How to Attend Your High School Reunion in Style

So it's been ten, fifteen, or maybe even twenty years since you last stepped foot in the building. But for some reason, even the idea of a high school reunion can throw you head first into the familiar waters of adolescent insecurity. What if I don't look my best? What can I say I've been doing? What if I sound boring? Oh my god I need a date! Who am I going to talk to? Regardless of your particular flavor of self consciousness, there are certain things you can do to look and feel like the best version of yourself. Which is the only reason anyone really goes to these things, right?

1. Get a tan.

Ok so this may seem silly and irrelevant, but it works. People always look their best with a little color. You appear more rested, less stressed, and generally happier. This does not mean you should be lathering with baby oil and frying your skin daily. That tends to create a leathery look which doesn't really work for anyone. Sun in a bottle is always a good way to go, if you can find one that won't turn you into something out of Willy Wonka. My personal favorite is Gelee Auto-Bronzante Express by Clarins. Definitely worth the price tag.

2. Get going.

Even if you don't have any weight to lose, it's still important to exercise. When you are physically active you feel better, you look better, and generally life IS better. Now I don't mean you should start running 10 miles a day (although think about how in shape you'd be!). Just stay within your comfort zone, but keep moving. Yoga's great. Even just stretching counts. Lift weights. Walk in place while watching Oprah. Whatever. By the time you are getting ready to face your old friends you'll be happy you got off your couch.

3. Get some rest.

The self tanner isn't magic, although it's close. Sleep is vital to looking and feeling your best. Everyone requires a different amount but more is always better. Turn off Letterman and go to bed!

4. Get some good PR.

No, I don't mean an outside hire. Do your own public relating. If you're dreading the inevitable "So what do you do?" question, all you need is the right spin. Been waiting tables at a diner for a decade? You're in the restaurant business. Turn Denny's into Denoisse or some other pretentious French name. Been in jail? You're making a documentary on the corruptions within the Federal Prison System. You were getting some REALLY great first hand footage. That's all it takes- a spin. Take your boring job and make it seem like you're big time. People will mostly just be judging you on how you look anyway.

5. Get Dressed.

Romy and Michele might have been dimwits but they knew how to make an appearance. Show up in a brand new outfit, one that makes people think you're loaded. Less flashy, more smart. Black is always good. Just don't go anywhere near your dog or cat before you leave. Animal hair is always a bad look. Unless you're an animal.

Once you've prepped yourself, the actual day of the reunion should be a breeze. You know you look and feel your best. Which is still 1000 times better than the head cheerleader who has since morphed into a slightly more feminine version of John Goodman.