# The main factors in why people dress down much more today compared to previous generations? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 11, 2012, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447 "2012-10-11T19:10:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![GQELITE33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@GQELITE33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GQELITE33)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/161 "2012-10-12T20:05:18Z")
Same thing as walking into a dive bar where the clientle can’t afford rent, and you got a guy dressed really nice throwing his money around like its water in their face and buying them a drink when they can’t even afford to buy you one. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/162 "2012-10-12T20:06:12Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > Also… > > Do you ever see celebrities on the red carpet wearing t-shirts and jeans? That answers my question. There is a sense of style that is involved in people who have a fashion sense. IF t-shirts and jeans were acceptable, designers would be having people on the red carpet dress in sweats and gym shoes. I don’t mind wearing a suit if I’m nominated for a Nobel Price or an Emmy. I don’t see the need when going out to dinner or to a PTA meeting. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/163 "2012-10-12T20:06:12Z")
Geez, carrying a huge chip on your shoulder _really_ ruins the line of your suit. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/164 "2012-10-12T20:07:30Z")
I just went through GQ’s style guide for October: > **[GQ Selects: October](https://www.gq.com/gallery/nordstrom-gq-selects-october-2012-issue)** > > We pick. You shop. Editor selections from our October issue available through our online retailer, Nordstrom Look - JEANS! They also have a nice pair of Purcell tennis shoes as well. Hmmm - funny, even GQ sees the value in a nice set of casual clothes. I work in tech, but in a customer facing role. So I have suits (no ties worn though) that I toss on for when I am speaking at events (which is about every other week). I also have sport coats that go with either dress pants or jeans. My shoes are all over the place, but are nice leather. In the office? Jeans and a dress shirt. On the plane? Jeans and yet another tech t-shirt At a conference? Suit or Slacks plus jacket, dump the pants for jeans in the evenings typically. At home? Shorts and a t-shirt (which is what I have on right now). Steak joint? Jeans, nice shirt, jacket (sometimes a high-end t-shirt under the jacket, Left Coast style). If I go full suit and add a tie, I am either speaking at a Finance conference or meeting with Investment Banking firm about whether we want to do the paperwork for an IPO yet. That or a nice wedding or funeral. I do own a nice tailored tux I admit, but I wear a Jerry Garcia vest with it. ---
**Author:** ![GQELITE33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@GQELITE33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GQELITE33)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/165 "2012-10-12T20:07:34Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I don’t mind wearing a suit if I’m nominated for a Nobel Price or an Emmy. I don’t see the need when going out to dinner or to a PTA meeting. Did you read my post a while back where I said to dress nice, does not require a suit all the time? You can put on a nice shirt and slacks and look great. Even a nice pair of jeans with a nice shirt looks good. I like leather blazers to go with that combination btw. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/166 "2012-10-12T20:08:49Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > Same thing as walking into a dive bar where the clientle can’t afford rent, and you got a guy dressed really nice throwing his money around like its water in their face and buying them a drink when they can’t even afford to buy you one. Funny, never been thrown out of a dive bar for buying a round. Then again, I didn’t start judging everyone when I walked in based on how they were dressed. ---
**Author:** ![GQELITE33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@GQELITE33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GQELITE33)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/167 "2012-10-12T20:08:49Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > I just went through GQ’s style guide for October: > > [http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201209/nordstrom-gq-selects-october-2012-issue#slide=5](http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201209/nordstrom-gq-selects-october-2012-issue#slide=5) > > Look - JEANS! They also have a nice pair of Purcell tennis shoes as well. > > Hmmm - funny, even GQ sees the value in a nice set of casual clothes. > > I work in tech, but in a customer facing role. So I have suits (no ties worn though) that I toss on for when I am speaking at events (which is about every other week). I also have sport coats that go with either dress pants or jeans. My shoes are all over the place, but are nice leather. > > In the office? Jeans and a dress shirt. > On the plane? Jeans and yet another tech t-shirt > At a conference? Suit or Slacks plus jacket, dump the pants for jeans in the evenings typically. > At home? Shorts and a t-shirt (which is what I have on right now). > Steak joint? Jeans, nice shirt, jacket (sometimes a high-end t-shirt under the jacket, Left Coast style). > > If I go full suit and add a tie, I am either speaking at a Finance conference or meeting with Investment Banking firm about whether we want to do the paperwork for an IPO yet. That or a nice wedding or funeral. I do own a nice tailored tux I admit, but I wear a Jerry Garcia vest with it. Sounds like you are fine and have good taste. ---
**Author:** ![GQELITE33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@GQELITE33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GQELITE33)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/168 "2012-10-12T20:10:21Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > Funny, never been thrown out of a dive bar for buying a round. Then again, I didn’t start judging everyone when I walked in based on how they were dressed. What I am saying is that there are certain places where people get offended if you are spending too much money and making it look like you are throwing that in their face. I remember one time I was in a little place and the bartender told me “Can you tone it down a little bit? Our customers don’t have a lot of money and you are making them feel uncomfortable buying them round after round.” This was after I bought the 4 people total in the place 3 beers. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/169 "2012-10-12T20:10:32Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > Sounds like you are fine and have good taste. Congrats, Algher. You passed. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/170 "2012-10-12T20:11:47Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > Congrats, Algher. You passed. Then why does it feel so … dirty? ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/171 "2012-10-12T20:12:45Z")
Did you shower this morning? ---
**Author:** ![GQELITE33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@GQELITE33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GQELITE33)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/172 "2012-10-12T20:13:40Z")
Nice jeans with a jacket and a high end t-shirt or dress shirt is fine. I prefer the tight V Neck dress t-shirts. Black is a great color.] Also dress it up a little bit with a gold or silver necklace for men. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/173 "2012-10-12T20:18:26Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > Nice jeans with a jacket and a high end t-shirt or dress shirt is fine. I prefer the tight V Neck dress t-shirts. Black is a great color.] > > Also dress it up a little bit with a gold or silver necklace for men. Now you have GOT to be kidding. A necklace? What is this, Jersey Shore? ---
**Author:** ![GQELITE33](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/71e660/32.png) [@GQELITE33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GQELITE33)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/174 "2012-10-12T20:19:17Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > Now you have GOT to be kidding. A necklace? What is this, Jersey Shore? lol If you can pull it off why not? HAHA ---
**Author:** ![Lemur866](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lemur866/32/434_2.png) [@Lemur866](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemur866)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/175 "2012-10-12T20:23:22Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > Also dress it up a little bit with a gold or silver necklace for men. :smack: Yeah, that screams “class”. ---
**Author:** ![Missy2U](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3bc359/32.png) [@Missy2U](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Missy2U)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/176 "2012-10-12T20:25:53Z")
> [@Algher](#): > > Now you have GOT to be kidding. A necklace? What is this, Jersey Shore? He makes the folks on Jersey Shore look good. The guy’s a tool. He isn’t even worth knowing. ---
**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:** [October 12, 2012, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/177 "2012-10-12T20:27:50Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > The negative response you’ve gotten is because you come across here like a total jerk. Word. ---
**Author:** ![Algher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/178 "2012-10-12T20:27:59Z")
> [@Enginerd](#): > > Did you shower this morning? Yes, but I am going to shower again I think. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/179 "2012-10-12T20:28:53Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > lol > > If you can pull it off why not? HAHA Well you seem to be pulling off this trolly plagiarizing persona pretty well. Though you should have picked a different name. I was suspecting you a troll the second I saw your name but this is the only place I can call you what you are. You are a child rapist. Seriously, your first post is the OP of this thread which you started in GQ and your only other posts on the board are in this thread so the name of GQ ELITE 33 was not a good name Ms. Troll. After you get banned and you want to troll again I suggest you go with a more ambiguous name. Also tell your other troll buddies to try to at least make this game a little harder. This one really was too easy. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2012, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447/180 "2012-10-12T20:32:00Z")
> [@GQELITE33](#): > > Nice jeans with a jacket and a high end t-shirt or dress shirt is fine. I prefer the tight V Neck dress t-shirts. Black is a great color.] > > Also dress it up a little bit with a gold or silver necklace for men. A bit metrosexual, are we? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-main-factors-in-why-people-dress-down-much-more-today-compared-to-previous-generations/637447.md?page=10)