Cheer up, dress up

I was in my second year in college, and the day started just like any ordinary day. The corridors were full of students moving from one classroom to another, and my friends and I were hurrying to our English 102 class.  We just got in when we heard a commotion outside, so we rushed back out.  Naturally everyone wanted to see what was happening! Did someone faint? Was there an accident? Were the theatre group kids doing a crazy stunt so early in the day?

We heard the tapping of her heels before we saw her, and when we did, our jaws dropped and we understood what the buzz was all about. There was our English teacher, at 9 o’clock in the morning, in campus, wearing a royal blue satin and black lace evening dress with matching slingback stilettos.  This was 1990, so the dress had huge puff sleeves as well. The illustration above is the best recollection I have of how it looked.   And yes, it was an ordinary school day! Not halloween, not crazy day or whatever.  You can imagine the shock on all our faces as she sashayed down the corridor and approached our classroom!  She was gorgeous, always fashionable, with a killer figure and a very pretty face, but she has never worn anything inappropriate or shocking until that day.

She entered the classroom and said, “sorry about the evening dress, but I’m feeling really depressed today and needed a major pick me up.”  And proceeded with the day’s lesson.  Winner!!!  I don’t think she even had to make any effort to get anyone’s attention that day! We kept staring at her the whole entire time, at her red lips, and the way her full skirt swirled around her as she moved across the classroom while she lectured.  It was like being in the presence of a supernova.

I will always remember that incident with much fondness.  It taught me such a valuable lesson, and I’ve taken it to heart since then.  Looking good can make you feel good.  Red lipstick, a drop-dead gorgeous dress, and killer heels are guaranteed to lift your mood.  Even if you’re just staying home — get fancy and dress up.  Now excuse me while I go order that tulle skirt I’ve always wanted.