What to Wear to the World Cup

Seven outfit formulas to make sure you win best dressed.

The hardest styling challenge I’ve had yet: what to wear to a World Cup match, in the summer heat, while 7 months pregnant. I’ve been scratching my head for weeks, trying to determine what I should wear. It started out as a cute and creative styling challenge and then summer hit. I quickly realized the somber reality of the heat and the outfit quest quickly spiraled into a practical I cannot be overheating in my third trimester panic.

The outcome of all my back and forth was a multitude of looks that cover all the bases. And since professional sporting events feel tricky to dress for (I don’t like buying too specific of clothing items), I thought a mini outfit guide was needed.

It’s the World Cup in this scenario but you can apply the same logic and outfit formulas to any professional sporting event. And because I already spend an unreasonable amount of money on jerseys for my kids, I tend to avoid them for myself. They are expensive, and the fit is usually never great (unisex doesn’t usually address a woman’s boobs + a butt well).

Below you’ll find seven looks and outfit formulas for when you want to look sporty, but you also want to be able to cycle these items into your normal wardrobe. Like I said, I can’t stomach buying something too sporty, otherwise it will just collect dust in my closet post event.

A couple notes:

• We are attending a game where France or Norway is likely to be playing (it’s a knockout round so no way to be sure!) so my boards reflect French/Norway colors (red, white, navy).

• Any of these outfits can be changed out for your team colors.

• Also, if you need 4th of July outfit ideas, these would be my answer to that summer event as well!

• All the Goyard references are because my Vivrelle subscription is absolutely popping off with Goyard bags this summer. I truly could not recommend that service more as I’ve been able to elevate all my outfits these past few months with minimal investment.

Ok let’s jump in!

THE VIBE:

LOOK 1: Sporty x Artful Collide

Oversized button-down (in team colors) + little lace shorts + unexpected flats + mini tote + mid tone sunglasses + statement studs

This look is the most similar to outfits I already wear for fun events I attend and I like to still feel like myself when I’m out at sporting events with my family. We spend a lot of money on tickets for these events and I don’t want to ruin my experience by wearing something that feels inauthentic (or worse uncomfortable) to me.

Little lace shorts truly do it all. They make an oversized button down feel girly and unexpected. I love to get an oversized button down in the team’s colors and feel this confidently communicates who I’m rooting for. The shoes are not terribly practical but they add an elevated feminine touch. I’d probably carry my flip flops with me too.

This look also works wonderfully for a summer festival, a daytime gallery visit or a family birthday party.

LOOK 2: In the Box Babe

Structured neutral midi dress + strappy sandals + leather handbag + sleek sunglasses + baseball cap + chunky earrings

This image of Kendall Jenner attending the US Open a few years ago lives rent free on my Pinterest boards. The simplicity yet structure of the dress make it a versatile investment. And the addition of the baseball cap makes it feel fun and flirty. If you’re headed to an event as someone’s guest, with minimal walking and a sophisticated crowd, then this is the look. And don’t we all aspire to be up in the box?!

This look would work well for most tennis, polo or golf events where the dress code is more formal. I wore a very similar look to a PGA tournament a few years ago.

LOOK 3: Minimally Sporty

White tank + neutral long sleeve tee + denim bermudas + sleek thongs + bright baseball cap + coordinating mini bag + mid tone sunglasses + statement studs

This is for those of us that want to really not think too hard about what we are wearing but still look like we belong. There is nothing more chic than shades of white and this look incorporates many items you will likely already have or could use a ton pre and post event. It’s the pop of color in the hat and the bag that make this look work. I love a big chunky stud earring with the baseball hat to signal “this is a styled look”. If you needed a slightly dressier version of this outfit, I love it with a crisp white button down as well.

This look easily transitions from other summer activities into sports. You could quite literally go from the farmer’s market to a friend’s viewing party in this look. I’d also wear this to any summer daytime event.

LOOK 4: I’m Just a Girl, in a Sporty World

Neutral prairie dress + colorful sneakers + oversized tote + excessive accessories (silk scrunchy, gemstone necklace, white sunglasses, etc.)

This is my most utilized formula for summer sports because I own many neutral prairie dresses and they are my normal choice for excessive heat outdoors (the cotton voile dresses are so breathable). The juxtaposition of the bright colorful sneaker adds interest and tension. I love to pick a shoe in the team color. This look also piles on all the unexpected accessories that don’t really make sense for a sporting event, but that’s what makes them work: gemstone necklace, oversized scrunchie, raffia bag, etc.

This outfit would also make a great choice for a nighttime baseball game out with friends! Or for the 4th of July fireworks!

LOOK 5: Sporty Yet Busy

Striped tee + athletic shorts + raffia flats + baseball hat + elevated accessories (sunglasses, mini tote, earrings)

For those of us that are running from pilates, the farmers market, and the dry cleaners before catching a match. This is the ultimate sporty girl on the go vibe: striped tee, elevated athletic shorts and accessories that avoid the look venturing too athleisure. I have not yet tried Suzie Kondi’s brand but I’m hearing great things about the quality so she’s officially on my radar. These shorts are the ultimate wishlist and would make a great sporty alternative to little lace shorts.

I love this look for a casual girls lunch or being out and about with my kids.

LOOK 6: Mom Life from the Sidelines

Breezy bright pants + simple tank + oversized striped tote + rope sandals + elevated accessories (statement studs, silk scrunchy, pendant necklace, aviator sunnies)

Whether you’re attending one of your own kids sporting events, or spending most of your time watching an event while also managing your kids, then this is the look for you. Most of the time, I’m attending the event with my kids and spend most of the game handing out snacks, with a child in my lap, or chasing after a kid on the field (happens more than it should). The cotton breezy pants keep you from sticking to the kiddo in your lap. A white tank does it all. And I love these strappy yet sporty rope sandals to add a little flair to the look. Also the bigger the bag, the better with kids.

LOOK 7: Fashion Girl Goes Sport

Oversized jersey + sheer lace skirt + statement earrings + all black accessories (sleek thongs, raffia clutch, mid tone sunglasses)

This is the vibe I love the most, but get to wear the least. I love the sheer lace skirt with an oversized jersey. So unexpected and very it girl. You could also wear this with the oversized button-down from Look 1 if you didn’t want to buy a jersey. This is the perfect look for an event sporting event or would also make a perfect look for a night out at the bars with friends to watch the tournament.

I love this look for vacation too. Who doesn’t love being a little more spicy on vacation?

You can explore all the links from this post here.

Which look is your favorite?? I’ll be sure to share what I actually wore to the match we attend here soon!!!

xx Kate