On Charm Not “Being Enough”

Planning one’s appropriate weekend getaway clothing to pack is one of many subjects covered in etiquette and charm school books of the 1950’s and 1960’s

On one’s charm and manners– Four points to round off the whole

1. GROOMING, MAKE-UP AND HAIR-DOS. 

Never be casual about personal grooming, however casual the outfit and the occasion. The fashion model photographed in sports wear has paid as much attention to her make-up, hair-do, accessories and general tidiness as if she were wearing full evening dress. Nevertheless, for casual occasions, keep in mind that anything elaborate will be out of place.

2. HATS. 

If you belong to the hatless brigade, this is all right up to a point. More and more women wear less and less hats-and this is an accepted trend, but a hat for a church service, or for a wedding, is still considered a 'must'.

3. SPECIAL CEREMONIES, ACCEPTING AWARDS, ETC…

Find out well ahead everything to do with your part, particularly about the moment of receiving a prize or an award. Are you to curtsy, bob, or just shake hands? Will there be a platform to negotiate? Get information ahead about suitable outfits, especially as to whether you should, or should not, wear hat and gloves. Your preparation in all these little matters, your 'visualization' ahead of the event, will help to ensure your confidence in what, after all, is likely to be a conspicuous moment in your life.

4. GIVE AND TAKE. 

Of course you expect to enjoy yourself enormously during all your leisure activities. If by now you have trained yourself to be observant, I hope that you would be quick to spot the odd person who may look a little out of things-and that you would feel it your job to do something about her or him. – From “Charm is Not Enough,” by Mary Young, 1965

  🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia