Style a Night Out
If there's one thing St Andrews students have in common, it's that feeling every so often that it's going to be a busy night out. With events spanning everything from house music to a pub night, how are you supposed to know what to wear for every outing? I'll stick to the events I love (and frequent most): HAUS, Throwbacks, and a casual pub night at Aikman's or the Dunny. I’ll lay out a general idea of the style around town to make choosing an outfit that much easier.
HAUS is one of those events where you can really show off your personal style. It’s hosted at the VIC which boasts a clubby vibe with low ceilings and a dark backdrop with strobe lighting. The social room and standard bar room are packed with people dressed in a lot of color and, not surprisingly, doc martens. Docs are an elevated going-out shoe: they're easy to clean, go with almost everything, and the number of styles available allows you to show a little personality. I wear my docs to HAUS because they make me feel a little dressed up, even if I show up in a crop top and jeans. However, the style that dominates the VIC these nights would have to be cargo pants and a tank top! This somewhat 'basic' framework actually lays the foundation for an outfit with a lot of personality, depending on individual style. I tend to choose black cargos with a colorful top, whereas most of my friends would opt for a bright pair with another colorful top. The versatility of this outfit is one of the most popular styles spotted around St Andrews.
Throwbacks has a very different vibe. Much more casual and laid back, you're bound to walk through a sea of jeans and crop tops. This is usually hosted at the Rule, which is very different from the VIC. There's a bright red neon light and high ceilings with a balcony overhead the dance floor. While smaller, it's much more open and conducive to socializing with everyone around you, which makes for more intimate energy. These outfits are another example of a basic framework that is almost always made personal. Very rarely will you find the classic black crop and high-waist skinny jeans; think low waist flares and a graphic t-shirt or high waist wide leg with a corset top. Speaking of corsets, the Urban Outfitters one has honestly not made as much of an appearance as more lacy unique ones that are bound to last through trends and the fluctuation of going-out attire. For shoes, the classic white and now black sneaker maintains its strong hold over all of us. There's definitely still variety in choice, though! Air Force 1s are long gone unless they're all black, and there seems to be an increase in Adidas Superstars, mainly the black with white details. As far as crisp white sneakers go — the classic converse in honestly any color, especially the Reebok C85 sneakers.
Image courtesy of Ella Huang from HAUS event.
A cornerstone of St Andrews nightlife would have to be that random mid-week pub night where you find yourself half stumbling outside after four pints when you swore it would only be one. This happens especially when, like me, you have a German society membership that gets you 5% off at Aikmans! The two different pub night vibes are represented by my two faves: Aikman's and the Dunny.
One of the stickiest yet coziest pubs in St Andrews: Aikman's. You get the laid-back vibes of Molly's while maintaining the very up close and personal energy of being in a cellar. Shinty sticks line the ceiling with warm (yet fluorescent?) lighting that becomes better and better the drunker you get. The writing in the bathroom is also great material while you wait for your friends so you can all have your fiftieth pint of Aspall's. Aikman's is most definitely a destination — not really a place you go on the way somewhere else as its closing time is one of the latest in town. Here, the vibes are so mixed up you could be in leggings and a sweatshirt sitting next to an entire society of suits and ties. I have shown up in a dress with a blazer over top, leggings and a flannel, and jeans and a crop top, which doesn't seem that unusual once you're inside. If you're wondering about shoes, pick something you're okay with sticking to every surface you walk on for the next year.
Last but certainly not least, the Dunny is a religious pilgrimage for golfers with an average age of 62 and students looking for an elevated pub night experience. Pics of the owner with every celebrity you could possibly think of, including George Lopez, not only line the walls but the ceilings of the main room as well. The Dunny has soft lighting and tables with a maximum seating space of five unless you push a few together. Here, you'll find people very well dressed, think jeans or leather pants and a sweater with a perfect blowout. A chunky heeled boot is also a fan favorite for footwear found here. There is a very elevated vibe, with many of the same people frequenting their unassigned assigned tables.
Going out in St Andrews is never dull because of the variety that’s offered in events. So whether a pub night suits you more than a VIC night there’s always something on to keep you entertained and give you a chance to show off your style!