by RandomMusings on Sat Sep 06, 2008 10:57 pm
Depends what kind of 'formal' you are talking about. If you are thinking of the balls, then yes, people tend to have either suits, dinner jackets or traditional scottish (ie kilts). White shirts and bow-ties are pretty usual attire at these, but by no means feel you have to comply with the masses. That is the great thing about St Andrews and you can be original whilst still wearing a suit, for example, a purple shirt & tie or whatever.
In terms of other 'formal' events, I guess you might be thinking of debates/church services. It is traditional for people to go to these events in trousers and gowns - but again, it is by no means a necessity. My advice to you would be to think hard about bothering to get a gown or not. In my three years thus far, I have never needed one - and I have no real desire to get one now other than it might be a nice keepsake. If you do want to get your money's worth out of buying a gown, then definitely get it in 1st year or else it is simply not economically worth it.
Hope that helps....
[hr]
? The humble question mark?
? So much mightier than the sword?
...and as the red red robin of time goes bob bob bobbin under the snowplough of eternity.... I see it's time to end