>>How's that any different from my putting on a skirt or dress to go to synagogue, or changing out of my sneakers to go to the theater?
>
>Then it's just me. I have this strong bad feeling when I'm pretending to be what I'm not, and in my case it also includes wearing any sort of uniform (be it postal, military, or suit & tie).
>

>Besides, there's a difference between changing clothes voluntarily (I presume religion qualifies as such) and under pressure (of law, or money).

I see it more as knowing appropriate behavior. Just as we teach kids to use "inside voices" indoors, but that shouting is okay outside, I've learned (and taught my kids) that different clothing is appropriate at different times and places. What I wear on a day I'm just hanging out is different from what I wear to work. What I wear to dinner at a friends is different than what I wear to the orchestra.

I see dressing appropriately as a matter of common courtesy. In fact, it drives me nuts when I dress up to go out for a special meal at a nice restaurant and people come in in t-shirts and jeans. Wear the right clothes for the occasion.

Tamar