Is the world under dressed or am I just an old fart?

[1990C4S]

GM has it right. "Dress appropriately". That is their policy now. Figure out, you have a job and are supposed to be an adult.

[speeder]

Dress varies by location and culture. It's always been that way. Norms change but not that much, really. It's all about dressing for the norm, wherever you might be. Most of the USA is very hot in the summer and people wear shorts and light clothing as much as possible.

Some people are just slobs and cannot look presentable no matter what. Someone can look very presentable in shorts and a golf shirt if their clothes are clean and they practice good personal hygiene. Here in Los Angeles, I can go almost anywhere dressed this way. In Malibu, even at Nobu, it's unlikely to see anyone wearing a suit, ever.

Growing up, my dad wore a nice suit and tie everyday to work. He was a lawyer and it was the norm in his professional world. He was always well dressed even when not working, quality shirts and sweaters, nice shoes, etc. I try to be presentable even in my extremely informal world, which means looking in a mirror before leaving home and wearing clean shirts and shorts or jeans. One thing I've unfortunately had to come to grips with is that what you can get away with @ 25 or 30, (anything), can look pathetic on an older guy. That worn out t-shirt and ball cap that was ok then makes you look homeless in your 50s.

It's obvious by looking around that some people just throw in the towel on their looks in middle age, (if they ever cared), but anyone can look presentable for others. Not talking about extreme vanity, (which makes people look like a fool, IMO), just clean clothes and hygiene, etc.

[rockfan4]

Originally Posted by Zeke

@rockfan4 the "no bare legs" seems a bit strict. Women have not worn hosiery for years. Even somewhat 'dressed up'.

The dress code I brought up was dated over 10 years ago, and was probably copied from somewhere else with no changes. I've been waiting for it to change so I can start wearing flannel again like I did in the 90's, hanging out listening to grunge. There seems to be a lot of detail in it about what women can't wear. I envision nuns checking the length of skirts at the door.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Right on right on!

That's why the gold diggers in Malibu didn't give us a second glance.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I haven't made it, but still don't care about impressing anybody! If I can't wear shorts or jeans to dinner I'm not going. The only exception is for business.

I agree. My dress code is t-shirt and shorts all the time in summer. If we are going to eat at a nice restaurant and meeting another couple, I will put on a Polo shirt with Gasp, a BUTTON and call that dress up. When the weather gets cold, I break out the jeans. Still in short sleeved t-shirts unless it is really cold.

I have not had on a tie since my dad's funeral. I plan to never wear a tie ever again.

For me dressed up is a pair of Dockers, and a real shirt with buttons all the way from top to bottom in the front. Still short sleeves. And brown shoes that are not walking shoes.
I only have one formal long sleeved shirt. I got married in it. I doubt it fits. I don't care.

[legion]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

I was in Mexico City in May for a few days and was very struck by how many of the people were dressed to the nines. Very impressed.

When I lived in Atlanta I was struck by how well dressed kids were in general there. I'd see girls wearing nice dresses (in the Midwest, you hardly ever see dresses anymore). Boys wearing button-down shirts and slacks. I also saw far more adults in nice suits.

[looneybin]

I've heard 2 different schools of thought on this
1) dress for the job you want, not the job you have

and

2) dress to the level of your client - ie: if you are meeting with a farmer, then jeans are acceptable. if meeting with an attorney or other professional, coat and slacks

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

That's why the gold diggers in Malibu didn't give us a second glance.

LOL! Exactly!

[Rick Lee]

I can't disagree.

[Racerbvd]

[tabs]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

It's the way of the world now... slovenliness...


When I started my accounting career years ago it was always tie and sportcoat, nice slacks and good shoes.


Today, I sit in my office with a black tee shirt and shorts, with hiking shoes or sandals...


There's a person that works here, a millennial, that dresses so poorly it's disgusting. Plus tattoos everywhere. She presents a terrible picture.


I'm the only normal one.

You mean a real Skank...can you introduce her to me..

[Rick Lee]

The last time I wore a tie was for the interview for my current job, which was via Skype with webcam on. Of course, I was wearing no pants or shoes, but I looked nice on the webcam. That was 18 months ago. We are not allowed to wear ties at trade shows. It's actually a policy. So I'll probably only ever wear a tie again for weddings and funerals.

[tabs]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I agree. My dress code is t-shirt and shorts all the time in summer. If we are going to eat at a nice restaurant and meeting another couple, I will put on a Polo shirt with Gasp, a BUTTON and call that dress up. When the weather gets cold, I break out the jeans. Still in short sleeved t-shirts unless it is really cold.

I have not had on a tie since my dad's funeral. I plan to never wear a tie ever again.

For me dressed up is a pair of Dockers, and a real shirt with buttons all the way from top to bottom in the front. Still short sleeves. And brown shoes that are not walking shoes.
I only have one formal long sleeved shirt. I got married in it. I doubt it fits. I don't care.

You wear Dockers...man how Gauche...at least put on a pair of Dragin azz blues...

I think a nice pair of lite weight wool Zanella's would be more like it...

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Tie, hell, I don't even wear underwear anymore.

TMI! TMI!

I like to dress up... unfortunately I'm a sweaty guy and most of the time it is just too darn hot in SoCal to wear a jacket and tie.

Funny, in the shop this morning we were talking about people wearing pajamas in public (adults)... maybe okay if you are a hot chick... come to think of it hot chicks get a pass on spandex an yoga pants in public too.

THAT's IT! It is all a the hot chicks fault!!!

"In the future all restaurants will be taco bell"

[tabs]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Tie, hell, I don't even wear underwear anymore.

So now we know that the Brown stripe on the back of your pants is from Skid marks on the inside....

[wdfifteen]

There is difference between dressing casually and being slovenly. A guy wearing a dirty seed corn cap and a wife beater in a restaurant is just a slob.
A local, nationally known local steak house used to keep ties on hand if a “gentleman” showed up without a tie. Now the draw the line at shorts and/or tee shirts
I like dressing up and going out with MrsWD, but I have a trophy wife who makes it worth it

It’s not just dress, there has been a decline in general decorum. Look at what comes out of the mouths of our politicians.

[legion]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

So I'll probably only ever wear a tie again for weddings and funerals.

I have never been required to wear a suit for any job I've ever had. I've only ever worn suits for weddings, funerals, and court dates.

[Baz]

Things seemed to start going down hill when hats went out of style for men.

My father - rocking it - at 39. Freshly retired from a 20 year stint with the Navy.

[Seahawk]

Great thread.

I will never wear a tie again, not my deal. Years of Catholic School created a spontaneous outpouring of sweat every time I get near a tie. I dress well, no tie.

If a tie is a deal breaker on my companies ability to produce composite designs, parts and assemblies perfectly at very reasonable prices, I don't need your business because you are an idiot.

No one we deal with, even in the government, wears ties. We had a Kick-off meeting with a government customer this morning and there wasn't a tie in sight.

We are neat and tidy, buttoned up to the second row.

Personal life? Jeans, shorts, polos, and the boats.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by looneybin

I've heard 2 different schools of thought on this
1) dress for the job you want, not the job you have

and

2) dress to the level of your client - ie: if you are meeting with a farmer, then jeans are acceptable. if meeting with an attorney or other professional, coat and slacks

somewhere there is a cartoon of a kid flipping burgers in a spacesuit .