Lens of History (57): Etiquette & Blending In

STEC Archives, Print Document Division
Curator signature: Jer
Format:  Print Media – DECLASSIFIED under [REDACTED], [REDACTED]
Special Documents Division – [REDACTED]
Object: Attire Guidance, version 8
Time (if known): Undated

Curator’s Note: This document has historically been included as a part of the new shipgirl orientation package, and is updated once every so often to keep pace with cultural and etiquette developments. 

REMINDER TO ALL SHIPGIRLS THAT YOU ARE PERMITTED TO MANIFEST WEAPONRY OR EQUIPMENT IN SITUATIONS WHERE THEIR APPLICATION IS DEEMED APPROPRIATE

Wear what you are comfortable with.

If you are not sure how to dress, ask!

When in doubt, inquire as to local custom.

Your standard battle attire is considered an independent matter and falls outside of the scope of this document. 

Within STEC’s area of operation: 

“Civilian casual” or “Casual attire”: In formal invitations or navy-organized events, this means suitable casual wear such as dresses, slacks, pants suits & blouses, and skirts of both long and short lengths. 

“Informal”: Check carefully if the event is military and if it is within STEC. If military, seasonally appropriate Service Dress Uniform. If military & STEC, assume seasonally appropriate Service Dress Uniform unless explicitly stated otherwise. If civilian, generally the invitation will dictate the type of dress. Common styles mostly fall into business suit or “Sunday” dress (street length). 

Ceremonial: Service Dress Uniform.

Formal Occasions (Black Tie): Formal occasions will specify dress code, so Service Dress Uniform or formal evening wear. As a rule STEC does not do “Black Tie optional” – it is confusing for mostly everyone involved. If you do see one, just wear formal evening wear.

White Tie: Unless specified, wear your White Tie attire as crafted by STEC.

Outside of STEC’s area of operation:

Hi, this is a note from Tautog on behalf of the shipgirl orientation committee. We are required by law to provide you with information as appropriate. Unfortunately, I am also legally required to put something down in this section. 

If you are reading this, you likely appeared in two ways – on Avalon itself, or “somewhere else.” If you are in the latter category you already know how to blend in with society, so telling you how to dress is a bit moot. If you are in the former, STEC no longer permits new shipgirls to free-roam after what Chester & Ens. Lawrence did in Shanghai on [DATE REDACTED]. You will not be allowed to interact with society at large until you pass the CIA (Civilian Interaction Aptitude – don’t look at me, I didn’t come up with the name of the test!) test. 

Sooooo…

You see where I’m coming from?

So, instead, I’m going to just copy-paste you a single email address. Get in touch with us here, and we’ll build a cover story, supporting staff, alibi, and all for you if you want to wander around as you are.

Geekery conventions and costume galas are, believe it or not, falling out of vogue. Nowadays we prefer to give you something a bit more glamorous – something like modeling for one of our major collaboration partners like High Fashion or Vogue.

Get in touch with [EMAIL ADDRESS REDACTED], and we’ll handle the rest.

T