Fashion
Another Saturday night, another bop. Each week the entire student body is faced with the same predicament: what to wear? As people start entering the college bar on the eve of the bop, certain trends will be noticeable, particularly given that those who don costumes are often dressed similarly.
Fair enough, bop dress can be time-consuming, so most opt for the most ubiquitous costume, or nothing at all. But seeing the same costume over and over again is a rather anti-climactic way to end a day so consumed with bop anticipation. After all, at the heart of these events is the entertainment factor.
So I entreat you to break away from the conventions of previous bops and to put your minds to coming up with new, original costumes. There is no need to get stressed when it's eight o'clock, your friends are waiting for you in the lodge, and you are standing in your knickers in front of an open closet with a blank look on your face. Most of these themes are open to interpretation, so with just a little creativity you'll be well on your way to making for a great conversation piece. I leave you with just a few tips for specific themed bops that I believe are worthy of keeping in mind when deciding upon your outfit.
To start with, the most cliched of all themes: 'school disco'. Contrary to popular belief, the school disco bop is not an excuse to put 'slutty' before school teacher, pupil or lunch lady. Don't think you can get away with wearing the school uniform you wore when you were 12 if it no longer fits. When it comes to skirts, there is such a thing as 'too short'. I'm not suggesting that you seek the headmistress's approval, but do keep it tasteful...
The 'time period' bop also seems to rear its head frequently. At a recent 1950s bop, the girls were dressed in big skirts and scarves, while the boys wore white t-shirts, claiming to be James Dean. Sadly, the clothes had nothing to do with the look; Dean was absolutely gorgeous, and thus necessitated a neutral top so as not to distract from his most prominent feature. Unless you have the genes to back it up, avoid opting for this overdone costume.
At a recent medieval bop, someone dressed up in black clothing and went as the 'black plague'. There is no excuse for failing to be creative at time period bops, as the theme lends itself to such a plethora of options - anything pop-culture or history-related will more than do.
As for 'undress to impress' bops, what can I say? If there is any excuse to tap into your inner slag, this is it. Just try not to choose anything you'll regret when the pictures make your JCR website. And if you are looking for an alternative to getting completely naked, visit a joke shop for plastic bums or boobs.
Finally, there is the ever-popular 'cartoon character/superhero' theme. Don't worry: there is no need to buy a full-body suit of your favourite Teenage MutantNinja Turtle, or even to invest in some fuzzy leopard-skin fabric to be a Flintstone. As long as you are animated, you'll fit right in. Anything colourful and eccentric goes. And if you have a tendency to get rather over-inebriated at these functions, keep props to a minimum as the likelihood of them making it back to your room with you is slim.
Scarves are the one item of clothing which almost anyone in Oxford is guaranteed to own. I'd say they are vital in this British climate, so make the most of this trend opportunity. When it comes to wearing them, the more dominant the better. Pashmina-style scarves or long, skinny scarves are the major trends this winter, and anything striped goes. You can wrap it just once or many times around your neck, or simply pull it through. The great thing about scarves is that they lend themselves to whatever your taste is since they come in so many styles. Just make sure to always opt for colour; deep emeralds, oranges and purples will add warmth to any pale, winter face!
Best Buy
This orange/pink-striped scarf will brighten your winter wardrobe, and is easily light enough to be worn through Trinity term. It is available at Next to Nothing in the Covered Market for £8.
Jennie Hickin, Christ Church Scarf from Dorothy Perkins
James Grahm, Exeter College Scarf from Paul Smith
Sophie Diamond, Lincoln College Scarf from Next to Nothing
3rd Feb 2005