With the arrival of formal season and away weekends, I think it’s about time to discuss the Dos and Don’ts of a successful trip. Whether your traveling to Canada to go to clubs where you are actually legal, making the journey to nearby cities like Chicago, or even just going to Detroit for another memorable night at the infamous White Star, this guide will help you make the most of your formal.
Dos
1. If you are going on an overnight formal, BRING SNACKS.
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to eat in front of your date. You are a human being not a squirrel. Everyone knows you can’t subsist on small food items for two full days. So bring snacks on the bus, eat them with your mouth closed, and enjoy all the meals your date will most likely pay for. Because let’s be real, when else will a boy ever offer to pay for so many of your meals?
2. Pack several outfits for each night out
Although girls are always accused of overpacking, this is the one case where you want to make sure you do overpack. Boys on these formals have no clue what a romper or dress is so don’t even attempt to ask them what to do.
3. Bring a coat
I know we all want to be super trendy in our hot outfits and don’t want huge puffy jackets ruining our style, but shivering while walking around a cold city all day ain’t too hot either. Bring a jacket and wear it, I promise it will make for a better day.
Donts
1. Avoid going with a random stranger at all cost
Although we all hope these random set ups will end with us falling in love with our date and finding the perfect person we never knew existed at Michigan, the odds of this happening are slim to none. It always ends up with you ditching your date or appreciating the boy you usually hook up with but were trying to resist for the weekend. Just avoid it and go with someone you know, whether that be a friend or someone your interested in. Play it safe – you don’t want to be in the middle of Canada or Chicago hating your life with no way out.
2. Don’t text other boys when you’re at their formal
Whether he is an ex-bae or just a friend, silence your phone and hangout with your date. You are constantly with him, so I promise you he will see that name pop up on your phone, and the awkward eye contact that follows is so not worth it.
3. Don’t forget your ID when you go out
We all know that one girl who is gonna forget her ID once she steps out of the cab. At this point, all we can hope for is that your date isn’t a complete asshole about it. And if you’re really lucky, maybe it will end with some hot conversation back at the hotel ;)
Images courtesy of: Kelsey Muniz