Game day at UCLA isn’t just about cheering on the Bruins—it’s a full-blown fashion event where students showcase their creativity while repping their beloved blue and gold. From the Rose Bowl to Pauley Pavilion, UCLA game days have become synonymous with stylish school spirit that perfectly balances California cool with collegiate pride.
A group of boys in UCLA gear put their 4's up to show support to the Bruin football team. These fans all repped the UCLA blue and gold while cheering on the Bruins against Washington. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
The Blue and Gold Blueprint
UCLA’s iconic color scheme provides the perfect foundation for game day fashion. Students have mastered the art of incorporating blue and gold into their outfits in ways that feel both spirited and stylish. Classic UCLA jerseys, whether vintage or new, remain a staple, often styled with denim shorts, skirts or baggy jeans for that effortlessly-cool California vibe. The basketball jersey look is particularly popular, paired with everything from micro shorts to wide-leg pants.
Denim Dominance
Denim plays a starring role in Bruin game day fashion. From denim jackets adorned with UCLA patches to perfectly baggy jeans in light washes, this versatile fabric helps students achieve that laid-back Los Angeles aesthetic while staying comfortable during games. Denim-on-denim looks are surprisingly common— the Canadian tuxedo has students pairing denim jackets and matching jeans over UCLA tees or mixing different washes for added dimension.
Fourth-years Keira McNamee, Lucille Johnson and Abby Brooks watch the UCLA-Washington game from the student section. The senior girls dressed in their best blue and gold to show their support for the Bruins. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
Creative Accessories
What truly sets UCLA game day fashion apart is the attention to accessories. UCLA snapback hats in classic blue or gold add instant school spirit, while statement jewelry in Bruin colors provides subtle notes to team pride. Many students incorporate UCLA fanny packs or shoulder bags emblazoned with the school’s logo, proving that practicality and spirit can coexist. Temporary UCLA tattoos, face paint and themed sunglasses also make frequent appearances at UCLA game day events.
The California Influence
Being located in sunny Los Angeles means UCLA game day fashion has a distinctly West Coast feel. Crop tops, tank tops and flowy fabrics dominate early-season football games when temperatures are high. Students aren’t afraid to show some skin while showing school spirit—striped crop tops in blue and white, yellow tube tops or UCLA-branded bandeau tops paired with denim or mini skirt bottoms are common sights in the stands.
Fourth-year business economics student Kevin Forbath reps a vintage UCLA jersey and a hat that says, "Jen's Biggest Fan." Forbath was not only supporting the Bruins, but also his friend Jen Arantes who is the captain of UCLA's dance team. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
Vintage Vibes
There’s been a notable trend toward vintage and retro UCLA gear. Students scour thrift stores and online marketplaces for authentic vintage Bruins apparel, from throwback sweatshirts to classic varsity jackets. This preference for vintage pieces adds authenticity and individuality to game day looks while honoring UCLA’s rich athletic history.
Group Coordination
Friend groups often coordinate their outfits, creating cohesive looks that photograph beautifully for social media. Some groups stick to specific color schemes—all blue or all gold—while others mix and match pieces to create complementary aesthetics. These coordinated outfits have become social media staples, with students documenting their game day fashion before heading to the stadium.
Bri Miranda, Nevaeh Stocker and Sienna Claiborne stun in their game day fits at UCLA's match up against the Washington Huskies. The ladies were dressed to impress for their on-field appearances after the game. Photographed by Regan Rhodes/BruinLife.
Beyond the Basics
While traditional UCLA apparel remains popular, students have gotten creative with incorporating school spirit into unexpected pieces. Custom-painted overalls, DIY shirts in blue and gold and personalized denim featuring hand-sewn UCLA patches demonstrate the artistic flair of the student body. Platform shoes, cowboy boots and Samba sneakers ground many outfits, adding personal style while remaining game-ready.
UCLA game day fashion represents more than just getting dressed—it’s about community, creativity and Bruin pride. Whether students opt for classic jerseys or put their own spin on school colors, one thing remains constant: on game day, Westwood transforms into a runway where school spirit meets serious style.
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Featured Image Photographed by Aamani Maddukuri/BruinLife
