Max isn't terribly excited about her own outfit (http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=37708610) either - it had sounded like a better idea in theory than it was in practice. But she doesn't show any outward signs of discomfort, just plays it cool for the crowd (and for Alec, who she's sure would give her grief the second she complained about the costume).

"Because everyone else is," she replies after signaling for the bartender. "I figured going would be a good way to make some connections." For jobs or to see who in the city is shady and rich enough to steal from, which goes unsaid for obvious reasons.

The bartender arrives and she places her order, quickly receiving a glass of wine which she lifts towards Alec in a mock-toast. "Besides, the food and booze are free."