Michael’s is sold out of white primer, Wal-Mart is sold out of coolers, and every single elliptical at the gym is taken- it must be formal season. Almost half the girls on campus are going crazy to prepare for one weekend of beachside partying, three days they’re sure to never forget. If you’re starting to feel a little nervous about what you signed up for when you drunkenly accepted your new date’s invite last weekend, here is a list of things you should expect/prepare for. But please, stop stressing. Not only does stress increase your body’s production of cortisol, which has been linked to belly fat, but also, stress has no place at frat formals! Any one you go to is going to be SICK, so stop your worrying and start preparing for the best weekend of your life.
Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica”>1) Bring a camera– Within an hour of returning from formal, Facebook will be blowing up with pics of you and all of your friends. But by bringing your own camera, you have control of what you post, AKA only the flattering shots that you’ve edited. That way, you’re still tagged in tons of pictures, but you’ll also look great in all of them. And please- if your friend looks like an Oompa Loompa but you think you look great, either crop her out or don’t post the picture. You don’t want to be that girl.
Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica”>2) Eat healthily the week before– but DO NOT starve yourself! This is crucial. Most girls decide to crash diet the week before so they can drink in a bikini without a care in the world. It’s a nice thought, but it’s not realistic. If you don’t eat enough, you’ll be crabby all week long, which will certainly not be attractive to your date. Plus, without building a foundation in your stomach, you’ll probably get too drunk too quickly, which is not the classiest way to spend formal. So girls, EAT. Maybe not fries and brookies, but some nice healthy, clean meals. Also, drink plenty of water and try to hit the gym for 30 minutes to an hour a few times during the week. Just a few small changes from your normal routine will be enough to make you feel cute and confident that weekend!
Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica”>3) Invest in one or two flattering bikinis– Remember those pictures I mentioned? You could be the skinniest you’ve ever been, but if you’re wearing a bathing suit that doesn’t fit your body type, those pictures will surely not turn out how you’ve planned. Guys LOVE bright colors and neons, especially if you’re tan, so try to go for those. If you’re self-conscious, which you shouldn’t be (your date asked you for a reason!), invest in a super cute cover-up that you can wear on the beach until you’re ready to ditch it. Remember- your date could have asked a multitude of other obliging girls, but he picked you. Feel confident and rock that bikini, girl!
Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica”>4) Make sure your cooler fits your date’s desires– I know, I know, life isn’t all about pleasing the guys. But he did pay for your ticket to formal, so the least you could do is fill his cooler with stuff he likes. Make sure you chat with him about what he wants, so you won’t have to experience the awkwardness of him opening his cooler with a look of disappointment. Also, in terms of cooler decoration, not every guy is gonna be down for a pink design. Think about what he likes, not what you like.
Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica”>5) Pack a duffel/small suitcase in advance– First of all, don’t be that girl with the huge suitcase. You don’t want to look high maintenance for a trip to the beach that, quite frankly, involves a very minimal amount of clothing. But be sure to pack sunscreen (or SPF 15 tanning oil if you’re me), toiletries, and a few outfits fit for the beach. And bring a sundress, you never know if you’ll go out to dinner while you’re there!
Helvetica;mso-bidi-font-family:Helvetica”>6) Be safe– Yeah, yeah, we’re all adults here, and I’m not your mother. But we’ve also all made really stupid decisions, and you don’t want your formal experience to be ruined by one. Just don’t feel pressured by your date or anyone else to do something you wouldn’t normally do at school. And stay with your group! There is no need for any “stranger danger” mishaps at a frat formal.
Last of all…. GET READY TO HAVE FUN!!! Make sure you’re feeling positive and happy when you get on the bus- you don’t want to be that one bitchy girl who rains on everyone else’s parade. Just enjoy every second and soak up that PCB sun- your frat formal experience is bound to be the time of your life!!!