How Do You Dress for Kids Sporting Events?

I would be in jeans and a solid color t,

I just have to say that's pretty bold in my book, I would be mildly offended but I guess you wouldnt' have said it to me,

Girl! I would have asked the dressed up mom too! Some of you folks would never make it where I live because we would have started the huddling up and judging as soon as she stepped out of her car and made her way to the bleachers. Ya gotta have something to do to pass all that time on the sidelines, right?

Noone around here would be impressed whatsoever if someone came to a game with their hair brushed and their top matched their shoes.

4 boys in sports? OMG I can't even imagine! I have 1 son and sometimes I feel like crying if I have to sit through one more practice or game.

There have been times I've driven to a practice or game in a business suit. But never in dress formals. Its pretty much a futile effort to come to a game decked out and its 100+ degrees. Most of the time I'm in shorts and tank top with my hair in a ponytail holding my bottle of bug repellant.

As long as she is comfortable with what she is wearing and you are comfortable with what you are wearing, and no one has anything hanging out that shouldn't be, WHO CARES?!

This question reminded me of a co-worker, who always, always took the time to recomb her hair and freshen her make-up mid-day. Since we were in an occupation that had such short breaks that most of us were just scarfing down lunch, I complimented her about how remarkable she was. I suppose there was a question within the compliment (Why do you fix yourself up so well?) She good naturedly thanked me, said she had a friend struggling to look her best through terrible cancer treatments, and so she had decided that if her friend could always put her best foot forward, then certainly she should, too! She said she hoped her upbeat habit would make someone else's day one bit brighter. I took that to heart and was so glad we had that conversation. All my best.

I wear a mini skirt, big hair, heels, and big hoop earings. cuz I'm Jersey
No make up though, cuz I look that good without it

Sometimes folks feel the need to always look "put together" because that's the only part of their life that actually is.

And sometimes folks like to look nice for their spouse.

And sometimes folks like to look nice for themselves.

I usually wear something sporty. It's a sporting event. Baseball hat with ponytail, cute tee shirt, yoga pants. I'll layer if it's crappy weather.

ETA: "Sugar," the best way to approach the crankies is not to mention them. When you mention or respond to them in a cranky way, it's a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it?

I think that your question does come across as you judging anyone that you feel is overdressed for a sporting event. Nobody has named me Queen of the Soccer Bleachers or Duchess of SoccerViewing Dress Code, so I don't really know what the "right" outfit is.

Perhaps that's what the cranky answers are about. Bless your heart.

I was a real soccer mom, you know, the kind that destroyed a car in a year with the miles. Not someone who signs their kids up for a bunch of local events and thinks that makes them a sports mom.

Thing I have noticed about those moms is they always looked disheveled. Not because they had to but because they felt looking less that perfect made them look like they had so much going on. They would make comments like I wish I had the time to look as perfect as Mrs S.!! Of course we all knew Mrs S. had no time for herself. I dressed like Mrs S. but I actually did have more time than her because I didn't work outside the home.

Your post reminds me of those moms.

Oh an per your what happened, if you don't like the answers, try skipping them.

I dress for the weather!

Well since my daughter graduated last June, I've not been to kids sporting events but..... Every time I went to watch her cheer for every game from 8th-12th grade I wore school colors and cheered on the team. I went prepared for the weather, especially for some cold and rainy games.

I don't walk out of my door not looking presentable but I never went to ball games, etc trying to look like I walked out of the latest fashion mag!

It's one thing to be real but you can spot the fakes pretty fast when it is cold or rainy and while you are shivering in your team colors and pony tail you see Miss Glam with stilettos in the mud.

i LOVE that she puts it on, even for sporting events!
i love people who do make an effort to make a great public impression.
the older i get, the less i'm one of 'em<G>.
when i was a young mother i DID dress much as you, jeans and t-shirts (clean and presentable), and makeup according to what was going on that day. i wouldn't wear makeup JUST for a baseball practice, but since work was usually involved, i'd usually be presentable.
i'm turning into 'that' old gal, though. we drove past a neighbor yesterday, out in pajama pants and t-shirt with her dogs, and my dh made a semi-snarky remark and i pointed out to him that i only changed out of my pj pants because we were going to the store.
:D
khairete
S.

I dress for the weather and the event/venue.
Saturday morning soggy kid's soccer game? Yoga pants, solid shoes and a raincoat. Hubby was always in gym or golf clothes.
Friday night high school game in the gym? I always stepped it up a notch because it was kind of like date night for me & the hubby. Decent hair & makeup, cute outfit (plus my husband was usually coming from work, dressed to the nines in suit & tie, I didn't want to look like a slug next to him!)
Looks aren't everything, but being pulled together FEELS good, and that's what matters most to me.

Sorry that you see these answers as "cranky" just because some people, myself included, feel your question comes across as judgemental and some, again count me in, can't believe you'd actually ask her about how she dresses for these events.
She was very gracious in her answer and showed a ton of class and poise. Would you have responded in kind if I, in my yoga pants, ponytail, and bare face, had come up to you asking you to explain your jeans and make-up?

I love those moms that always look dressed up!! If ONLY I could possibly pull it off. I do the best I can with flattering jeans and tops...make-up and clean hair. But heck. I don't dress up for anything these days unfortunately. My outfit would be similar on a date if I added a little jewelry and maybe some feminine boots...No matter how tired I am I try not to look like a mole person with no eyes and no lips because then I feel even more tired. Recently my 6 year old son said, "Mom, I'm glad you don't wear pajamas like some moms. You are pretty." This was as shocker because I never talk down about what anyone else wears, he came up with it all on his own. Sniffle.

**I too am confused why people are cranky at this question..

When I was pregnant, I wore maternity clothes.

When I was nursing, I wore soft, liftable, cotton, tops.

When I was young and skinny, a wore sweats and flip flops.

When I'm older and fatter, I dress nicer, with expensive jewels my husband has given me over the years.

When it's cold, I wear layers and a windbreaker/coat.

When it's hot, I wear linen.

I look the best if I go to a sporting event right after getting my hair done and tell everyone to take a long look 'cuz I'll never look this good until the next hair cut.

Today I wore thin stretch jeans with a blue/white open weave cotton sweater with white camisole, black shoes/socks. Hair up. Started out wearing make up but due to my allergies had rubbed it all off from my eyes over tearing.

I would be comfy. How you dress is your own business, and how she dresses is her business. Everybody has their own style.

I don't mind your question... it's kinda funny, but I first read it as 'how do you dress *your kids* for a sporting event' and sort of rolled my eyes. As far as I'm concerned, this is a little more interesting (chuckle)

I think I would dress for any sort of sporting event the same way; clean jeans, a tee shirt with a hoodie over it-- because that's how I sort of dress most of the time, and a pair of sneakers. Maybe a hat on if it was outside, and then that depends on the weather (wool for cold or straw for sun). That's about it.

When we went to a Yankees game a couple years ago, at each game there were one or two very overdressed women...teeny tiny miniskirts, tight sequin dresses, etc. Was hysterical to see them going up all those stairs in spike heels. I just sort of get a laugh out of all of it!

i wear yoga pants, shirt, tennis shoes, jacket, and an umbrella. My hair is piled on top of my head, I may or may not be wearing a hat, my skin is clean/no makeup. All of the other parents look like that too.
It is pouring down rain today. I went to two games. My kids play year round soccer. If someone came to the games full on dressed up I would think she looked a bit out of place. But hey...whatever.
(although....reminder. I live in WA state. I think we are "crunchier" than a lot of places! lol)
L.

I wear jeans or yoga pants. I have a friend who's husband works for a major designer and she gets a clothing budget. She is dressed to the nines for every trip to the playground...

Whatever I happen to have on. If I'm coming from work, I'll be a bit more put together. But most of the time, games are on weekends for us so that means weekend wear - jeans or loose knit pants, sandals, sneakers or boots, t-shirt, fleece, headband and gloves, etc.

I'm a hockey mom so I spend 8+ months a year at a hockey rink, often at hours such as 5 AM or 11 PM. Sometimes we get home from a game at 11:30 PM on a Sunday night and get up at 4:30 AM for a practice on Monday morning. You can bet at that point, I'm in my pajamas LOL.

I know that this is a gross and unfair generalization, and I'm sure someone can chime in here to me refute me, but the handful of parents I have known over the years who really stand out in my mind for being dressed well and impeccably groomed at all times were ones whose personal lives were disasters...looming divorces, financial troubles, companies going under, etc. It may have just been a coincidence but part of me thinks that if you're putting that much effort in your appearance all the time, you're over-compensating for feeling out of control in other areas of your life and/or are being overly careful to put a happy face on for the world so no one sees that you're really falling apart.

My comfy/warm clothes.
Jeans, sweater, tennies, wind breaker.

I pull my hair into a pontytail. I do wear my makeup.

In Texas you dress to stay cool. T-shirt or tank, shorts, sneakers or flip flops...hair up in a pony or clip and sunglasses. (Lots of sunscreen and bug spray). You can wear this April though November...then jeans and a T-shirt with sneakers, maybe a jacket if needed.

Make-up is a joke...it melts right off so maybe some powder and lipstick...or none at all.

We always have a few moms that dress all out with halter tops and matching short shorts with sandals that have heels on them. Full hair and make-up. They are a species unto themselves. Most of the time they are transplants from another part of the country (we are a big military hub) OR they are looking for a man. Either way I am always impressed by their ability to look so good and unless they are catty they are always welcomed into the group.

Oh and we do have two moms in our sports groups that are sun sensitive and are literally covered head to toe...long sleeves and pants, big hats, and even keep their hands in the shade, one has to wear gloves. It is an auto immune thing...and I really feel for them in the 100+ degree heat and humidity.

I think I would have asked too. Sounds like she is a good like able southern belle...she would be fun as a friend.

Have fun this sports season...wow, 4 boys my heart goes out to you!!

It could be that she was raised with a mom from a different generation when you did put your best foot forward for the public to see. Now days it is anything goes.

For sports events I would like nice and try my best. When I worked, I had a routine that I followed so that I looked like the woman described. It took a bit of work but after a while you did it. The same goes for the house.

Have a great day.

the other S.

PS Now I work where I can wear jeans and not the high fashion stuff and I still try not to look like I rolled out of bed on my way to class.

Huh, I didn't find your question judgmental. Anyhow, I dress appropriately for the weather and the conditions. I have spent a lot of time in hockey rinks and at wet, cold baseball games. Here in MN we don't have the red dirt problem, but we have snow in April. I also try really hard to wear something with the team logo or colors. Maybe a little too hard. Some of the other sports moms probably wonder if I own any clothes not in team colors. On a few occasions I have dressed up when my husband and I have a social event or business obligation immediately after the event.

I have also wondered about some moms at sporting events and not because it's judgmental, but rather because I'm about practicality. I've seen some moms with skimpy heels at hockey rinks and wondered how they can be warm and comfortable. That doesn't happen often--fashionable boots are more the norm. I also remember a mom from years ago when my boys still played football who used to wear spiked heels at football games; oddly enough, sometimes she wore them with suits and skirts and other times with velour warm-up pants. But she was quite animated and used to run up and down the sidelines in her heels, sometimes getting the spikey heels caught in the soft turf. I also wondered why simply because it struck me as not very comfortable or practical.

my son does karate, so I just wear comfortable clothes -- jeans and either a sweater, sweatshirt or my fuzzy Columbia zip front jacket.

I think it's a great question. I have the same fascination with my friends who can always (ALWAYS) keep their house looking like a showplace. How do they do that?! Anyway, for most sports events I wear jeans, a shirt and sweater or appropriate jacket for the weather. I wear boots or athletic shoes for the most part too. I keep it simple, because I seem to kick the ball around or jump into the action when my kids want to play.

Jeans, polo shirt or sweat shirt depending on whether it's hot or cold.
I don't really care if people want to come to events in tuxedos and/or evening gowns.
How they are going to launder it all when it gets grubby and dusty is their problem and not mine!

I wear comfy, weather appropriate clothes. I hate being uncomfortable. Though I guess I should add that I have a job where I wear casual, comfortable clothes, so I don't wear anything different than I do every day.

I wear what I'm comfortable in! Here most of the sports my kids are involved in have the option to purchase shirts to match the uniforms the kids are wearing. So most of the time I wear that with jeans or as I call them "comfy" pants. I wear clothes for comfort not to impress. Lol

If I have to be dressed to the nines with a face full of makeup to make a good impression with someone then they are not someone I need to know. I wear jeans and comfy shirts, I don't wear makeup, ever. I dye my hair blue and green and red and purple. I like who I am and how I look and that is all that matters as far as I am concerned.

Nothing fancy at all. Jeans or shorts, with a tshirt or sweatshirt. Always sneakers or flip flops. Hair brushed but not done (I never do my hair) and no makeup (again, I never wear makeup anyway).

I pretty much wear clean, respectable pants and a black shirt/sweater to EVERYTHING. I'm really boring. But if someone needs the extra boost from getting all glammed up, more power to her. No harm done.

Its different every game. When I come straight from work I am usually dressed pretty nice although when I can get a way with dressing down for work on game days I take full advantage. On the weekends its a t-shirt with jeans or capris or sometimes yoga pants. Sometimes full face of make up others just sunscreen and chapstick. The other night when it was pretty cold one of the moms was wearing a tube dress and the headlights were certainly on. It was a little funny.

I dress whatever is the most comfortable that I can. Jeans and long sleeves with a jacket in the winter, capris & sandals in the summer. There have been times we have been at the ball field all day long. I typically don't wear makeup on the weekends so that's not an issue. I don't understand the moms that dress up and look like they just stepped out of a magazine. I admire that they can pull it off but still don't understand it.

I wear skirts all the time. I hate pants, maybe I have sensory issues :-)

In any case, most of them I buy from athletic companies, so they aren't "going out" skirts.

I rarely wear make-up, and doing my hair consists of washing it and letting it air dry.

P.s. I stopped wearing skirts after I had my first for a while, but then decided after having my third last year that I missed my skirts. I'm so glad I found them again! I feel sexy, and young, and playful, even if I get most of them out of catalogues only middle-age women shop at. :-). But it's great to have reclaimed an aspect of my before SAHM self.

And yes, there's some real cranks on this site.

Nearly all of my children's events are at the beach or pool, so I wear my swimming costume usually, with a light kaftan-style top to keep the sun at bay, a big hat, and maybe some linen pants if I'm not standing in water. I'll either be barefoot or wearing leather sandals made by a local leather worker. I will always go for a swim or surf after the children's event.

It depends if I had to go straight from work or if I was able to run home and change first. Hopefully I'd have time to go home and throw on jeans and a hoodie :) If not, I'd probably be stuck in slacks and heels.

...just clothes comfortable for me...

I agree 100% with wild woman-WEATHER, plus, are we talking the 8 a.m. game vs. 11:00 game/Sat. Games vs. day of the week game/trekking half way across a field/sitting in stands... To answer your question-usually jeans and a team shirt or same color as your kid's team. I have learned over the years-whatever your comfort level is..

Where we live people are really casual. Even at fancy events you see people in their best jeans. I just wear whatever I happen to have on at the time...I am usually wearing jeans or slacks or workout gear. Whatever I am already wearing since I am often rushing from one thing to the next. There is not usually time to change....not that I care anyway. My mom loves being fancy all the time...she would think that the dressy lady you are talking about is adorable.

I am usually headed to the sports events right after work so whatever I had on for work that day. Business casual.
Many blessings