Scarlet silk, tropical ties, and Hollywood flair characterized the best looks of Garden Party 2023.

Students celebrated some of the last summer weather with dancing and live music in the Slayton Arboretum on Sept. 16. This year’s Garden Party theme was “La La Land,” a 2016 musical film starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. The movie follows an actress and an aspiring jazz pianist as they fall in love, singing and dancing their way through starry Los Angeles. 

True to the Old Hollywood glamor of the movie, students chose vivid colors and classic silhouettes while adding their own twists.

Senior John Tasseff sported a suave Old Hollywood look, with slicked-back hair, round vintage shades, and a cane, transforming his classic suit and tie into the uniform of a rich producer.

“I’d like to sign you on for $30 million. We shoot tomorrow,” Tasseff said, in regard to the attitude that inspired him. “I’ve never been to Hollywood. I never want to go to Hollywood. But this is a kind of pastiche.”

Freshman Zoe Barnes adopted the bright colors of Emma Stone’s wardrobe with her full-length scarlet number. The v-neck and feminine details recalled some of Stone’s most iconic costumes. 

“I got this dress for a wedding. I love floral and puff sleeves, like Anne of Green Gables,” Barnes said. 

Like many other Hillsdale students, Barnes found her statement piece while thrifting.

Sophomore Augie McCormack paired a mustard-yellow vest and blue bow tie with a sharp plaid suit for a Gosling-esque look. He said he found the vest at Goodwill.

“It was $5,” McCormack said. 

Junior Grace Bryant went for a standout look. Pink leather, bold ruffles, and deep pockets gave her classic dress an unexpected allure.

“I’ve never had an event to wear this to, so this was the one,” Bryant said.

Garden Party was the first time sophomore John Frenz wore his bold SoCal-esque flamingo tie.

“I was afraid that if I brought it to church one day that I would get struck by a bolt of lightning,” Frenz said. “You know, ‘you should not mock the Lord your God.’”

Sophomore Malina Ladzinski shone in a silky lilac halter-neck dress with a special past. 

“This was my mother’s dress that she wore when she was my age,” Ladzinski said. “Being able to wear this dress, it makes me feel like my mother is with me. I just happen to be the same size, which is so cool.” 

Junior Lucia Wilson celebrated her first Garden Party as a transfer student in style. She paired a bold red satin dress with a leather jacket and loose curls. 

“Why not make a statement?” Wilson said. “I like to find one thing that’s kind of out there.”

Sophomore Mark Masaka assembled an unusual outfit for the evening. He topped his banana shirt, tie, blazer, and shorts with his trademark yellow banana bucket hat.

“I can’t go anywhere without a bucket hat,” Masaka said. “I wore the banana one by popular demand. Words of wisdom? Dress well. And send me bucket hats.”