A few months ago, I stumbled upon a story on Reddit about a most outrageous example of improper dressing. A woman who showed up for an interview in a bikini. On top of that, she couldn’t show any professionalism and kept doing other business during the interview.
I understand the world is changing, and as we embrace casual wear, we also embrace the personal expression that comes with it. But where do we draw the line? Is it okay to show up for an online interview in a bathrobe? Are we slowly losing the art of dressing by wearing sweatpants and a tank top to restaurants?
The once familiar sight of people wearing formal attire even on the streets is becoming increasingly rare. Understandably, the world is moving toward comfort and convenience, but there are compelling reasons to encourage the elegance of well-chosen attire among men and women.
The benefits of dressing up
Boost self-confidence
Dressing up is not just about aesthetics. It goes beyond the surface and can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Whatever you think about formal attire, you probably agree that people in such attire seem sharper and self-assured.
I believe that’s why salespeople embrace the art of dressing up. You look sharp, and it not only boosts your confidence but also the respect of people around you.
Professional image
It’s almost been two years since the “end” of the COVID pandemic. Still, companies are struggling with the work-from-home transition, and casual attire has become the norm. There is nothing wrong with letting people be more comfortable in the workplace. However, there’s a place for formal attire in professional settings.
It helps a person convey competence, dedication, and attention to detail.
Leaving a good impression
If you show professionalism, you’ll leave a great impression on anyone you meet. But this goes beyond your workplace. You can adopt dressing up for social settings and informal invitations. Instead of wearing shorts and jandals to a dinner invitation, why not something formal or at least presentable? The same goes for weddings, graduation parties, family gatherings, or even a trip to visit your siblings or grandparents.
Understandably, most of us are afraid of overdressing for informal events. But if you dress well for them, the hosts will feel you take their event or establishment seriously.
Fun
Take a picture from the 1900s; you’ll notice suits and maybe a bowler hat, which are fun. And who said you can’t relax with your suit or formal dress?
One of my favorite fictional characters in the series White Collar, Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer), embodies the elegance of dressing up. He looks fabulous.
Even if you are going for an informal party, you can find creative ways to make your formal attire a bit outgoing. Or find an attire that makes you look sharp without necessarily making you look like a snob — if that’s what you’re afraid of.
Striking a balance between casual and formal wear
Encouraging formal attire doesn’t mean abandoning the comfort of casual wear. For example, you would look comical and out of place wearing a tuxedo to a beach party or wedding. But a casual suit in a light color and summer fabric like linen may do the trick.
Wear casual clothes at appropriate times, but dress up for special occasions to create a sense of importance around such events.
The renaissance of dressing up
Historian and dressmaker Linda Przybyszewski is one of the determined voices looking to revive the lost art of dressing. Her book The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish explores how women once knew how to look stylish with the bit of money they had. She also laments how going for cheap garments has contributed to the harmful fast fashion.
In an interview with IndyStar, she clarifies that you can nail the elegance of dressing even if you don’t have much.
“Americans latched onto this idea of endless variety that has to be cheap. Most women in earlier decades had far fewer items that they wore more often and paid more for them. You might only own three dresses, but you’d ensure they were perfect for you. Today, everything is cheap, but everything is cheap.”
Of course, everyone has their own opinion about dressing up, and not everyone cares about clothes. However, it’s not necessarily about dressing formally, but appropriately for the people you are with. Yes, you should be comfortable in your attire, but understand the setting to avoid making others uncomfortable.
There’s power in a good outfit.
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