>>Of course, for some of those folks, maybe Browns jackets and Levis _are_ dressed up
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>>I resemble that remark!!!
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>>From 1988 to 1997, I had to wear a suit almost every work day until 1997. And hated every second of it.
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>>Since 1997, I have worn a tie and a suit about 10 times - and 3 were for weddings. My sister in law got married last August on a very hot day, in a church with only electric fans. Had I been any more uncomfortable, I'd be reversing my position on the death penalty, because I was ready to strangle my wife's entire family for making me wear a suit.
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>>I believe in dressing comfortably. I believe that Nautica and Timberland clothes are comfortable and all others itch like crazy. I believe in the notion that clothes should be soaked in ten tons of fabric softener before worn. I believe it is possibly to make street clothes "stylish". :)
>
>But Nautica and Timberland aren't jeans and a team jacket. As I said elsewhere in the thread, I rarely put on a skirt, but nice slacks and top can be comfortable and still dressy.
>
>Tamar

Any style of clothes can be comfortable, properly fitted and cut. But they also serve the purpose of sending a signal to the outside world. If I'm going into a client environment where everyone is in 3 piece suits, am I trying to say "I'm one of you, I understand your worldview and your issues (and I get paid like you). " or do I want to say " I am different from you." (same is true if I'm going into a blue jean and t shirt shop ) I'm there because I understand something they don't but I also want to communicate that I can bridge the distance between their world and mine - that also gives me control of that bridge - i.e. rather than client telling me what the solution is because they don't think I really understand their issues.

Sometimes, even with a client, you may want to send the message that you are different. in the 90s if you were 20 and said to be a computer whiz the suits expected youth and t shirts. If I'm 20 years older than my clients and want to convey wisdom, play up the grey beard, and justify the Big Hourly Rate I may want to do a cashmere jacket even if they are business casual.

I figure it's a costume. Cover. Legend.

I adjust my language and speaking style the same way.