With MU’s entrance into the Southeastern Conference, the sports teams have a new logo and new opponents, stadium rules and Nike uniforms.

However, the athletes aren’t the only ones receiving a makeover to match the Southern elegance of the conference. Thanks to the MU Bookstore, fans too can support their team in style.

While the upstairs of the bookstore continues to sell a plethora of MU spirit wear, the lower level is turning Faurot Field into a fashion runway.

“Last spring, the MU Bookstore decided to start selling non-insignia items to attract shoppers who were interested in fashion,” Student and Auxiliary Services spokeswoman Michelle Froese said.

When the time came to select current merchandise, Froese said the move to the SEC was definitely on the buyers’ minds.

“Mizzou students, alumni, faculty and staff have traditionally worn their black and gold fan gear, but we’re noticing more and more fans are adding accessories and wearing Mizzou dress shirts, skirts, etc.,” Froese said.

With an increased traffic flow in the bookstore’s fashion departments, Froese said men and women have found their own spots to find the trendiest clothes for game day.

In the past, men typically shopped upstairs, where the athletic shorts and T-shirts are sold. With the move to the SEC, though, Froese said men are shopping elsewhere.

“Men are starting to shop downstairs, particularly when we have the button-down shirts,” Froese said.

Freshman Jack Howard said he participates in this trend as a fraternity pledge. He said he relies on his go-to outfit for game days now that MU has entered the SEC.

“I wear a white long-sleeved shirt, khaki pants, Sperrys with Nike socks and a classy-looking tie from the bookstore,” Howard said.

By donning such an outfit, Howard said he felt unique from the majority of his freshman class.

“You feel less generic – everybody’s got a Tiger’s Lair T-shirt or SEC one from the bookstore,” Howard said.

MU’s female population has taken a greater liking to the SEC’s unspoken dress code, though, Froese said.

“Women continue to avidly purchase Mizzou imprinted clothing but they also enjoy the dresses, skirts, scarves and jewelry in the boutique area,” Froese said.

Junior Maggie Schmitt said she dresses up for fun and to embrace the SEC culture.

Yet to other MU students, like sophomore Alex Kaemmerlen, the decision to dress up doesn’t have anything to do with MU’s SEC move.

“It’s a way to stand out and break away from the stereotypical game day T-shirt and jeans,” Kaemmerlen said.

She said she also embraced the opportunity dressing up brings to expressing personality and having fun.

Regardless of their reasons, there’s no denying fashion and football are finally starting to find common ground. Whether the trend will continue to climb is unknown.

“Right now, we’re adjusting to the SEC in terms of competition and culture,” Howard said. “But most importantly, what guy doesn’t like sundresses?”