Pick Six: Belle’s Final Four Weekend Wardrobe

In 1998, I started following Gonzaga (pronounced Gone-Zag(like bag)-Uh) basketball because the hot guy in my chemistry class was a fan.  Two decades, three degrees, $110,000 in student loan debt, and the realization that the hot guy was a Grade-A jerk later, the Zags finally brought home a trip to the Final Four.  And I wouldn’t miss it for the world.  Luckily, my partner in crime felt the same way (granted he felt it more strongly until Wisconsin got knocked out), so we are going Dancing in the Desert.

So what does one wear to a big time sporting event where she will run into lots of old friends, old boyfriends, a couple of college-mean-girls, and a few thousand other people?  Here’s a rundown of what I’m packing.

We’re headed to dinner and drinks with some friends on Friday night, so why not rock the school colors?  As luck would have it, I’d already purchased this Tory Burch dress.  I’m pairing with my new, and awesome, Sam Edelman sandals.  I just wanted something comfortable, easy, and flattering (esp. given my bar-study weight gain).  A wrap dress is all of that.

Need another choice under-$100?  This red-and-white striped Hatley dress and this Brooks Brothers polo dress is all kinds of preppy.

For the game itself, I wanted a team shirt.  Unfortunately, my college shirts are in a size best suited to 14-year-old girls, not a woman fast approaching middle age.  And since the bookstore was sold out of everything in a size small, I went searching on Amazon for something relaxed, but not full game tee.

Gonzaga Love Shirt ($36)

Gonzaga Yoke Tee ($42)

Gonzaga Good Vibes Tee ($32)

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans ($114)

While blue jeans are the most obvious choice to wear to the game, I prefer white.  They’re a bit more stylish than your every day denim.  If your concerned about them being unflattering, try a straight leg, a slim bootcut, or go for a flare.  NYDJ is my favorite brand for white jeans.  They lift, tuck, and flatten.  So if you’ve struggled to find a pair that suits you, I’d start with NYDJ.  They also make petite and plus-size denim.

Some might be concerned that white jeans will get dirty, but I wear them often, and I’m not too worried about it.  If you’re searching for a substitute, a pair of lighter, distressed denim will work well.  

Marc Jacobs TriColor Card Case ($75)

I like to travel light to sporting events, concerts, etc..  This card case allows me to pack the bare necessities, and not need a handbag. This gold card case is marked down to $33.

If for some reason, I must have a bag, I like to carry a small, cognac crossbody.  Cognac goes with almost any color, so it’s a versatile choice.  However, some sporting events require clear plastic purses of a smaller size.  For football games, I carry this small PVC crossbody.

I hope to spend the majority of Sunday poolside.  We’ve had a very rainy, dark winter, and I am ready for a bit of sun.  But my pale winter skin needs to be protected from overindulgence.  Because there’s a differnce between getting a little vitamin-D and getting a serious sunburn.

Supergoop is my favorite brand of sunscreen.  I love their Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil made with meadowfoam; it’s one of the few that doesn’t make me breakout.  I also like their vitamin-c infused spray sunscreen.  This kit is perfect for traveling.  Add a chic, affordable Panama Hat and I can keep sunburns and wrinkles at bay.

Whenever I travel, I pack a pair of back up shoes.  Why?  Because you might start to develop blisters, or tire out your feet walking in heels for unexpected distances.  A pair of back up shoes gives you another option if (and usually when) you need one.  These $12 H&M flats are a great option.  They run a little large, but for swollen feet, that can be a good thing.  I also recommend these Yosi Samra packable flats, for something a bit more durable.  Or if you want something you can fit in your purse, these roll-up flats are perfect for weddings and late night events.