In high school, you knew you had your wardrobe right when you heard a parent say: “Where do you think you’re going in that get-up?”
Ah, yes. The get-up. Part costume, part shooting the bird to the world, the get-up is grownup Halloween. It’s dress up for adults. Get-ups are different from just plain clothes and range from the bedroom varieties (paging Nurse Noelle) to the china-girl satin cheomsong that hugs the curves and lets you play Susie Wong at the nightclub. When you think about it, much of what we wear actually qualifies as a get-up. Wearing a full-length fur is socialite get-up. Wearing a wedding dress is, let’s face it, sanctified religio-political chattel get-up. Wearing a flower in your hair is Hawaiian Tropic Barbie get-up.Â
Then there’s the required get-up for the Kentucky Derby. High Feminine drag: hat, filmy dress, strappy sandals, demure expression, all accessorized with that nasty julep. By donning the appropriate costume, you win admission to a mint-steeped Town and Country fantasy of ossified tradition, horsey people, and the likes of P. Diddy above your head on “Millionaire’s Row” betting horses because the silks match his tie.Â
Have get-up, will travel. No get-up? Get left behind. You miss out on men calling “Love your hat!” appreciatively as you pass. Yes, you – and your nine mile wide Scarlett O’Hara brim. Now that’s a tradition even worth drinking a julep for.
Fun Dress Up Costumes
- Entertaining Get-up (silky pajamas, cigarette holder and tiara a la Audrey Hepburn, a ruffled apron for cooking)
- Lingerie Get-up (oh, pls – you need ideas?)
- Grace Kelly (Hermes bag, summer shift, big diamond studs)
- Slutty (push-up bra, low-cut top, shimmer make-up, very blonde hair)
- Home Depot (shorts, sweatshirt, pony tail, tan, hiking boots)
