# Is it bad to overdress? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 10, 2024, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049 "2024-09-10T10:16:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/1 "2024-09-10T10:16:45Z")
I’m currently working in a job training/placement program for young people with special needs (autism, for example). The other staff members dress reasonably casually, as do other staff in the building housing the program. Nor do many of the people who come in for training seminars and purchase items from our student-run cafe. I like to wear ties, and still have a bunch since high school (granted, the styles of ties likely have changed since then). Last year I wore them in the HS where I worked and it fit with other male staff. Putting aside the safety issues of wearing a tie where I work (which is much less now), So should I tone it down this year? Will I be looked at as if I’m overdressing or weird? ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/2 "2024-09-10T10:41:39Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I like to wear ties I do not understand this sentence. But seriously, go for it. As one who loathes getting dressed up, a part of me is envious of those who make the effort. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/3 "2024-09-10T10:57:34Z")
I’ll admit it’s partly a self-esteem/ego boost. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 11:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/4 "2024-09-10T11:17:07Z")
There was a period of my life when I worked for a guy who was a bit strange. I chose to wear ties for some reason, and I owned hundreds. After a month or two of me wearing ties, the guy I worked for also began wearing them, which kind of weirded me out. Everyone found it hilarious that I influenced the dude. After a year or so of both of us wearing ties each day, I abruptly stopped. He continued. Everyone laughed. If I’d continued working for him my plan was to begin wearing hats. Five or so years ago every time I owned went to GoodWill along with the two suits I owned. I no longer have the option to wear a suit/tie. ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/5 "2024-09-10T11:23:06Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’ll admit it’s partly a self-esteem/ego boost. And that’s a very valid reason for dressing as you choose - I do the same sometimes if I feel I need a confidence boost (not ties, I’m a girl, but a smart jacket and sharp shoes!). Wearing a tie doesn’t feel like overdressing to me, unless you’re pairing it with a grey pinstripe suit. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/6 "2024-09-10T11:37:36Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > sharp shoes! Be careful putting those on! And I’ve always found it mildly frustrating that guys aren’t offered suits in a wider range of colors. A friend wore a bright plum-colored suit to his HS graduation. I always coveted it. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/7 "2024-09-10T11:37:43Z")
I’ve been told by people who have worn ties (and suits) to work that it makes them feel like they are at work and that it sets them in work mode. So yeah, its a self motovation thing for the people I knew. Myself, I haven’t worn a tie to work since the late 80’s and don’t miss the damn things a bit. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/8 "2024-09-10T11:44:52Z")
Right— since when is wearing a tie “overdressing”? It’s not like there is a list of casual vs non-casual accessories. If you are going to wear a suit, though, wear a nice suit. Never wear a shabby suit. (Or maybe you can pull that off, who knows?) People will probably notice you wearing a suit, but may just ascribe it to being European… > [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > And I’ve always found it mildly frustrating that guys aren’t offered suits in a wider range of colors. I’m sure they are, but _that_ is considered super casual: [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/HawaiianLeisureSuit.jpg/340px-HawaiianLeisureSuit.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/HawaiianLeisureSuit.jpg/340px-HawaiianLeisureSuit.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/9 "2024-09-10T13:04:02Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > And I’ve always found it mildly frustrating that guys aren’t offered suits in a wider range of colors. Move to Europe! Sure, you still get your bankers in their dark greys and blues, but it’s not unusual to be walking down the street in Paris or Milan or Lisbon and see a nattily-dressed fellow in a colorful combo — a suit of olive, or powder blue, or pumpkin, or mustard, or even pink. If I still wore suits, I’d sign up in a heartbeat. Because when I moved here, I tossed my boring old American slacks and cargo shorts and replaced them with a rainbow of hues. On the rare occasions I go back to visit the States, I definitely get double-takes for my look — say, white linen pants, salmon-colored shirt, flowered socks. It’s a different world here. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/10 "2024-09-10T13:46:14Z")
I did have a dark green suit at one point. I wonder if I still do and if it would still fit…. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/11 "2024-09-10T14:41:39Z")
I have always learned that if you have no clue what to wear, dress like your manager(s). ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/12 "2024-09-10T15:40:48Z")
Sounds as though wearing a tie wouldn’t be bizarrely out of place (I wouldn’t expect to see one on an arborist or auto mechanic) and I’d think it could actually add a little additional air of professionalism based on your job description. I say go for it. I don’t know that I’d pair it with a whole suit since that likely _would_ seem like overdoing things but I think a tie would be fine and make you happy. I’m personally at home in a suit and tie and hold the opinion that a properly fitted and worn suit & tie shouldn’t be feeling restrictive or uncomfortable. But I work from home these days and have little reason to get that formal anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/13 "2024-09-10T16:00:27Z")
Every girl crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/14 "2024-09-10T16:04:07Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > Sounds as though wearing a tie wouldn’t be bizarrely out of place (I wouldn’t expect to see one on an arborist or auto mechanic) [![](https://i.imgur.com/c3nuuQ9.jpeg) ](https://i.imgur.com/c3nuuQ9.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/15 "2024-09-10T16:04:55Z")
I think it’s pretty cool, especially where you’re at - if you are client-facing at all, it shows THEM respect too. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/16 "2024-09-10T16:06:22Z")
I wouldn’t expect to see one because I’m not time traveling back to 1941 😉 ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/17 "2024-09-10T16:08:00Z")
> [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > I’ll admit it’s partly a self-esteem/ego boost. Let it be your trademark! To my mind, wearing a tuxedo would be overdressed. Not a tie. It’s your flair! ---
**Author:** ![Bumbazine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bumbazine/32/362_2.png) [@Bumbazine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bumbazine)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/18 "2024-09-10T16:57:43Z")
I always hated having to wear ties when I worked for a living, but I did keep some of my favorites, for…reasons. They’re around here somewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/19 "2024-09-10T17:01:34Z")
Tie, long-sleeve shirt, business slacks? It’s a step above business casual and a good look. Out of curiosity, what tie knot do you use because a bad one _cough_ half-windsor _cough_ can ruin the look. ---
**Author:** ![mbh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@mbh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mbh)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049/20 "2024-09-10T17:18:43Z")
The knot depends on the tie. Narrow tie: windsor knot Wide tie: four-in-hand knot Tie made of thin, lightweight cloth: windsor knot Tie made of thick, heavy cloth: four-in-hand knot For a tie of medium width or weight, a half-windsor might be perfect. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-bad-to-overdress/1007049.md?page=2)