It’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the wind is howling, and people are dressing up. Yes, Halloween is here, but that’s not what I’m talking about. However, while we are on the subject, are you dressing up for Halloween this year? I did. I bet you can’t guess what my costume is. (Spoiler: I’m a younger librarian).
Back to the original subject of this blog: dressing up. And not for Halloween, but for a more formal event. The President’s Ball is this weekend, and this special event calls for some special attire. While you will not be shunned from the door if you arrive in your cleanest jeans and lesser-distressed Vans, it is expected of you to spruce yourself up a bit from your usual schlepping-to-class attire. It’s a perfect occasion and excuse to go shopping for a new dress or a new button down. So, what are you going to wear? Let’s discuss some options.
Gentlemen: If you have a suit, wear it. Ladies love a man in a suit (especially if you have a vest that matches that jacket). Extra credit will be given to those who consider paying tribute to the host of the ball (Roanoke College President Mike Maxey) by wearing a bow tie to the event.
If you do not have a suit, then at least wear some nice pants (not jeans) and a button down shirt. If you do not have these things, then there are a few options. There is Valley View Mall in Roanoke, which has stores like Belk and Macy’s, which would surely have some nice things to wear. For the fellas on a budget, there’s TJMaxx at Tanglewood and Goodwill in Salem. For those of you who might scoff at finding semi-formal wear at Goodwill, you should visit the place before you judge. There are some excellent items there, but you might have to dig for them.
If none of these options work, then ask a buddy if you can borrow his suit. It will be worth it, especially if the buddy is not going to the Ball. This means there will be more lovely ladies for you to take out on the dance floor.
Also, be sure to wear shoes with toes.
Ladies: Do you have a nice dress that’s been sitting in the back of your closet and you haven’t had a nice event to wear it to? Wait no more. This is the place to wear that dress you bought a year ago and your friend said it was too dressy for college. This is the event to go all out for. Get your hair done. Get your nails done. Go big.
If you’re struggling for where to find a dress, then see the above locations listed for the guys (Valley View Mall and TJMaxx are great places for women’s dresses). There are also local places that have some unique clothes if you’re looking for that stand-out dress. The shop La De Da in Roanoke and the shop Because Girls will be Girls in Salem both offer unique clothing for women. The Girls will be Girls shop in Salem also offers some vintage clothing in their consignment shop, which is always a creative choice.
And if you’re not up for leaving the comfort of your computers, you can always shop online. This librarian’s favorite clothing store, Anthropologie, has overnight shipping so you can get your dress in time for the Ball.
We will see all of you at the President’s Ball this weekend. Good luck, be safe, and have fun.