Secrets of the Southern Belle by Phaedra Parks

Author:Phaedra Parks [Parks, Phaedra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

∞ White tie is the most formal, with men in tails

and women in long dresses. Prance out with jewels

every where.

∞ Black tie means tuxedos for men and cocktail dresses

for women. Glittery fabrics welcome.

∞ Suit and tie: for men, what it says. For women,

cocktail dresses that are a little quieter. Leave the

Swarovski-studded shoes at home.

∞ Casual. This is a trap. If you’re going to an event

that’s formal enough to deserve a printed invitation,

you may not wear sweats. And by the way, we’d rather

be overdressed than underdressed in the South. So

men should wear a collared shirt and designer jeans

while the Belle should probably put in a call to the

hostess: “Ashley, we are so excited about coming to

your pool party on Thursday. I’m just wondering

what you’re planning to wear.” “Casual” covers a lot

of territory, but you sure don’t want to be in cute

little jeans if the hostess plans to rock palazzo pants.

Dress Code d 139

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What’s That?—Prayer Cloth

There are a number of occasions in southern life when it’s not

appropriate for a woman to wear pants. But sometimes these

days skirts are cut so short and so narrow that this creates an

even bigger problem—if you’re in a situation where pants are

immodest, sitting down in a short skirt is certainly worse.

That’s what a prayer cloth is for. It’s a piece of fine fabric, usually linen or silk about the size of an ordinary place mat, edged in

delicate lace. This isn’t a store-bought item. You make it your-

self, and if you are a more generously proportioned woman, your

prayer cloth size should adapt to properly cover those ample

thighs and kneecaps. Your prayer cloth is always neatly folded

and discreetly placed in your purse. It is only revealed when

you realize that there is a need for modesty—during church,

at a funeral, or even a formal public event like a political

inauguration—you discreetly place that prayer cloth over your

knees and your thighs and whatever else might be under that

skirt. It’s a sign of respect to the dignified people you’re around.

You do not want any man’s eyes straying from the serious busi-

ness at hand and wondering about your business.

140 d Look Pretty

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° Belles in Black °

I’ve talked often enough about how much I like color, and I

wear it as much as I can. I just can’t see why non-southern

women are so drawn to dreary shades like gray and olive green

that don’t look feminine and don’t flatter most skin tones. But

even the Belle needs a few black pieces in her wardrobe.

The Suit

Looking the part is absolutely essential for the job seeker. In

my law practice I often have to interview job candidates, and

I can tell you, some of these ladies are eliminated the mo-

ment they cross the threshold. (Hint: animal prints do not

belong in the courtroom. If there’s any drama, it should come

from the defendants.)

Of course, you don’t have a lot of money when you’re first

entering the workforce, so you have to buy classic items that

will last. Every woman’s first purchase out of college should

be a good black suit.

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