[Baz]

This debate over whether or not wearing flip flops makes one look like a slob is missing an important component.

That component is......not everyone can (nor should try to) pull it off.

Same thing with coat and tie, etc.

Some folks can pull it off and others can't.

It's not a black and white issue.

Factors that come into play are your physical features...especially including how nice your feet, ankles, and where appropriate (shorts) legs look. This includes tan lines too....or lack of a tan.

Take the same set of clothing on one person and put it on another and sometimes it just isn't happening.

Bottom line to me is not what someone wears on their feet - but how they look as a whole. Is their MOJO working or not?

A sport coat, tie, and dress shoes are not automatically going to provide a good impression, IMHO. It takes more than that and some guys just don't have it. Same as with shorts and/or flip flops.