Today’s chaos of staying up to date on gameday fashion is nothing new. Back in 1978, inRegister predecessor, The Register, shared in its feature, “Tiger Football Arrives,” that games are like local fashion shows, regardless of one’s interest in football.

“Women have long ago learned to get into the act of avid fans and have taken their own love of fashion into this arena,” the original feature states. Local social media influencer Saadi Bergeron, known for sharing her gameday outfits, agrees.

“Football is such a huge part of Louisiana culture, especially in Baton Rouge, and dressing for gameday has truly become part of the tradition,” she says. “It’s an opportunity to express ourselves, show team spirit and have fun with fashion. It’s evolved so much from just throwing on your favorite player’s jersey.”

Today, fans tailgate in fashionable dresses and sets, sometimes without even attending the game. Even the football players and coaches have turned game day into a fashion show, with the Tiger Walk at home offering the perfect opportunity to showcase their personal style.

“A stranger from the east, where winter comes early, and they huddle under coats and blankets at football games, commented that she did not understand the local women fans,” the original feature states. “‘Why do they dress like they are going to a party,’ she complained. ‘That’s because they are going to a party—maybe several.'”

From gameday hauls to carefully curated Instagram posts, football fashion is all the rage in the SEC, and always has been.

Bergeron says planning the perfect outfit is part of the game day excitement. She explains that it brings feminine energy and a sense of community to the South’s football-focused culture. From elaborate tailgates filled with Southern foods on home games to watch parties at a friend’s house for away games, the Tigers dress to impress.

After all, it’s more than a football game. It’s a party—maybe several.

Between the Lines is a series of features from the archives of inRegister and The Register dedicated to LSU’s history, tradition and unmistakable spirit. Each feature draws from issues spanning more than half a century, offering a look at how Baton Rouge has shown up for the team that unites it season after season, win, lose or draw. See the previous Between the Lines feature here.