For Baton Rougeans, fall fashion does not mean coats, furs and scarves as it does in many parts of the country. Long sleeves may even be a stretch. Nonetheless, the season dictates a certain kind of dress—football season, that is. For the “First Family” of LSU, Dr. and Mrs. John A. Hunter, fall called for entertaining every weekend of a home football game, explains publisher Orene Muse in the October 19, 1963, issue of The Register, which shows Mrs. Hunter standing in front of Memorial Tower on the cover.

“Over a classically simple sheath dress, slightly blouson at the waist, she wears a Chanel-influenced boxy jacket—the entire ensemble created of Italian silk,” Muse notes. “In proper jaunty mood for an exciting Tiger tilt is her brown Breton, with turned-up brim, accented by a pearl cluster stick pin.” To complete her look, she is accessorized with kidskin gloves, alligator-skin shoes and the matching handbag.

In the cover story, titled “Aura of simple elegance surrounds Mrs. John A. Hunter, wife of LSU’s president,” the university’s first lady describes her fashion choices, noting brown as a favorite color, pants a non-starter and her affinity for repeating an outfit. “In some cases, the older a dress gets, the better I like it,” Mrs. Hunter is quoted. “And I am apt to wear it on every possible occasion—that is, until I see that it is going to wear out. Then I hoard it, using it only for special occasions.”

While most do not consider an evening gown a football-season staple, such was the case for Mrs. Hunter. For the story, she posed in her favorite—an ice-blue satin cut on the bias with an abbreviated train of deep blue attached at the waist.

“Folds of the material make a graceful sweep across the bodice and hipline, while a plunging V of iridescent sequins gives a glamorous accent. Softly crushed satin forms the straps, one of which is worn off-shoulder. Matching slippers and elbow-length gloves are the accessories. Mrs. Hunter bought the beautiful gown two years ago to wear to formal events surrounding the Orange Bowl game in Miami and the Cotton Bowl game in Dallas.”

Tiger traditions abound, but few are more thrilling than finalizing your gameday outfit, whether you’re watching from a suite, reveling on the Parade Grounds or showcasing all that LSU has to offer to other academics and university chancellors.

To see more stories covering LSU football from the archives of The Register and inRegister, check out the new “Between the Lines” series here.