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Football gamedays in the SEC don’t mean jerseys and ball caps. Comfortability gets thrown out the window as cowboy boots are donned and blue and white dresses worn.

Fashion in the South is a huge deal during football season; students come out in their Sunday Best dressed to the nines, simply to stand around and tailgate a few hours before trailing into the stadium and cheering on the Cats. It’s tradition, and the same standard should be held for basketball season, especially with the tournament season approaching.

Anyone going to Nashville for the SEC Tournament knows this time is the best to show just how much we love our Kentucky home. From the continental breakfast at the hotel to bars after the game, fans will be showing off their big blue gear. So, before leaving for Tennessee, here are some places to visit to get spirited for the game days.

Bluetique: Located on the corner of Maxwell and Woodland Avenue, Bluetique serves as a Kentucky native’s alternative to the popular chain Francesca’s. They have everything from dresses to rompers to simple flowy tees, which are all perfect for springtime games in the South. 

Our local Bluetique also has a variety of Kentucky Blue accessories and state-shaped jewelry. Bluetique’s prices are comparable to other similar boutique chains, with clothing that ranges from $25 to upwards of $60. This boutique is great for girls who consider themselves trendy and like clothing that is more stylish than classic.

Calypso: Another trendy boutique, Calypso, has a smaller selection but guarantees good quality and true-to-size clothing. They even cater to UK students and fans, with a “Gameday” selection on their online store that puts all the blue items on one page. 

Their website boasts a “friendly, unfussy, unpretentious service,” so this boutique would be perfect for shoppers who are less inclined to endure the pains of finding an outfit on their own.

Kentucky Branded: For some, dressing up is the most deplorable situation, and the thought of cheering from the stands in heels never crosses their minds. Those who would rather support their team in comfort would be right to check out Kentucky Branded. 

The store has awesome graphic tees with modern designs and expressions that would only make sense to a Kentuckian. Plus, pairing any T-shirt with a leather jacket or cardigan and cool accessories takes a plain top and jeans outfit to the next level of style.

Remember though, one should buy clothes that bring personal happiness instead of trying to flaunt for a tradition.

 No matter where a person is from, there’s no closer bond than that of mutual fans on game days. So, don some blue, get those three goggles ready and prepare for some tournament excitement. 

Aspen Gage is the assistant features editor of the Kentucky Kernel.

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