White Tie Ball - how to look unique without going overboard?

[JLibourel]

When I was up at Balliol a long time ago (1963-5), I don't recall a single white tie event--black tie, yes, but not white tie. Is the ball being held by some club on the order the Bullingdon at Oxford?

Of course, we're not talking here about sub-fusc, but that wouldn't be worn to a ball.

It is pleasantly surprising to see the formality quotient at the ancient universities actually rising, it would seem.

 

[chobochobo]

The Commemoration Ball is White Tie.

 

[Doomdoom]

Going to Oxford or Cambridge is not that special really, you don't have to try and spare our sensibilities. There are several alumni of both universities on the forum. Be proud.

I repeat that if you can make that listed outfit fit properly, you will look very smart indeed. No need for anything more.

Thanks for making that point clear! I'm being convinced to go more uniform.

When I was up at Balliol a long time ago (1963-5), I don't recall a single white tie event--black tie, yes, but not white tie. Is the ball being held by some club on the order the Bullingdon at Oxford?

Of course, we're not talking here about sub-fusc, but that wouldn't be worn to a ball.

It is pleasantly surprising to see the formality quotient at the ancient universities actually rising, it would seem.

Luckily not a Bullingdon Club event! Chobochobo is absolutely correct -- it's a commemoration ball (much more expensive than the normal, black tie, balls, and largely ignored by students that are not about to leave).

Sadly it seems you missed out on the big Balliol commemoration ball last year ( http://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/events/2012/june/21/balliol-750th-commemoration-ball ), but - if you're feeling nostalgic - I'm sure Balliol will be holding another in the coming couple of years!
Edit: maybe not, actually, according to Wikipedia

The Commemoration Ball is White Tie.

 

[JLibourel]



Sadly it seems you missed out on the big Balliol commemoration ball last year ( http://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/events/2012/june/21/balliol-750th-commemoration-ball ), but - if you're feeling nostalgic - I'm sure Balliol will be holding another in the coming couple of years!
Edit: maybe not, actually, according to Wikipedia

Oh I was well aware of the 750th anniversary event last year. This winter Balliol held a Gaudy for old members of my era. However, few fellows I liked and none of my closest friends were going to attend, so I passed on that one. I doubt if I shall ever revisit Oxford. I loathe travelling, especially by air, and I think I would rather keep Oxford in my memory the way it was 50 years ago.

 

[Suit of Nettles]

I doubt if I shall ever revisit Oxford. I loathe travelling, especially by air, and I think I would rather keep Oxford in my memory the way it was 50 years ago.

A good plan, I fear.

This does not seem to be a case of the Arcadian Fallacy; colleges really are being corroded from within and without. There is a certain kind of administrivial mind that looks at a great academic institution -- or even merely a quietly decent one -- and sees an undeveloped property ripe for exploitation.

 

[JLibourel]

I reconnected with Balliol via the magic of the Net not too many years ago after having been a "lost" member for decades. From the photos I see, the students there now, with all the jeans and hoodies and innumerable young women, resemble the student body of the University of California, Irvine, much more than the Balliol and Oxford I remember.

 

[NickCarraway]

I'm worried that I'll look too much like all the other ball-goers

At a white tie event, the goal of the gentleman is to look like all the other ball-goers. Or at least like the properly-attired ones.

Quote:

1. Braces. To paraphrase Mick Jagger, you don't want your trousers to fall down, now do ya? The Albert Thurston white moire is a fine choice, if none are provided by Moss Bros.
2. White lambskin or kidskin gloves. To be worn at all times save for the meal. Their purpose is to protect the lady's dress.

The hank is optional; personally I eschew it in order to maintain a symmetrical look, but you seem quite fond of the idea so I won't try to dissuade you.

Quote:
Stick with your style. Navigating an event in a tailcoat is a new sartorial experience in itself; no need to add an additional level of unfamiliarity.

Quote:
The jabot is acceptable when paired with a powdered wig.

Quote:
Yes. Get remeasured.

 

[blackbowtie]



1. Braces.  To paraphrase Mick Jagger, you don't want your trousers to fall down, now do ya?  The Albert Thurston white moire is a fine choice, if none are provided by Moss Bros.
2. White lambskin or kidskin gloves.  To be worn at all times save for the meal.  Their purpose is to protect the lady's dress.

The hank is optional; personally I eschew it in order to maintain a symmetrical look, but you seem quite fond of the idea so I won't try to dissuade you.


Stick with your style.  Navigating an event in a tailcoat is a new sartorial experience in itself; no need to add an additional level of unfamiliarity.


The jabot is acceptable when paired with a powdered wig.


Yes.  Get remeasured.

I agree with all of this except the part on gloves. I've been to a few white tie events and gloves are more the exception rather than the norm, even in Vienna where a white tie tradition is alive and well. If you have a pair lying around and want to give it a go, then by all means do, but otherwise, I would say not to sweat it. I only wear my white kidskin gloves in the winter on the way to the ball, and take them off once I'm inside, and they stay off even when I'm dancing. I'm sure some people disapprove but I think this is not such a big faux pas.