte lip colors that look great on everyone! I usually choose the gray beige that I'm wearing in the picture of a purple fuchsia. Those are definitely my go to and make you look more adult like. We're known as a southern university which is why the classic tailgate look sticks, but I'm starting to see more girls wear palazzo pants, updo's, and knee high gladiators. It's so cool to see students starting to break out and get a runway look trending at our college. I also enjoy seeing everyone's own style and personality come out. UK is becoming more stylish and I couldn't be more blessed to go here!"