I'm thinking either A) the special only covered purple nail polish, or B) grads didn't realize they make clear nail polish. I realize there are options C and D and probably many more out there, but I shudder to think of what they might be.

I don't think wearing shoes to Autorama will be enough to negate the Estrogen factor of purple nail polish. Perhaps wearing steel toed work boots with no socks might help offset the damage done. Do a lot of walking in them and remember, no crying or whining or you're right back in no man card vil.