A ball (dinner) at boarding school? What clothes for DD

[BrightNewLife]

DD (14) is starting all girls boarding school in September.

The school is well-known but seems very down to earth and the recommended clothes list is pretty pragmatic too.

However I noticed there's a ball halfway through this term.

I think its for parents, but I imagine the pupils will be there. DD is 14 and quite "grunge". I noticed other events too, that may require posher clothes at weekends.

What on earth is worn by pupils at these kinds of things and is she expected to / should she take something dressy?

BrightNewLife don't worry about this for the start of term. Let her settle in and check with the other girls and mothers what range of dresses can be worn. She can then choose nearer the time. You will I asdume be seeing her before but if not you could always post what is needed.
If you are both very keen to decide there will most likely be photos of a previous ball on the school website to check out.

My DD is the same age and goes to the same sort of school (maybe there same one 😁).

They all discuss clothes a week or so before socials and then tend to traipse together round a Top Shop or something. They borrow from each other ALL the time as well.

The good thing is, they all still stay utterly individual in style. A grungy sort of look is positively encouraged if that's what a girl wants to go like. Similarly, a girl might loan some shoes to another to "dress up" a bit.

It's utterly friendly and kind. Much better to let your DD have all those chats herself. She might send you a link then if there's something she particularly wants.

PS If it's down as a ball, it's probably just for parents unless it's at the end of the summer, when sixth form/upper sixth go too.

Student parties tend to be called socials or mixers or something like that, and a boys school is often invited.

Ask the Housemistress if you are not sure what the event is. It may include parents, it may not. She can ask another girl or two. Our ball was parents, guests and 6th form but it was a summer ball.

Ah - thanks for all the helpful answers!

I now think the upcoming one is just for parents, as it's a fundraiser.

There are some socials coming up, mixers, as you mentioned and I'm sure I'll be inundated with requests before the event, I boarded at A-level and now remember the endless borrowing 😆.

@G&T is your DDs school in Berks....?

DD is starting boarding for the first time. We've been through old photos to see what other girls are wearing to get a feel - yes, they're dressed in something for a meal but not over the top. We've got DD a couple of dresses from New Look and she got one from Boohoo - nothing expensive, but needed to be prepared as there's a meal for new Sixth Formers within 10 days.