Tuck in Your Shirt!
Writing in the Washington Examiner, Meghan Cox Gurdon tackles the trouble with dressing down.
The supper party was a small one, and it was a weeknight. The hostess was chic and understated in black sweater, rolled jeans, and trendy flats. Some men and women had come from their offices, and wore subdued but elegant professional attire. One woman had on a wrap dress and patent-leather sandals. People were chatting and sipping glasses of wine when the door opened and a glamorous and much-admired mutual friend swept in.
She looked dazzling, clad as she was in a silky wrap and a vibrant maxi dress, and little cries of appreciation could be heard throughout the room. Thus it was rather startling when the friend's greeting turned into reproach.
"Look at you," she softly scolded no one in particular, "Jeans? I can hardly believe it. Only one person" - she indicated the wrap-dressed woman - "has made any effort at all!"
Several people exchanged glances. Actually, everyone had made an effort; it just hadn't had been the one their friend expected to see.
Immediately the intensity of conversation rose, as if by collective instinct, so as to seal over the momentary social rift. Whatever chagrin people might have felt inside, within moments, the awkwardness had passed and the party continued to its cheerful and successful conclusion.
But the incident raises an interesting question. Is it ever appropriate publicly to reprimand another adult about his or her attire?
After all, people who are in public are already dressed. Even if they are secretly cringing ("I'm the only one in sequins!" or "Why didn't I wear a tie?") they're not really in a position to change.
At the same time, the manner in which other people are dressed does affect how we ourselves feel. Slouchy attire can look like a lack of respect for one's fellows or indeed for oneself.
If standards are slipping - as the glamorous friend seemed to think - doesn't someone need to pull them back up again?
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