by Seb Wilkes – “Wear the Oxford Look”
What is the Oxford look? The real answer is actually whatever you want! That’s one of the things I really like about being here. I’ve sat at dinner with people dressed in crop tops next to people in suits – you get the full spectrum! Oxford is a paradox. You can never dress too smartly in Oxford but most people dress casually enough that you could probably even get away walking around in Pyjamas! However, sometimes it’s traditional, or simply ‘courteous’, to put a little extra effort in to match the pomp and circumstance! Afterall, outside of Oxford you may never get the chance to do it again. Those times are clearly flagged so you’ll never be caught unaware. There are groups on Facebook for swapping / lending clothes – so if you ever want to shake things up or are stuck for something, you don’t need to shell out!
Smart / Semi-formal: Usually indicates you don’t need anything too excessive. Shirt / blouse and jeans is a good starting point – however you can add to that what you like. Maybe pop on a jacket / blazer for that more buisness look, or simply roll up your sleeves for that summer cool look! Smart indicates something on the more presentable / professional.
Formal / Jacket and Tie: This one falls under two camps. Either it’s professional, such as you would expect from an invitation to High Table, or more social occasion. For the former, a jacket and tie is the preferred option for men (this formality in college often requires donning a gown). For women think business wear or a smart dress. For the social occasion, it’s a a fair bit more open!
Black Tie Optional: Basically this is a signal to crank up the formality. While tuxes are not required, they are welcomed by the event. Otherwise, suits / jackets are fine. Bow ties are adorred (?) but a tie is appreciated all the same! For women, find a dress or outfit that is just that bit more fun and classy. You don’t have to go so far as to wear a full-length dress though this is an option for those who would like to.
Black Tie: This is effectively the highest tier of formality. Tuxes are preferred, with bow ties if you have them! Women usually turn up in some of their best wear, e.g. a floor-length dress, think like what you may have worn to a prom or a ball! It’s a real occasion for everyone ?. Alternatively, feel free to bring the formal wear that best represents your home culture.
White Tie Optional: A rarity of formality that is so laughably extreme that you can think of it as Black Tie+. Strict White Tie is only ever really seen at balls, but this variant may appear once in the year at Queen’s. If you have formal wear from your culture, this is the excuse to show it off! Otherwise, find whatever you can to be more formal. Men typically like to find white bow ties to use instead of black. Occasionally, they even turn up in tailcoats (they are fun, if a little ridiculous). Don’t step on someone’s trailing dress, mind you! In the case of women, this kind of event would also require a floor-length dress. Just think as formal as you can possibly go!
Sub-fusc: See the university academic dress code.