by Emma Conkle

When I was first offered the opportunity to attend the Galentine’s Ball put on by Empowher, I was excited and absolutely sure that it would be the pink-and-red event of my dreams. My expectations were high, but the event exceeded them in nearly every capacity. From the gift bags to the raffle prizes, the Galentine’s subcommittee, headed by Ines Tramarin, the Director, created an experience which was well thought through from start to finish. From the people who took our coats to literally anyone else I spoke to, everyone had a kind word, compliment, or smile to give. And I spoke to quite a few people – quite a feat for me (an introvert). My main interest in attending the event was seeing how people would dress. Most of the balls I have attended at St Andrews include a dress code, like black tie, cocktail, or formal, requiring a specific look or dress length. Unlike our male counterparts who can usually get away with the same suit or formal outfit, women are expected to show up in a completely new outfit at each event. Galentine’s Ball alleviated that pressure with their dress code and theme (‘Pink and Red’). Guidelines posted on their Instagram were ‘wear whatever makes you feel beautiful, whether that is a dress, a cute top and trousers, or a skirt.'

I was interested in exploring a few things about people’s outfits at the ball, namely if the female-centred nature of the event impacted attendees’ fashion choices and if they felt more able to express themselves at this ball than others. The overall response to my questions was that people felt less pressure to look or dress a certain way and that everyone was just more comfortable in general than at other events they attended, feelings which I think can be attributed to the subcommittee and Empowher overall striving to create a welcoming and accepting culture. As I had mentioned previously, I talked to a lot of the ball’s attendees about their experiences and clothes. Thanks to the wonderful photographers at the event, including some from Concrete Catwalk, I can share some of my favourite ~lewks~ at Galentine’s Ball.

Sage, who cited Jane Burren and 60s French New Wave style as their influences for this look, said they usually dress more androgynously but were inspired by the ball to go for a more ‘fem’ look. (Also… look at their posing skills?!?! So impressive)

Amber (far right) said she hadn’t previously owned anything in pink but ended up loving the dark blush velvet dress she bought for the event. She said her other accessories were more her usual style but felt that the ball was the perfect place to combine her more comfortable elements and those that went outside of her comfort zone. I personally think her tattoos are the absolute perfect accessory to this look.

Zoe (far left) was wearing this adorable Lucy and Yak jumpsuit. When I commented on how perfect the pattern was for the event, she said ‘I got this a bit ago and never found the right place to wear it. I couldn’t figure out how to style it properly. But I thought this event was perfect! Now that I’ve worn it here, I feel more confident wearing it in other places.’

One of the most unique looks of the night was from Chloe (right), whose dress had a vintage potato sack print, a la 1950s Marylin Monroe. Like many others, she said that she had been looking for an excuse to wear the unique dress and, because it had red text, and the guidelines were looser than other events. Eliana (left) had worn her floor-length dress before but had stitched up part of the thigh-high slit so she would be more comfortable. At Galentine’s, however, she said she felt more confident and safer wearing a more daring dress, so she took out her stitching.

Lauren (right), the Empowher Well-being and Inclusion Officer, who wore a stunning floral dress, said that the ball alleviated the worry about looking a certain way or fitting a particular mould. She also said that there was ‘no pressure because everyone attending was so friendly and uplifting’ which made her feel more comfortable in her fashion and overall.

Kira (far left), who says that Valentine’s Day is the best day of the year because it is the pink holiday, got her dress at the Galentine’s ‘Mini Market’ in collaboration with Sustainable Style StA and featuring handmade jewellery from JunoClaire. With regard to her outfit, she said she was able to take a risk wearing something she wouldn’t normally choose because she knew that she wasn’t going to be harassed or looked at inappropriately. She also noted that ‘everyone felt very safe and comfortable’ at the ball.

Everyone I spoke to at Empowher’s Galentine’s Ball echoed similar overarching thoughts; the event made them feel safe and comfortable, which allowed them to truly connect with their friends and new people and have fun. All the attendees took the guideline to ‘wear whatever makes you feel beautiful’ to heart (Galentine's pun <3). While I had gone in with the idea that the guests would all dress for the ‘female gaze’ or ‘for the girls,’ I was happy to find that everyone dressed for themselves, which was beautifully reflected in the variety and creativity on display.