Every college has two colors and a whole lot of opinions about them. You’ve worn yours in a T-shirt, a sweatshirt and probably a face paint situation you’d rather not discuss.
This fall, the trend reports handed every school palette something new to work with. So we built a game day formula you can use for any team.
THE FORMULA
Your two school colors + one fall 2026 trend twist + a clear fringe bag in taupe or black.
That’s it. The trend twist keeps your outfit current. The bag acts as the neutral that pulls it all together and gets you through the stadium gate.
Brown is the neutral of the season, and taupe sits right in that family. So if you’re unsure which bag to grab, taupe plays nicely with nearly every palette below. Black is the sharper choice for darker school colors and night games.
RED & BLACK
The trend twist: Tomato red is one of the biggest colors this fall. Swap your usual team red for a brighter tomato shade in a sweater or a satin skirt, and keep black boots underneath.
Fringe pick: Black. It doubles as your second school color.
RED & WHITE (OR SCARLET AND GRAY)
The trend twist: Gray is a smart partner for red this fall. Try a charcoal suit skirt with a red knit and knee-high boots. If your school runs red and white, a crisp white button-down under a red cardigan works too.
Fringe pick: Taupe for daytime. Black when it gets cold.
NAVY & GOLD
The trend twist: Midnight shades took over the fall runways. Lean into a deep navy, almost black, then let the gold show up in your jewelry and your game day pins.
Fringe pick: Taupe. It warms up navy and makes the gold look richer.
BLUE & WHITE
The trend twist: Electric and cobalt blue are big this season. Go brighter than your usual team blue, then ground it with a white suit skirt or white jeans. A burgundy or chocolate accent keeps it from looking like a uniform.
Fringe pick: Taupe, for that chocolate accent built right in.
GREEN & GOLD (OR GREEN & WHITE)
The trend twist: Green is having a huge fall. Try a forest green sweater with camel pants, or mix two shades of green in one outfit. It looks intentional and very of the moment.
Fringe pick: Taupe. Green and warm neutrals were made for each other.
PURPLE & GOLD (OR PURPLE & WHITE)
The trend twist: Royal purple is one of the biggest colors of fall 2026, so your school picked well. Wear it head to toe in satin or a knit set, then add gold earrings.
Fringe pick: Black for a sleek night game. Taupe for a softer daytime look.
ORANGE & BLUE (OR ORANGE & WHITE)
The trend twist: Brown and orange together feel very fall 2026. Swap your usual denim for chocolate brown pants or a suede skirt, then add your orange on top.
Fringe pick: Taupe. Orange, brown and taupe is a warm, easy combo.
MAROON OR BURGUNDY & GOLD
The trend twist: Burgundy and darker shades took over the fall runways, so maroon schools are right on trend. Try a burgundy satin skirt with a cream knit and gold jewelry.
Fringe pick: Taupe for warmth. Black for a moodier look.
BLACK AND GOLD
The trend twist: Texture is the trend here. Try a black suede skirt, a faux fur jacket or a croc-effect belt. Add gold in your jewelry and let the textures do the work.
Fringe pick: Black. It blends right in and lets the gold pop.
PICK YOUR SIZE
Our clear fringe bags come in a crossbody and a tote. The crossbody is for keeping your hands free at the tailgate. The tote is for when you’re bringing a blanket, a jacket and snacks for the whole row.
Most college stadiums have a clear bag policy, and many follow a 12" x 6" x 12" size limit. Every school writes its own rules, so check yours before you go. All Margo Paige clear handbags adhere to the 12" x 6" 12" clear bag policy.
SCHOOL COLORS GAME DAY FAQ
How do I make my school colors look trendy?
Keep your two school colors and add one current trend, like a brighter shade, a new texture or a fall neutral such as brown. Finish with a neutral bag so the look doesn’t feel like a uniform.
What color bag goes with every school’s colors?
A neutral works best. Taupe pairs with warm and cool palettes. Black works well with darker school colors and night games.
What are the big colors for fall 2026?
Brown, tomato red, royal purple, green and deep midnight shades are all big this fall.
Are clear bags required at college football games?
Many college stadiums have clear bag policies. Each school sets its own rules, so check before game day.
Shop clear fringe stadium bags →
Next time on The Fringe Effect: The Flapper Era and the Birth of Fringe as Movement