Best of PIMM’s 2024

Leaves on the ground and the Scottish breeze making even a sunny day chilly was no damper when it came to the Lumsden Club Pimms End of Summer Party. Falside Mill was exuberant as people made the grass their own runway, even utilizing the chilly weather to their advantage, covering up with bright, statement sweaters, or blazers adorned with funky patterns. The gingham table cloths, live music, and fairy-esque decorations contributed heavily to the aesthetic of the garden party, but it was truly the attendees and their outfits that made the event.

In quite a contrast to the normal night-events in St. Andrews, where students stunt with their go-to ‘going out’ tops and coolest pair of jeans, the outfits of Pimms correlated with the afternoon hosting. As Ella and I made our way around Falside Mill, we could not stop noticing statement outfits that consisted of beautiful shades of all the colors in the rainbow and show-stopping shoes. At times, it felt like walking around the Royal Ascot or Wimbledon, but, of course, without the hats, and with much stylish outfits.

The successful rise of sustainable shopping and charity shopping was its own statement piece at the garden. Its growing popularity was represented by the abundance of people who would mention at least one article of clothing from any second-hand means. The ultimate way of receiving second-hand clothing was the star of the show though – “thanks, I actually got it from my mom!” Moms truly do know best, and it was proven at Pimms.

A personal favorite showcase of sustainable shopping was the beautiful white shawl that draped a white dress adorned with multicolored patterns. The shawl was created by indigenous women, so not only did one look good when wearing this shawl, but also feel good. The rapid rise of sustainable shopping is making its place at more and more St. Andrews events.

The boys at this event showed up and made their marks. With funky cowboy boots, gingham blazers, and accent jackets, their outfits were also a highlight of the fashion at Pimms, combining fashion with durability to keep them going for a long day filled with Pimm Lemonades and playing garden games.

What’s a garden party without bright colors and floral patterns? As I turned my head around Pimms, it was impossible to miss long skirts made of beautiful colored fabric, or jackets that kept Pimms lovers warm whilst still being fashionable. One friend group particularly stuck out, as all of them had at least one colored statement piece, yet somehow, their outfits still fit together like a puzzle. One girl rocked a chic and stylish royal blue pleated skirt from the brand comma, paired alongside a fuzzy sweater that gave off a very sophisticated, yet fresh, aura. Also noticed in the group was a pink jacket that, when worn with even jeans and a white top, completely elevates an outfit. A patchwork pink jacket that is sure to keep one warm in this coastal weather, as it is from Sam by the Sea in nearby Elie - I might have to go get one now after seeing it at Pimms.

Pimms was a pool of all sorts of dresses - crochet, slip, floral, and lace - you name it, it was there. Especially in St. Andrews, there are not many events where wearing a dress would be a viable option, so when the opportunity arises, it is certainly taken. A classic outfit that can be elevated in so many ways was definitely a favorite at Pimms – a dress and a blazer. One party–goer paired a white slip dress with a gingham printed blazer, and not only did she look absolutely fabulous, but completely matched the vibe of the event as well.

Leaving my first event working with Concrete Catwalk made me appreciate the fashion of St. Andrews students even more, and how it truly does make an event. The “bright colors, linen, floral dresses, and blazers” listed on the Pimms “What to Wear” post was understood by the party-goers, and they passed the assignment with flying colors. Before we truly settle into the Scottish weather in the next few weeks, the Lumsden Pimms Garden Party was the perfect way to say goodbye to summer, and hello to fall.

Photography by Ella Huang.

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