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Backstory  

Downton Abbey, the PBS series, took us back to the time when people of gentry dressed for each meal. Yep, three times a day, a new outfit.  How does that compare with today’s dress code?

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Dress Code –  #360

We went to a party the other night. About a hundred people, wearing anything you could imagine – jeans and tee shirt, scanty minis, business casual, suits and ties, cocktail gowns. It was proof again that the dress codes of the past are as out-of-date as bloomers and white powdered wigs. 

Is that for the better? Is it supposed to eliminate class distinction?

It used to be nice to see women in dresses and make up and jewelry

In a good restaurant. The tuxedo, indicating a REALLY special occasion, made a guy look really elegant, especially when he knew how to tie the bow tie by himself. It showed respect to wear Sunday clothes to church.

Then there was the elegance of evening wear for a concert or nightclub or a casino.

These days, unless you are going to a prom, there is no need for dress-up clothes at all. Anything goes.  You’re cleaning the house and your husband suggests going out to dinner.  You grab your purse and go!

And everyone else at the restaurant looks as casual as you do.

Jeans to church.  Sneakers in the office.  Are there places where business dress and evening dress still hold court?  Maybe in the cities?

24/7 casual is certainly easier.  But I think I miss dress-up once in a while. How about you?     

P.S.   

A business operation seems to be a place where a dress code could matter.  I might trust the bank officer in a suit and heels better than one in torn jeans and flip-flops.

[Show #360]