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

[onewhippedpuppy]

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

Having spent a lot of my life as a blue collar man, if you show up to meet with a farmer dressed in a suit, odds are that won't put you in his best graces.

[fast_e_man]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Having spent a lot of my life as a blue collar man, if you show up to meet with a farmer dressed in a suit, odds are that won't put you in his best graces.

This is true, as is the converse. Especially with international business it's really important to know the culture of your customers and clients. Typically, dressing at least as well as your hosts or guests when meeting with international business partners/customers is well-received and taken as a sign of respect. Being well dressed shows that you respect their time and place value on the meeting. I've specifically been approached by the ranking host if I am the best dressed member of the travel team, and I've met/exceeded expectations and the one-on-one dialog typically follows.

When we have milestone reviews with USGov customers, on the day we are "on stage" I always want my team in a coat and tie - not needed if just in the audience. Ranking customer representatives typically dress the same way. More often than not, the formal meeting minutes will include phases e.g. Well prepared, very professional, etc. I personally believe that additional effort shows your team pays attention to detail, and it's appreciated.

I realize my perspective is in the minority of thread respondents.

[targa911S]

when I was at the newspaper I had 5 suits. every year I would replace the oldest one. Wore a sit and tie every day for 30 years. Sometimes I kind of miss it. While at the paper they started a " casual " day where you HAD to wear Dockers and a company golf shirt that you had to buy. Now I hate dockers and golf shirts and protested that it wasn't casual day it was uniform day. They said then don't participate. So from that day on every "uniform day" I wore a black suit, black tie, black shirt and a pair of red cowboy boots.

[Jims5543]

In the mid 90's my boss sent me to a fancy steakhouse as a bonus. He warned me the dress code was strict and to wear a jacket and tie. I did and I was glad I did, the place was over the top nice, we were the youngest people in the place, I was in my mid 20's at the time.

The typical diners all looked to be in their 50's and 60's. I have been there about 6x over the years since and noticed a decline.

Fast forward to last year, we took my parents there for their anniversary. We were all in suits, my sons were in button up shirts, no ties and jackets. I wore a jacket and no tie as well. The women were in dresses.

We waited too long (3 weeks out) to get a reservation and we could only get a table at 8:30 PM. I was appalled by the scene in the dining room. Girls in jeans and flannel shirts guys in t-shirts. They were loud and obnoxious. there was even an incident where 2 drunken girls screaming woo! broke their wine glasses banging them together too hard.

My waitress did apologize and I can only guess these were the brats of some well healed regular who used daddies name to get in there or they were themselves over the top wealthy and have no consideration for anyone around them.

I hope this is a one off bad night. If this happens next time I go there to celebrate I will not go there anymore.

I just looked on the website and there is still a dress code which was obviously not enforced that night.

The appropriate attire at either Bern's Steak House or Haven is business casual to semi-formal. We ask that no t-shirts, tennis shoes, flip-flops, shorts, or blue jeans be worn. If any of these items are worn to Bern's, you may be seated in our lounge area instead of one of the dining rooms.

Jackets and ties are encouraged, but not officially required. It is quite common to see formal wear in our restaurants since we are fortunate to be visited often for special occasion meals.

[scottmandue]

Four pages and no one has posted pictures from one of those freakish fashion shows?

I remember my mom putting on a nice dress and doing up her hair/makeup.... to go to the bank just to go to a teller window and deposit/withdraw money.

My friend applied for a high end IT job, he put on his nice 'interview' suit. VP walked into the room wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and flip flops... took one look at him and said "I can't hire you"

[pksystems]

I still see some people dressed nice. Right next to the clown we call our PM.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Really? I go to nice restaurants to enjoy good food and the company I'm with, in an elegant or festive environment. I'm sorry to hear you go to nice restaurants as a way of elevating yourself above the working classes.

Thankfully, I'm retired at 57 and can eat at any restaurant I want, as often as required, and I have ZERO need to impress anybody with fashion. It's a good place to be.

I saw Michael Eisner at Nobu in Malibu a few years ago. He's worth $1.1BB (Former CEO of Disney). He was wearing cheap flip flops with torn jeans and a worn out Rolling Stones concert tee shirt. That's when you know you've made it and no longer need to impress anybody.

Well, I'm not impressing anyone but my wife. I use rather formal manners eating, even at home. No elbows on the table here. It's all respect. If those around you don't deserve it, then at least be proud of yourself and your upbringing. You know, if the wait staff is in a bow tie, why the hell would you present yourself in flip flops?

Originally Posted by 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.

I think there's some truth in that for sure. I will hardly wear a t-shirt even when working remodeling. All my shirts are cotton or cotton blend polos. At home I don't wear a shirt at all if it's over 75º. Don't own any flip flops and frankly I have no need or desire to see anyone's feet.

[David]

Sounds like I need to just get over it.

I dress in jeans and a golf shirt at work so I only dress up for a nice dinner or the opera (wife drags me to them but I do like the occasional musical).

When we travel we make a point of going to a Michelin star restaurant and I’m often surprised at what our fellow diners are wearing. A couple years ago we were at one in Florence when this group of guys in jeans sat down next to us. After a minute they were escorted away. At first I thought maybe it was because they were underdressed. Then several minutes later they came back to the table with the chef, the manager, and the maitre d. Apparently I don’t know my soccer players. All evening people were coming over to say hi. The player closest to my wife leaned over after a while and politely apologized to us.

[PorscheGAL]

In general, I think you should dress to the situation. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen. In the south, in the summer, I think it would be hard to wear a suit and tie because of the heat. That being said, I do think some have become a little complacent in their appearance. I am amazed when I stay in a hotel and see people come down to breakfast still in their PJs.

I have seen the same situation at Michelin Stars but that has been rare.

All that being said, I think a man in a well fitting suit is wonderful. I love seeing my husband dress up. If I could only get him in a 3-piece..

[cantdrv55]

Where the heck do you guys work? Suit and tie are required everyday for me.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by PorscheGAL

All that being said, I think a man in a well fitting suit is wonderful. I love seeing my husband dress up. If I could only get him in a 3-piece..

[PorscheGAL]

As talented as Travolta is: I was thinking more James Bond (Sean Connery)

[cabmandone]

I attended a Catholic school. We had to wear a tie. Once I got out into the "real world" I only wore a tie for weddings, funerals, and when I felt like part of my job as a Realtor (at the time) required it.

[Craig T]

I wore a suit and tie everyday from 1987 until 2013 when ties went out of fashion, even on planes because I was usually getting straight off a plane and into a meeting. I don't miss it one little bit.

This is the last time I put on a tie, three years ago now...And ONLY because my daughter asked me to.

[HardDrive]

I work for a big bank. One might even say the biggest. Dress code is very much dependent of function, but jeans are accepted every where. I believe collared shirts are required, but this is ignored by some. If I know I am going to be in meetings, either in person or virtual, I will certainly be wearing a collared shirt. I wear running shoes everyday....unless there is a director from NY lurking about

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I work for a big bank. One might even say the biggest. Dress code is very much dependent of function, but jeans are accepted every where. I believe collared shirts are required, but this is ignored by some. If I know I am going to be in meetings, either in person or virtual, I will certainly be wearing a collared shirt. I wear running shoes everyday....unless there is a director from NY lurking about

I’m an attorney and I represent banks. One might even say the biggest. Not wearing a tie to court or most other times is not an option. When my bank reps show up at court without a tie it really pisses me off. Mostly I’m jealous .

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

I work for a big bank. One might even say the biggest. Dress code is very much dependent of function, but jeans are accepted every where. I believe collared shirts are required, but this is ignored by some. If I know I am going to be in meetings, either in person or virtual, I will certainly be wearing a collared shirt. I wear running shoes everyday....unless there is a director from NY lurking about

Are you sure you don't really work at a golf course?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by peteremsley

Lovely. My father shortly after he came out of the RAF... Likely a similar year to your pic Baz. No hat, but still stylin':

Thanks, Peter - great pic of your Dad there....looking quite dapper and obviously a snappy dresser!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Craig T

I wore a suit and tie everyday from 1987 until 2013 when ties went out of fashion, even on planes because I was usually getting straight off a plane and into a meeting. I don't miss it one little bit.

This is the last time I put on a tie, three years ago now...And ONLY because my daughter asked me to.

Beautiful pic, Craig! Especially the young lady and Avo trees! Not sure about the old guy though!

Just kidding - you look very dapper!

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by Craig T

This is the last time I put on a tie, three years ago now...And ONLY because my daughter asked me to.

and your grand daughter in the pic with you appreciated it.