What to Wear at Opening Ball

By Editor 8 years ago

Long or short, tie or tux? An Opening Ball veteran shares her thoughts.

For many freshers, Opening Ball will mark their first foray into the world of black tie. Although photos from past events provide a glimpse of what to expect, this guide offers a more detailed explanation of the flexible dress code.

Long vs Short

While men struggle over bowties and neckties, women must choose between floor length gowns and thigh-chafing minidresses. Ultimately, anything goes at Opening Ball. In St Andrews, “black tie” tends to include cocktail attire: Many girls select dresses that would not seem out of place at The Vic.

Photo: Tilted Frame, Opening Ball 2015
Photo: Tilted Frame, Opening Ball 2015

The dress code is not strictly enforced, but some respect should be afforded to the night’s theme. Something from ASOS’s “party dresses” section is worthy of a Tequila Tuesday; Opening Ball surpasses such a banal night. In our entire lives, we will have very few opportunities to wear long dresses in a beautiful marquee, surrounded by peers and photographers. A gown is not a requirement, but it is my recommendation.

(That said, the majority of female guests do tend to wear short dresses.)

Shoes

Unsurprisingly, heels are the most popular choice at any ball. Consequently, it is not unusual to witness scores of girls barefoot by midnight, their skin exposed to a carpet stained with sweat, spilled drinks, and various other fluids.

Opening Ball will have a seating area for recovery in between dances, but stilettos ought to be avoided. Not only do they become painful after six hours of wear, but they sink into the damp grass that surrounds the marquee. Heels should be three inches at their highest, and there is no shame in going lower. Ballet flats or particularly fancy boots are also viable options, particularly when hidden beneath long dresses.

Opening Ball 2014
Opening Ball 2014

Men

A standard tuxedo is the go-to look for any male guest. This is yet another argument on behalf of long dresses: Tuxes and gowns compliment each other, establishing a cohesive aesthetic and promoting the general atmosphere of the ball.

Scottish guests are encouraged to wear kilts, a frequent sight at any St Andrews event. Beyond this, men have little to stress over when preparing for the night ahead.

12038740_965762106800119_8567864693862462052_o
Photo: Tilted Frame, Opening Ball 2015

Part of the beauty of Opening Ball lies in its lack of restrictions. Short dresses, long dresses, high heels and flats will all come together for a night that celebrates St Andrews in its purest form. The black tie dress code contributes to the wonder of the event, separating it from any standard night out. By adhering to it, we are doing our part in crafting an incredible night.

Comments

comments

Tags: , , ,

102 thoughts on “What to Wear at Opening Ball”

  13. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it
    is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things
    or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles
    referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!

    Reply

  34. PBN sites
    We shall build a web of private blog network sites!

    Pros of our PBN network:

    We execute everything so google does not grasp that this A self-owned blog network!!!

    1- We acquire web domains from distinct registrars

    2- The primary site is hosted on a VPS server (VPS is fast hosting)

    3- Other sites are on different hostings

    4- We allocate a unique Google ID to each site with confirmation in Google Search Console.

    5- We develop websites on WP, we do not use plugins with the help of which malware penetrate and through which pages on your websites are created.

    6- We don’t reiterate templates and use only distinct text and pictures

    We do not work with website design; the client, if desired, can then edit the websites to suit his wishes

    Reply

  35. As Mike Johnson tries to pass billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, he’s having to put his own job on the line
    blacksprut
    Johnson moving ahead with Ukraine aid bill despite pressure from hardliners
    US Senate kills articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
    Ex-Trump attorney asked if he thinks Trump should testify. Hear reply 1:29
    https://bs-gl.org
    Analysis Some House Republicans need this reminder that Russia is not their friend
    Viewers called in with Trump trial questions. Maggie Haberman answered 1:50
    If Trump testifies at NY criminal trial, prosecutors want to use his past legal run-ins to discredit him to jury
    Fact check: Donald Trump attacks Jimmy Kimmel for something Al Pacino did
    blacksprut
    https://bs-gl.org

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND