DEAR ABBY: I am a 17-year-old girl in high school. Recently I was required to make a presentation in my science class. Naturally, I wanted to look my best. That morning I selected a denim skirt and black shirt -- neither of which was too short or low-cut. Black nylons and chunky-heeled black shoes completed my ensemble. I headed off to school feeling confident about my appearance.
The minute I arrived on campus, I realized I had made a severe miscalculation. It was as though I had broken some unspoken, but well-known, rule. Kids looked me up and down and stared at my legs. One astonished girl gasped, "Oh, my god! She's wearing black stockings!"
Abby, I am a reasonably conservative person. I have never worn anything outrageous and would never intentionally go to school wearing something risque or improper. I still think the black pantyhose were appropriate for my outfit. Could you shed some light on this? -- DAZED AND CONFUSED IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR DAZED AND CONFUSED: Perhaps your classmates were surprised to see you "dressed up." If you had violated a dress code, I'm sure you would have been told about it by a teacher or the principal. From what you have described, your outfit was appropriate for the occasion.