Fascinating article. Thanks for the link. Confirms the downton Abbey info about them being denied to unmarried women. I love the note about the invitations saying, in the ‘20s, “Tiaras will be worn”. This reminds me of Sorority “Rush” in the ‘50s when our invites contained certain code words, like “wool dress and heels” so that no rushee was embarrassed by turning up in the wrong attire. “Suits” meant that hat and gloves were to be worn and that the outfit would be 2 piece. Heaven help the poor girl who showed up in a dress at a “suit” affair. And NONE of the pre-pledge parties permitted pants of any sort.
I remember pushing the envelope a little because my “suit” was a short, rib-length, tailored jacket over a slim jumper. But, I got away with it.
I always find the details of social customs to be interesting.