By Majella Shields
Staff Writer
Hi everyone, and welcome to this week’s fashion focus. Word in the Hickey Dining Hall this week is that there are club/team formals going on over the next few weeks; everybody loves the opportunity to put on a fancy dress or suit up. I’ve never been to one of these events, so I’m not really sure of the dress code, but from what I have heard, girls wear pretty dresses and boys wear a nice shirt and tie. My formals back home are completely over-the-top and elegant, so these seem pretty laid-back and relaxed. I took this opportunity to put together two boards on what I think would be perfect attire to wear at one of these formals.
1: Forever21: Maroon Velvet Skater Dress $19.80
2: Forever21: Knee Length Black Cut out Dress $27.80
3: Forever21: Cream Skater Dress Lace Sleeve Detail $22.80
4: H&M: White Blazer with Black Leather Sleeves $39.95
5: Forever21: Gold Earrings $5.95
College formals aren’t actually that formal, so make sure to steer away from the pink, princess-y floor-length dress that your mummy made for your high school prom. Think classier, elegant cocktail dresses. Little black dresses instantly come to mind, and they are always a safe bet.
Pick one that is daring and different, but stay classy. Be careful about miniskirts and low
necklines. You want to make the right impression, especially if this is your first time attending one of these events. As it is November, it is important to dress for the weather and season. Brightly-colored dresses are always fun, but they’re off-season. Maroon is the in color this season. This little velvet dress is perfect teamed with the oversized blazer. It’s classy, but its not boring or predictable. A little cream dress is another option; I love this one because the lace sleeve adds elegance, and I feel this color is perfect coming into the festive season.
1: ASOS: Pale Blue Textured Shirt $32.04
2: H&M: Cream Dress Slacks $20.00
3: ASOS: New-Look Pale Maroon Fitted Shirt $26.70
4: H&M: Maroon Textured Bow Tie $12.95
5: ASOS: Navy Suit Trouser $44.50
6: Forever21: Charcoal Tie $8.80
It is a common perception that when getting ready to go out, boys have it a lot easier than girls. They open their wardrobes and pick out the first thing that falls on the floor. However, it can be as confusing and mind boggling for the males: tie or no tie, slacks or jeans, shirt buttoned or opened?
It is a lot simpler for my male friends: Pay most attention to your shirt and your shoes. Your shirt is what people see first, and shoes are subconsciously the next thing the eye will look at. Patterned shirts are nice, but can look a little bit too casual; a fitted, textured shirt is perfect for formals. A tie is optional but very classy and easy on the eyes. An important thing to remember when picking a shirt and tie is, if you have a square or angular face, stripes will compliment this. However, if your face is more rounded, steer clear from stripes. For trousers, a pair of slacks or dark jeans is perfect and a plain shirt with darker trousers looks sharp. Try to avoid the dark shirt on dark trousers combo, as this looks dull. For shoes, brown is always a nice option. Only wear black if your trousers are black.
I hope this has been helpful. Happy formal season, everyone.
