Middlebury After Dark: Party Attire that Pops
By: Campbell Fealy
One would assume that Middlebury’s remote campus would stifle self-expression through fashion, particularly when going out. With the cold biting our skin each evening, it is easy to picture a sea of Patagonia jackets and Blundstones, what some call the “Middlebury dress code.” However, upon closer look, the campus uniform is far from homogenous.
As a freshman, I anticipated the typical going-out outfits to be quite basic, given the weather and small environment. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the “party dress code” was more than just the predictable Edikted tops and polos. The limited options of party destinations challenges students to make the most of their outfits each night, blending personality and color into what can feel like an otherwise gray evening. Middlebury students also love their themed parties, redefining what it means to “dress to impress.” From denim darties to disco-themed parties, the campus loves pulling out their exuberant articles of clothing to fulfill certain themes and add some color and humor to their nights.
Whether it is at a team formal, an Atwater suite, or even a casual dorm hangout, Middlebury students love to put on a show. The masculine presence on campus can often break away from the basic polo, experimenting with colorful button-ups or graphic tees, allowing for a spectrum of formal attire. Several students on campus, primarily female-identifying ones, brave the frostbite as they venture to the townhouses with bare shoulders and sometimes even skirts. Many often challenge traditional “party outfit culture” with different necklines: a cowl neck, off-the-shoulders, or a square neckline.
Necklines are an often overlooked element of fashion, yet they have the power to transform an outfit by drawing attention to specific features. The creative director of New York’s favorite TV show, Sex and the City, demonstrated this with the different collar styles of the show’s four protagonists—Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. Miranda, the more conservatively dressed member of the group, was often seen in high collars or tailored V-necks, reflecting her more sartorial looks, while Samantha embraced bold, low-cut tops that mirrored her confidence. The same range can be noted on the Middlebury campus, making for several different kinds of vibes, all welcome in the close quarters of a Midd party.
At the college, there is a growing culture around androgynous fashion, mixing traditionally feminine or masculine pieces to cultivate a look that drives curiosity and promotes self-expression. At Midd, fashion has become a catalyst for identity, with students showcasing different aspects of themselves outside of the academic setting. The party scene offers a space to step outside your comfort zones, experiment with personal style, and use the low-light setting to try new looks with confidence.
As a new panther, I frequently look forward to pulling together an outfit for social events on campus. Each situation requires a different approach to a look, something I was not anticipating, but adore nonetheless. I enjoy experimenting with necklines that play with different physical features and I look forward to incorporating different jackets to complete a look as the weather gets colder. At whatever gathering is next on your schedule, I hope your outfit can speak for you!