Okay, so the other day I was sitting in the parents area of my six year old's Taekwondo class, behind another row of people. The woman in front of me has a son in the same class, and she had her three daughter's with her, and also her father who seemed to be visiting his grandkids. The elder man was going on about how sloppy people are "now a days". That he was at blockbuster and saw a college student in her pajama bottoms and hooded sweat shirt. He spoke of how it was a shame that young people are just so "sloppy" and take no pride in their appearance.

The man speaking had on nice slacks and a dress shirt. His daughter was in black slacks and a blouse. All three girls were in dresses. And there I sat, in my stretch sport pans, long sleeve tee, with my hair pulled back in a messy ponytail. My children were all in worn jeans and t-shirts. It kind of made me wonder... does the man have a point? Granted, he comes from a different generation, one that never dreamed of a "casual friday", but it does seem people as a whole don't care about their appearance nearly as much as the previous generation. Usually it's only when going out to a party or club that then they want to "look good".

Do you think this trend has any effect on society as a whole? And I'm curious for those who live in other countries than America... does your own country seem to be on that same path?

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As for me personally, I dress casual because it's comfortable. I can't imagine running after children in high heeled shoes and a pencil skirt. Not to mention there's other things I'd rather my money go to than impressive clothes. However, I do try to keep the sweats indoors, choosing to wear jeans when I go out. Honestly though, I did have more pride in my appearance before marriage. Can't determine if that's because I had more time, or because I was single.

I personally feel that you should dress to be comfortable - not to impress anyone. I do however feel that you should always wear clean clothes and dress in an appropriate manner. I work in an large office and sometimes it freaks me out when some women wear flimsy camisole tops and micro mini's which leave little to the imagination. Save it for cocktails after work ladies. Or if you are visiting a country (like a religious country, a middle East country for example), you should dress in a manner that is respectful.

But if you're going to the corner store to get bread and milk, and your in your sweats with flip-flops on your feet - and you are comfortable in your manner of dress - go for it!

Well, there is a difference between dressing casual, and dressing like you have no care whatsoever about what you look like. Otherwise, there is no point in dressing up for a job interview. So, then we have to ask, why do we dress up for some occasions? Respect. When you dress up for an interview, you show the interviewer that you are willing to present your best, that you are making an effort to impress. If you dressed in ratty clothing, the interviewer is going to think that if you don't care about how you look, you don't care enough about the job you are applying for, and aren't going to get it. Businessmen and women wear suits, or other professional looking attire, not because its comfortable, far from. They wear their best, because that is the image they want to project. They want to show clients that they are willing to give them their best.

Now, I don't think that you have to be wearing a suit in order to go to your child's Tae Kwon Do class. That seems to be overkill to me. Nor should you have to wear a tie to go to a sporting event. I think the grandfather may have been correct in general, about people dressing sloppy, but he was wrong in that specific situation. I think a child's athletic event or class event, where the children are running around, getting sweaty, etc, sweats and a tee are fine. But, I would probably think some rude thoughts if you were to show up to your kids music recital dressed like that. It all depends on the situation. I do think in general though, that the better you dress, the more respect you are going to get, and consequently, the more well behaved you will be in return.

There is a distinct difference between dressing casually and between dressing as though you haven't the slightest care as to what you look like. I know that not everyone shares my sentiments (in fact, I suspect few do), but I don't like to go in public looking anything less than put together and made-up, even if I am dressed casually. What you wear says a lot about you, and though I wish that we as humans wouldn't judge each other so much by appearance, I'm guilty of it myself and know that it's not about to change.

When I go out, I won't wear pajama pants or slippers like I've seen numerous people do. I enjoy dressing up, therefore I like to look as good as I possibly can. You never know who you're going to encounter when you go in public, so I like to be as physically prepared as possible not only to be cautious but to be personally satisfied, as well. Unless I'm going to stay at home, I just can't let myself go like that and feel good about it.

If other people want to go in public looking like death warmed over, fine. However, I am certain that the common citizen judges passerby based on their appearance and, if a person chooses to go in public looking less than acceptable, it will affect others' opinions of them and perhaps how that person is treated.

RabidAngel, I think you touched on something...When you take the time to dress well, do you generally feel better about yourself than when you dress like a slob? I wonder if there is a difference in self-esteem between people that take the time to get themselves "ready" to go out, and those that just go as is, regardless of whether they match, whether their hair is done, etc? I don't know for sure, I suspect there is a correlation. I am SURE that is a relationship externally, that passersby will prejudge you based on appearance, but I am also fairly certain that internally, your own self-esteem is raised when you go out knowing you look nice, and not a slob.

Everyone dresses to suit themselves. I do believe that people these days ARE dressing down alot more, where as back when I was a teen, you could tell that people took pride in the way they looked. But, I also believe that if you want to look like a complete daggy slob and where worn out pants and a holey shirt, well then that is your perogative. And no one should have the right to judge you accordingly. I myself don't dress like that. I always wear jeans and shirts/tops, because that is the most comfortable thing for me. And if someone thinks that I look like crap with what I am wearing....I seriously don't give a shit. I am happy and that is all that matters at the end of the day.

Only thing I really cannot stand? Guys walking around with most of thier boxers showing and they're pants belted halfway down thier butt cheeks.

Otherwise I don't care how people dress. I am more impressed by clothes that are a little more formal, but that can mean different things to different people. Somepeopel think I'm a total stuffed shirt for wearing jeans or a skirt to school and some amount of layered tops. Think a Tshirt over a sweater. It's all in the eyes of whoever's looking at it. Just as long as they're clean and mostly modest, I ignore clothes.

It's heading that way in the UK though not quite so bad (yet!). My husband is really fussy about his clothes and always irons his clothes before he puts them on, even though they have been ironed before they were put away (but I'm not complaining because he won't let me iron his clothes as I don't do it to his high standards well, that's what he thinks and I'm not going to change his mind!). I used to have a horse and wore old tatty clothes and muddy boots when I went to see her and my husband would be mortified if I went to the shops on the way home wearing the same clothes. Did he really expect me to go home and change then go back out to the shop again? I live in a market town where half the people are farmers/farm workers/horse owners who dress that way!

I think that it probably matters more if you live in a city where there are so many people, you tend to get generalised by your apprearance. But as long as you are happy that is all that matters

Yes, I generally feel better about myself if I dress well to go in public rather than if I dress like a slob. I know it may be shallow that I gain some measure of self-confidence from looking good, but that's the way it is and I can't very well help it. I like it when someone compliments me on my style of dress/hair or when I get an appropriate look on the street; it gives me a self-confidence boost to know that someone thinks I'm pretty, and I know I'm not the only one who feels that way. I don't strive to dress nicely to please those around me; I do it for myself because I enjoy it and because I just can't let myself go enough to look like a slob in public. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so why not make it the best it can be? I agree with you wholeheartedly; there's something about looking nice that can do wonders for the ego.

Every time we go out for dinner here, there's people out in singlets, shorts and thongs (for your feet). The casino, movies, airport are all the same. I was brought up to make a little effort when going to places like that.

As to the self esteem issue mentioned, I have very huge self esteem issues and dressing better doesn't' change that. I do it because I've been taught it's the right thing to do.

I tend to just want to look nice most of the time.

I only own one pair of jeans and only own one pair of sneakers (and they're both nice, nothing ratty), and I've had little old ladies stop me on the street to comment on how elegant and nicely-dressed I look for a youngish person. I usually wear skirts and a nice top, little bit of makeup, nails painted, bit of jewelry... I certainly don't -have- to and if I'm feeling ugh or sick or something I might pull my 'fro back in a messy ponytail, toss on a sweatshirt, and run up to the store for ice cream without putting on makeup... but it's rare that I do so and usually unless I just feel like crap I'll make some effort to look halfway presentable if I'm going out in public.

I actually had a job that was VERY casual at one point - working in a warehouse doing shipping - where my coworkers were a little bit put off by how nicely I tended to dress. I would wear nice pants or a skirt and comfortable but nice-looking shoes and one of my coworkers one day was like, "Don't you own jeans and sneakers? You don't have to dress up, really, it's just a bunch of smelly guys toting boxes around here!" but... that's just how I dress and buying a bunch of new clothes to look more casual - when I was perfectly comfortable in what I was wearing - didn't seem to make much sense, so I just wore what I felt like.

I don't normally fault others for not doing so though as long as they're clean, don't smell, and are dressed appropriate to the venue - a girl dressed really casually renting videos or at the store is not a big deal... If you go to a nice restaurant or something, sure, leave the sweatshirt and flipflops at home, but otherwise... doesn't really effect me, do as you like. I just feel better and... more competent and stuff somehow when I look nice, so that's what I do most of the time. If you're comfortable in your own skin (and clothes, whatever they may be) then that's not really my problem. I'll keep wearing my frilly skirts.

I understand dressing comfortably (and if you have kids, it's logical to not wear dress clothes, high heels,etc) but I can't help partially agreeing with the grandfather. It annoys me to see people walking around walmart, the mall , etc. in pj bottoms and occationally, slippers. Is it really so much work to put on some clothes before you leae the house? if you want to wear your pjs at home thats fine but I just find it kind of lazy to not bother to put on some dayclothing before you leave the house. :shrug:

I guess the anonimity one has in a big city is a contributing factor to people dressing very casually. I have a neighbour that walks the dog in the morning wearing nothing but boxers, a winter jacket not long enough to cover the boxers entirely and knee high rubber boots, the kind you'd wear for farm work. I also think that some people feel it's their perogative to dress however they feel like and not being stared at because of it.

(oh great, another thread bashing america. D: )
I dress fine, walk into an American Eagle, or an Abercrombie, <--that's what people are wearing (as teenagers at least).
Where I live, which is most likely different from where you live, everyone dresses nicely, the first store to sell out is the Polo-Ralph Lauren store, so I still haven't seen the 'Slopification of America.' Plus, the guy was probably born in the twenties so he's seen way too much neatness and niceness...it's 2007, not 1927. D:

The Slopification of America, to me, is false; people are dressing fine, sloppy jeans and a messy ponytail =/= badly dressed. Sloppy jeans & a messy ponytail= incredibly comfortable.

;(

I agree completely!!!

How you present yourself to the world is important, and I would have to agree with the eldery gentleman. I really dont have a problem with casual dress, my problem has more to do with... let's just say lack of class. Since when did it become okay to wear a strapless dress with a strapped bra (need an example- the movie 'Mean Girls'), or to have your bra straps hanging out from a tank or T, or have your thong straps pulled high so they stick out of your jeans?? I mean really! The only fashion statement having your undergarments hanging out of your clothes makes is 'hey I'm too stupid to know how to dress properly' or 'I dont care that I resemble a bum or prostitute, it's comfortable and I think I look cute.' Pretty sad.

For the most part I agree with you, but girls are allwoed tos how off a lot more underwear than guys. The right strapped bra with the right strapless dress looks amazing. However, if youre going to dress like that and you dont pick the exact right stuff, then yeah you look like an idiot or a slut. What do you think about wearing just a camisole and jeans? Ont he one hand, it convers everything that needs covering, but on the other hand it is underwear...


Oh and about flip flops, they are darned comfortable and somewhat attractive and I would unself-consciously wear them to anything that isnt a formal affair.

Jeans, a tshirt, and a hoodie sweatshirt is okay, I think. As long as it's not holey and dirty or too worn.

Seriously, wearing PJ's and a hoodie to blockbuster isn't that horrible! I would definitly do it, it's not like your going to eat at a fancy restaurant or anything. Your not looking to impress anyone!! There are appropriate times to wear certain things and who cares what you look like when your going to pick up a movie or a few things at the grocery store. Who cares what you look like at walmart. lol. It's walmart!! A lot of people I know look weirdly at those people who waste a good outfit on a casual situation, it's completely insane! Why get all dolled up for no reason?

It only becomes a problem when you start being sloppy going to work or out. (Partying or something) It's cool to look decent most of the time but you don't HAVE to look decent all of the time.

So in my opinion it's completely fine how it is and some people need to get used to the "sloppy" style.

I think there is a time and a place for everything. Including a certain type of dress.

If I'm running out to the local supermarket to pick up a carton of eggs, I'm not going to put on my best heels and spend 20 minutes on my make-up. But again, neither am I going to just roll out of bed and into the car (after all this is the local supermarket, I could see somebody I know!).

There is no crime in having pride in the way you look. There is also no crime in dressing comfortably. A person need to find a happy medium between the two. And as I said above, there are times when you can lean more to the comfortable side and there are times when you need to lean more toward the appearance side of things.

I'd just like to make a point that our social standards of appearance are often the polar opposite of what the climate would entail.

As an example, here in sunny Queensland, Australia, the business people are still wearing the 'acceptable' business suit jackets and trousers designed for the European and American climates. Now the amount of extra energy that goes into air conditioning cars, buses and buildings to make these people comfortable is likely tremendous, and it could all be avoided if people just dressed a little more 'sloppy' in shorts and a T-shirt.

Function should always be more important than form.

I dunno, I lived in Florida - which is really hot, humid, and sunny, and never had a problem looking businesslike and staying cool.

A nice light cotton collared short-sleeve button-up shirt and some pants or a skirt in a lightweight fabric is just as comfortable, temperature-wise as shorts and a tee shirt, but presents a much more professional look. It can be a little easier for women as we do have the option of wearing a modest skirt (I generally go by the rule my schools usually did growing up - no more than two fingers width shorter than the top of your kneecap when standing normally, for business situations) rather than long pants but you can still choose lightweight fabrics that breathe well but are in more "formal" cuts.

In many careers that require you to look competent (lawyers, real estate/insurance agents, accountants, etc.) as well as -be- competent to inspire confidence in the people you're dealing with, how you dress is very important. Given the choice between a lawyer in a nice light linen suit and one in shorts and a tee shirt, most clients/customers would take the guy in the suit. Looking the part is really really important in business.

I think bra straps hanging out with a not-transparent camisole or tank top actually looks kinda cute if it's a contrasting/coordinating colour or interesting strap... it's just a strap, and as long as the weather and... venue are appropriate to that little clothing and everything's clean and nice and covered up... I don't think that's a big deal. They even sell separate decorative straps with rhinestones and lace and pretty ribbon designed to be showed off like that. I think a strapped bra with strapless dress would look weird... but... just weird, not really... sloppy.

Camisoles and slips (usually layered) worn as regular clothes for casual situations, as long as they're not transparent, I think look really cute. But, then, I wear corsets visibly sometimes (and sometimes under other things) so I may have a bit of a different standard of what's acceptable as underwear-worn-outerwear clothing than others.

I don't necessarily think that people care less about their appearances nowadays - I mean, look at the rise of plastic surgery. I think it has a lot to do with convenience. People just throw on what is easy and what is comfortable, which is fine, if that's your prerogative, but I prefer to look put together.

I wear jeans, generally, but they are always clean, they have no holes and I pair them with a nice top and a jacket, most of the time. When I was in my teens I used to wear jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers pretty much every day, and no makeup and my hair in a ponytail. When I entered university, I felt very young to be wearing those kinds of things - I was only 17, but I kind of felt like it was time for my fashion sense to grow up. At first I thought it was kind of a bother, but now I really enjoy it - I like doing my hair and wearing makeup and looking nice. It makes me feel better about myself which, in turn, makes me more sociable and friendly.

I would never wear sweatpants or pajama bottoms in public - I have only once, when I was at the hospital with double pneumonia and I was too sick to care. Even when I go to the gym I wear nice yoga pants and a tank top - sure, they're going to get sweaty, but it just makes me feel better.

It may have also to do with how I have been raised. My father is a New Zealander - they are a very "British" style country - and I was always taught good manners, some of which included dressing nicely in public. My parents are also of an older set (my mom was 40, my dad was almost 45 when I was born - and I have younger siblings) which was an influence as well - they put standards in place that were in place for them when they were young. For example, tank tops/muscle shirts and hats at the table are big no nos in my house. For the most part, people can dress how they want, but I get do annoyed when I see people looking sloppy at fancy places like restaurants. Sure, it's their prerogative, but I feel like asking them "Is it SO hard to put on some decent clothing to go somewhere nice?" My brother used to always want to wear hoodies for dinner and my dad would say "You look like a ragamuffin!" and he would wear a dress shirt. Sadly, we were usually the best dressed family in the restaurant - which is a shame, since the places that we go to are generally very nice and the waiters and waitresses are dressed nicely - so it kind of brings down the "class" level of the restaurant if people are wearing sweatpants and sloppy clothing.

A lot of residents at my university go to class in pajamas and sweat shirts (they are all clean and not wrinkled) and I don't see that as being sloppy. Seriously, in high school there are so many dress codes and the like and then in the business world you need to dress up so the only time you get to be really comfortable is at home or during college. I don't see the harm in it as long as it's clean and who cares if someone wears pj pants to Blockbuster?

I love sweat pants. If I'm working out, or at almost any extracurriular that requires some range of motion, I wear sweats. They are comfortable and efficient and depending on what type they are they can look good. I wouldn't wear sweats to a show at a real theater, or to a not fast food restauraunt, but those are the only NOTS that aren't like formal. In which case I'm not wearing sweats, thank you very much.

What really ticks me off is for some reason some people where I live, Bundaberg QLD Aust, insist on wearing no shoes walking around the street and in the shopping centre. I think its disgusting! Not only that its dangerous, what about glass etc? I see so many kids with no shoes on running around with black feet, I bet their mum/dad dont even clean the childs feet when they go to bed. Imagine the sheets! Yukky