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Would you say, Jim, that there are no situations that require attire above a certain level?

No, I wouldn't say that and hope I didn't imply that. I mean, I think Seattle's shorts-and-sandals culture is great and, for people like my techie friend in a no-customer-contact job, I don't understand why she has to be subjected to the pointless conventions of uptight Tennesseean telecom tyrants. But....

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Should we expect to start seeing tank tops at weddings...or funerals?

I will equivocate by saying "it depends...I hope not."

I expect you will see tank tops and "My Other Ride Is Your Daughter" T-shirts at biker funerals and everybody in attendance will think that is just ducky. I bet Dragi goes to the occasional funeral wearing a black turtleneck, sunglasses and a beret and the bereaved understand that it is his somber, formal attire. If I showed up without a jacket/suit and tie at some weddings and funerals of friends and relatives, that would be looked upon very badly. It's the culture. It's the respect thing. If I couldn't pull it together to show some respect for the folks that are inviting me, I wouldn't go.

My thought on White House invitations is this: as much as I deeply, deeply loathe the current residents and take every opportunity to diss them, I have no plans to accept their invitation so I can embarass anyone with goofy attire. The next time I accept such an invitation, I'll arrive quite reasonably well dressed. In the meantime, I'll just express my displeasure with a simple "No thanks, I'm scheduled to get my oil changed that afternoon".

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Sometimes I think how it's a shame you don't see as many suits any more, but then I think about how much I'd hate to be the one wearing them.

I wore a suit for 3 years as a consultant. PITA. I *will* say, sadly, though, that the psychology of suits does have an effect. Fly into a hospital in a small town wearing an expensive necktie and some people look at you like you're the Pros from Dover.
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Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.