Kari Butenschon and Jordan McKoy pose in custom t-shirts from Emma Gray, a boutique on Main Street; one of many options for UM students to get their College Night gear. Photo by Jasmyne Ray.
Bookstore
The University Bookstore is the first place that comes to mind when thinking about where to buy some great College Night merchandise. Packed full with all things purple and gold, the bookstore is a great place to look when you are in need of something to wear to support your side. It is the only place you can find the new 2017 side shirts, as well as other exclusive merchandise. They also carry a variety of accessories, such as hats, stuffed animals, keychains and stickers.
Shop Local
The beautiful thing about homecoming in Montevallo is that the entire town is celebrating with us. You see traces of College Night beyond the main campus, particularly in the different little shops up and down Main street. For example, Emma Gray sells a smorgousboard of College Night gear ranging from hats, shirts, sparkly gold shoes to cow capes.
Etsy
When you have a sartorial appetite for something quirky and unique, Etsy is the place to go. It’s perfect especially if you have children because the site has roots in crafty children’s apparel and knicknacks.
Amazon
Online shopping can open up a whole new world of College Night gear, and you don’t even have to leave your room! Shirts, jackets, cups and pens, Amazon has all of it and more! “During the middle of the summer, I was looking on Amazon for some different Montevallo gear, and I found my hoodie and I instantly fell in love,” freshman Katie Warren said of her online shopping experience.
Shop within the side
“Hand-me-down” is really just another way of saying “saving money,” so don’t be afraid to ask your Gold friends or your Purple family to see if someone has an old shirt or accessory they’d like to sell or give away.
DIY
When you can’t seem to find what you’re looking for from the other options, make it yourself! You can find different shades of gold, yellow and even cow print fabric at craft stores and put together your own ensemble to stun on Saturday Night. In this instance, Pinterest is your friend. It’s filled to the brim with different clothing and accessory DIYS for you to try out.
