I don't know if it was because I went to college in Arizona where it can still feel like 112 degrees at 10pm, but we always dressed skimpy and sexy for parties/bars/clubs. Even the guys dressed up for parties. I had a billion pairs of black pants, strappy heels, and shiny tank tops. I think it made it fun, getting all dressed up to go out. But I do think it varies from school to school because I went to a fraternity party in my hometown and I was way overdressed. Everyone at the party was in jeans, sweatshirts, t-shirts.
As for the purse...I managed for quite a while to somehow fit my key, id, cash, lipstick, etc in my bra when I went out....Then I started carrying a cell phone and had to get some little 'going out bags'.
