Going Pro in Hockey Fashion.
Just like we are all sick of watching the hockey boys just “place” their winter hats on top of their heads, we’re equally tired every mom on the planet settling for matching Sorel boots. Yes, they’re cute. But if you are looking to be unique, maybe don’t choose boots that are always sold out. Dressing warm for hockey games, especially if you are in rinks like Freeze-berger in Duluth, is hard enough but making endless layers look cute is a whole other challenge.
P.S. If you ever have to go to a game at Fryberger Arena, might I suggest dressing for the nearest bar instead, and just have someone let you know when your kid is out of the locker room. In my experience, no hockey game is important enough to sit in frozen hell for 2 hours.
If you find yourself sacrificing fashion for warmth, look no further than the following helpful tips to elevate your hockey outfits to a true beauty status worthy of the National League.
Double Braids Under a Stocking Hat.
Stocking hats are not only cute, but quite helpful when it comes to keeping your ears warm. Instead of just letting your full head of lettuce flow, try braiding your hair into pigtail braids. Not only does this add to your look, but it helps keep your hair out of your face when you’re screaming at the refs at your kid’s three-on-three game. Two braids, one stone.
Jersey Over a Sweatshirt.
Sporting your favorite team’s jersey or even one of your kid’s is a fun way to have pride in your team, but it’s not very warm. While hockey players can pull off throwing a jersey over their gear, they’re not sitting down the entire time.
Try layering your jersey over your long johns, coupled with a neutral-toned sweatshirt to stay warm while letting the players know whose team you’re on. Make sure the jersey is at least two sizes too big so that it’s not a snug fit to your sweatshirt.
Rock a Canadian Tuxedo.
Denim is great for staying warm in the rink, but you don’t have to stop at just jeans. Wearing denim on denim has officially come back in style, and in terms of dressing for cold climates, it’s the perfect outfit. You can break apart the two denim pieces with your team’s sweatshirt, a jersey, or a plain long-sleeve tee that reflects your team’s colors.
Black Leather Pants.
Keeping your legs toasty while you sit through three periods is the best way to enjoy any hockey game. Thankfully, retailers have started lining their leather pants with warm material on the inside to keep you looking edgy and warm. Lots of hockey teams’ colors pair well with black leather, and this look will definitely have you standing out in the stands.
Add a Pop of Color with a Bag.
Depending on who you are cheering on, chances are they have a color combination that your outfit is going to respond with. Using my alma mater, Stillwater, I would often wear red leggings with a Stillwater sweatshirt to stay on-brand.
Sometimes it might be far too cold to show off your team’s sweatshirt or colors without buying a crazy colored jacket or dropping bands at the school’s pro-shop. Instead, you can sport a bag that reflects the colors of your team, or you can add a complimentary colored bag of the team’s colors you are already wearing.
For example, if you were cheering on the St. Louis Blues (also, why?), you could wear a bright-red bag to appease the eye, and add something unique to your look. For Gentry Academy, you could sport a bright red or bright blue bag to show your pride without having to strip down to the only related t-shirt you have.
Hopefully a few of those tips will help you elevate your standard go-to outfit for hockey games. However, regardless of what you wear, the most important thing is that you are staying warm from the ice and that whoever you’re cheering on isn’t Edina or the Chicago Blackhawks.
