It started out wonderfully as my aunt and I walked in resplendent in our Sunday best. She asked the principal (another member of our church) if she could come along with me for the day, probably using some “first lady” influence.

My pink church suit was absolutely exquisite. As we walked down the halls the gasps and sighs were audible. Despite a warning (or threat?) from one girl that it would be truly unfortunate if anything happened to such lovely ensembles we sailed through my morning classes.

Rather than risk an “accident” in the cafeteria we went outside to the quad to have lunch. Unexpectedly, today we had early (2 pm) dismissal. I had gotten through the school day without incident (or accident) but my aunt’s driver was on an errand and could not pick us up until 3 pm. So we decided to walk home, about a half a mile or 10-15 minutes (our lovely suits are not designed for moving quickly).

Still being careful we took an alternate route home through a nature trail that ends at the rear of her house. There is simply nothing like walking through the forest in one’s best Sunday suit and hat. Our suits looked even more gorgeous against the forest background and sun rays beaming through the trees.

But then the trail was interupted by a muddy marsh. The only way to cross it was over a rotting log that could collapse. Our stilletto heels did not make things any easier. I have to admit that I found the risk and the thrill arousing and my heart was beating wildly at the prospect of stumbling and ruining our beautiful new outfits.

While I could manage as my skirt was only mid-calf my aunt had to hike up her full-length skirt to avoid having it soiled. She almost lost her balance and toppled in but I grabbed her hand and kept her from falling. She unlocked the gate to her backyard and we were home our beautiful suits completely intact although we were emotionally drained.

We were going to stop to rest by her swimming pool when I tripped over a loose deck tile and proceeded to topple into the deep end. It was so shocking. Even though I can swim and I was not about to drown my beautiful pink suit was completely ruined! My hair matted over my face. My lovely hat now floating sodden to the shallow end. I was about to sob uncontrollably when my aunt, in her fabulous full length white Champagne suit jumped in to join me, laughing as she did.

“Don’t worry”, she said. “I can always get you another one”.

Last year I moved to live with my aunt, the first lady of our church. She is quite well-to-do, always exquisitely dressed and encourages me to dress in that manner. She indulges me because I am her only neice.

Although, in a public high school I may appear quite different as, unfortunately, too many of my contemporaries dress in a slovenly and rather immodest manner I feel I am showing respect by putting the effort into my appearance.

However, some people do not necessarily feel that way and teenaged jealousies can be difficult. There have been some close calls. I was in a lovely cream pleated skirt, silk blouse and velveteen jacket that were almost “accidently” splattered with gravy last month in the cafeteria. (Unfortunately another girl’s clothes were soiled.) Another time I walking home wearing a full-length peach skirt suit when the “gravy” person’s friend was driving a car and almost forced me into a drainage gutter where I would have been covered with mud. Fortunately my beautiful clothes were not ruined.

Last Saturday for my 16th birthday I received four beautiful designer church suits (and hats) from my aunt. She said she hoped I would wear them for more than just church.

Last Sunday I wore one ensemble to church and felt wonderful. As I was walking I noticed cars slowing down to admire. Later in the afternoon the girls in my bible study group were gushing over it. One of them, half-jokingly, dared me to wear it to school. I asked my aunt if she thought this would be OK. I was, of course worried whether some “accident” would happen. She, not only encouraged me but she offered to come along in her Sunday clothes.

Today I am taking up the challenge and going to school in one of my new suits and hats (a gorgeous pink Aussie Austine). My aunt will be in a magnificent white full length Champagne ensemble. While I am certainly concerned, in light of recent experience, actually, the risk factor makes it somewhat thrilling. My suit shimmers. My hat is divine. My hair is perfect. It should be delicious.

I’ll keep you informed.

I wear skirts and nice tops everyday (I’m in first year of university, btw) Compared to everyone else, I am overdressed, but do I care?

Quite apart from the way it makes me feel (very good) there is another benefit: I can go straight from university to a nice meal in a restaurant in merchant city (a high class part of glasgow, for people who don’t live in scotland) without changing. I might brush my hair, wash my face, but my clothes are already perfectly appropriate for the occasion.

The ‘Casual Friday’ thing really gets me…you get people who wear velour tracksuits to work in the name of being casual, and then, because they are going out that night, they have to spend an hour or more in the bathroom changing into another set of clothes, brushing and arranging their hair, putting on makeup etc…

I like wearing clothes that are a bit ‘dressier’ if you want to put it that way…

After all, I think people get dressed to tell the world who they are. Otherwise, why bother at all? You were born naked and you will not get a reaction from me if you walk around naked. Cold? Wrap up in a blanket. You can wear the boxes my shoes come in on your feet, go ahead, I’m offering them.

I want ONE place where I can go and feel the glam surround me. As it is, I’m almost always “over-dressed” compared to those around me, but heck if I let that stop me. I don’t mind standing out, but I still wish some more people would stand with me.