Killarney and 33 -- no real internet, but there were Bulletin boards-- the late 80s equivalent of Greek chat.
As a single girl in the big city, that's pretty much what you see out and about here too. Unless it super super hot out (or I'm on vacation, no rules apply then
lol) my rule of thumb is--if top is backless, then skirt will be longer than mini, or better yet, wear pants.
if skirt is miniscule, that top sure as hell will cover my midriff, nothing looks tackier to me than a shrunken shirt and shrunken bottom.
Backless or low cut doesn't have to look slutty if you accessorize it right.
And I don't remember purses being a no-no in college--but I never carried one, either.
Amy