Dress For Evening
Prince George's County:
On the other hand, when there is a formal dance on the Hill, dress for it. Doll up in your "diamonds and store-bought hair" -- you'll be heading for a big time.
Purchasing a new formal for the Junior Prom is practically a tradition at Maryland. Each new coed searches diligently in all the best stores of her home town for the very smartest little creation -- then spends the entire day performing all those little tricks that only coeds understand, to make herself look her best for the big event. Why? Just go to one!
CORSAGES
Are you one of those poor unfortunates who gets flowers for a dance and stands in the powder room wondering where to pin them? If you are going to dance, the proper place is on the right shoulder so that they won't match. If it is some other occasion, the left shoulder is preferred. If you are wearing a strapless evening gown, wear them in your hair or on your wrist. Sometimes girls pin them at the side of their waists. That, too, gives an attractive effect.
If you can tactfully do so, it is always good to drop a hint to your date to let him know the color you are wearing. Even if the flowers don't match your dress wear them. It is very rude not to do so. Besides, the poor boy probably broke his dime bank to buy them for you. If they look too awful, he'll not forget next time to ask you what color you are wearing.
By the way! While speaking of dances, -- when attending formal dances or a dance where there are more people than dance floor, it is more fun for all concerned and less embarrassing for you if you don't practice the new step that requires ten square feet.
CAMPUS DANCES
Serious, that is, in the sense that both the owner of the pin and its new wearer are thinking -- or should be -- fairly definitely about the future.
Greek jewelry changes hands altogether too frequently these days. There are plenty of people who think that wearing a fraternity pin should "mean" something.
Don't get the idea that your success will be measured by the number and variety of pins in your jewel-box; on the contrary, the more fret badges, usually, the more complications -- unless you were born a diplomat. And few of us were.
If he wants you to wear it, and you want to wear it -- and it's very clearly understood that there's nothing permanent involved -- well, wear it. Incidentally -- never wear frat or sorority pins on evening dresses.
If, after you've taken it, the fire burns out and the ashes grow cold -- don't sidestep into the two-timer role. Give the pin back.
Chaperones today have become honor guests. As such -- and because, often enough, a chaperone has given up something she really wanted to do that evening -- there are certain niceties to be observed.
Before you join the rest of the bunch at the table, or on the dance floor, approach the honor guests, introduce yourselves, and welcome them to the festivities. It is up to you and your date to speak to them at least once during the evening. They are doing you a favor by attending. Without their attendance you probably wouldn't be permitted to have the dance.
Should either one of a couple know the guests, he or she should introduce his or her companion. If neither knows the guests, the man should introduce himself to the gentleman, who will introduce his lady. The first man then introduces his companion.
No, it's not necessary to stay and talk, nor to exchange a dance. Thank them for being so kind as to attend, then weigh anchor, with their blessings in your wake.
Sometimes even the most perfect honor guests aren't infallible, and forget the proper procedure. If so, carry the burden yourself, but, by all means, meet them.
It is always proper to say good-night to the chaperones and if you belong to the group giving the entertainment tell them how much you enjoyed having them.
Some day -- who knows? -- you may be an honor guest yourself!
If he calls for a girl at her home, a boy in the know will come in and chat briefly with his date's family before rushing her off.
Naturally your date will rise when you enter the dorm lobby or your own living room. If you are carrying your corsage in a box as so many of us do when we are going a distance to dance, he will relieve you of it when you sign out. In seating you in his car (and we hope he will have brushed the upholstery in consideration for your best dress) he will help you get settled and tuck a blanket around you if the night is cold -- all of which makes you feel very cherished.
A thoughtful boy will ask his date if she objects to his car radio. After all she may prefer his conversation. Too, he will save his trick driving for his night out with the boys; some girls have weak hearts; others just like to be careful.
The boy who has been around a lot will respect the time limit set for a girl. He will leave the dance or movie early enough for her to sign in on time without the breathless rush that spoils an otherwise pleasant evening. Added thought: we readily forgave the considerate boy who sent us a box of chocolates and a note of apology when he unavoidably got us penalized for being late.
If you have brushed up on the rules, too, you will know what to expect of your date and how to accept his attentions gracefully and casually. A gentleman walks on the outside of the pavement even when he is with two or three girls, theoretically to protect them. For the same reason two boys walk with one girl between them.
The "Whatcha doin' Sat'd'y night?" approach in asking for a date leaves the modern coed cold. If he really expects to get a date with her, the smooth collegian asks her to some definite function without hedging and hawing.
The girl who wants another date with the same boy will not be a predatory female, a clinging vine, or a tattler. She will avoid such possessive gestures as rearranging her date's tie, helping him into his overcoat, and hanging on his arm. She is good sport enough not to tell him about last night's date with another boy. Comparisons are repugnant, and besides she'd rather forgive and forget if the date went sour.
Never, never will a girl ask "When shall I see you again?" Even in this age of freedom it's still up to the man to make the dates. If the evening has run smoothly he will probably want to see you again, and will make the opportunity.
If your face won't stay on all evening, carry your own repair kit. Even the daintiest evening bag makes an unsightly bulge in your date's pocket. A bag that you can slip over your wrist is a convenience if the handles are not so long that the bag bats annoyingly against your Partner's shoulder while dancing.
When you retire to the dressing room to fix up your face (for of course you don't do it in public!) make a quick job of it and don't leave your date to hold up the wall forever. If he seems to have disappeared come on out and look around. He can't come in and look for you.
In cases where a boy has a date of long-standing with a girl, it is polite to call her up a few days before-hand to remind her, and assure her that it's still a date.
A girl dating a man from a rival college will refrain from cheering her own school when sitting on his side of the field. It makes his paying for the tickets pretty painful to him.
If you are gambler enough to accept a blind date, be sport enough to make him have a good time even if he doesn't look like Clark Gable. He may have a heart of gold when you get to know him better. Even if he has a big nose and a squint, your sulking will make the evening that much worse. Try hard and see if he hasn't something to recommend him!
Don't break your neck rushing to get into your date's car. If you give him time enough he will open and close the door for you, assisting you in or out as the case may be. It is a nice gesture for you to reach across and flip the handle of the door for the gentleman -- sort of keeps you from being a clinging vine.
Besides-wind, rain, and mosquitoes blowing in the front door aren't exactly pleasant reminders of how thoughtful you are. And that one last dead-line minute means so much on the campus -- it's well not to forget that!
A slow fade-out is never as effective as the "good-night" which snaps the whole thing off.
Love may keep you warm, but it's just a draft on the feet for the sorority sisters.
