I think you’re right, Kalhoun. If dressing appropriately isn’t a priority, then getting the proper clothes isn’t either.
I’m going to echo that (I’m a student, with all the financial limitations that carries), really. Maybe it’s just Berkeley, but I can go to a vintage clothing store and buy a decently-fitting black suit for about fifty bucks, if I need to. It might not be the most fashionable thing on the block, but it’ll be in good shape and it’ll be black, and even on my $250/month-after-rent-and-utilities-but-before-food, $50 is an acceptable sort of expense to show the right respect. If money is particularly tight, you can bring it back afterwards and sell it back for around $25-30.
Some events have to be treated with a certain gravity, I think.
On the other hand, the new, relaxed rules seem to be pretty much American Standard now, even for the supposed old-guard. If it’s good enough for the VP of the United States…
Wow, MrJackboots, now that is inappropriate. “Yeah, after we finish this here memorial service, I’m gonna go ski-dooing.”