When announcements of a winter dance came in late October, questions arose following the reveal of the dance’s attire.

“Attire is classy-casual, as the activities planned for the night do not fall under a formal attire event,” they read.

What does this mean? Semi-formal? T-shirt and dress pants? Shorts and a sweater?

Unlike prom, an unclear attire specification can create confusion, which could lead to the inevitable: overdressing. Standing out among peers can be seen as respectable, but not all would enjoy being the only one with a corsage around their wrist.

In a similar manner, “overdressing” could be synonymous with “overpriced.” Spending gourds of money for an occasion that calls for no more than a collared shirt and flats could be hasty for students.

Also, Arizona’s cool winter weather could prohibit girls from wearing dresses, or boys from wearing a short-sleeved polo. This gray area has caused much confusion for many students.

Junior Spirit Coordinator Lucas Mattson hopes to provide some relief for this controversy.

“Think in between morp and homecoming. Like your best winter clothes, like a good sweater or a polo, nice jeans or khakis. It’s sort of laid back because of the dance inside,” he said.

Student Government representative Jackie Gilbert also provided insight on what to wear at the dance, bringing ease to some perplexed students.

“We’re not trying to make you wear anything super big. If you want to go all out, go all out. If you want to wear a nice dress with some simple heels, then do you,” she said.

She also explained that the primary dance will be held inside and the rest of the activities, such as performances and displays, will take place in the courtyard outside. While getting ready, students should consider what they plan on doing at the event and plan accordingly.

“If you’re going to be dancing the whole night, wear something more comfortable, but if you want to go outside, then dress warmer,” said Gilbert.

Therefore, the answer is that the dance has no official attire. The night is what each student makes of it; individuals can be as casual or as classy as they would prefer, so long as it coincides with the school’s dress code.

The winter dance, “A Starry Night,” will be held at the school on Dec. 3.