“If South Carolina isn’t the essence of Southern hospitality, I don’t know what is. Those women sure know how to dress. Of course, in the South, a college football game is practically a formal event. Everyone, especially the ladies, gets all dolled up. But USC takes it to a whole new level. That football crowd is like something you would see in Vogue magazine”

An ESPN Gameday anchor made this infamous statement when their Gameday Crew visited the University of South Carolina. It’s no secret that college football in the south is huge – especially in the SEC. This football, easily argued as the best in the country, is topped with over the top tailgating, and dressing to the nines to do so. Girls don their favorite garnet and black sundresses, complete with curled hair, a full face of makeup, and a strand of pearls. While at first I was skeptical about dressing in my Sunday best for a football game, it has easily become what I look forward to most each fall weekend in South Carolina.

I have compiled a list of my favorite South Carolina gameday looks for the 2012 season. The striped Estam dress is one that I picked up from a local boutique, WISH, in Columbia just a few weeks ago – I plan on saving it for the Georgia game in October, as it is easily my new favorite! Another favorite of mine is the Frances Dress by Yours Truly. I picked up a similar design at a shop back home, and got so many compliments on it last weekend. The Gameday Queen by Dress U has clearly been a favorite amongst South Carolina students, as handfuls of girls have been flaunting it over the past couple of weekends; I can see why! The chevron pattern is adorable, and the neckline is a showstopper as well. Perhaps my favorites, are the Allie and the Jenn dresses by Emma Graham Designs. EGD makes some of the most adorable dresses, and each year they come out with a Campus Collection for a select number of southern schools that are big on football. The Allie is easily my favorite amongst all of them, but it does come with a price tag – I’m not really sure I could justify spending $135 on something that I will wear to one football game.

Along with the chic gameday dresses, girls will flaunt their favorite pair of cowboy boots. Some choose to go for the real deal; if you would prefer a more budget-friendly option, try this pair from Steve Madden. Mine are onto their third and final football season at USC, and they are perfect for tailgating and sandstorming in! If you’d prefer to wear sandals (as it does reach upwards of 100 degrees during some games), Jack Rogers makes some amazing options. The solid colors pair well with virtually any outfit you put on, and the Campus Colors (like this garnet and black pair) are perfect for showing your school spirit!

Football games are the biggest social event of the season in South Carolina, and dressing in your Sunday (or Saturday) best each week is practically a requirement. So ladies, flaunt your sundress, step in those cowboy boots, and hook that strand of pearls around your neck – it’s time to go cheer on your favorite South Carolina Gamecocks!