UGH! Can't people dress up anymore??

[Planogirl]

I'm another who thinks that it's a shame that so many people don't dress up any more. I was glad when business casual became more prevalent in the workplace because who really cares how people dress there? But it used to be nice to see people getting all decked out to go out sometimes. (And I mean really OUT not Wallmart or somewhere like that.) Now it seems that any old ugly clothes will do.

I still think that it's up to the people themselves (or the restaurants if they're brave enough to have a dress code and actually enforce it) but it's still a shame IMO.

 

[edwardsfire]

Different strokes for different folks, I dont pay much attention nor care what others wear.

 

[almburr]

I wasn't saying you were I'm sorry. I bet you are a thrifty shopper, I could tell you were poking fun.

I was making it clear in case I have friends lurking around and if they thought i spent that much on clothes.

 

[pppiglet]

The cruise we were on in November had this guy probably 50ish and he wore the same T-shirt and jammie pants 4 days in a row to breakfast and lunch. I never saw him around dinner time, but hope he had enough sense to wear something else for dinner!

 

[Cool-Beans]

Lordy, when I'm out of town - especially on business - the last thing I wish to do is send out laundry for them to ruin just so that I can go downstairs and have a burger. It's like crazy talk to me, honestly.

I'd be in jeans, too.

I have to say that if you spend less time looking around at what everyone is wearing that you'll be happier. I couldn't tell you what ANYONE was wearing the last time we went out to eat. I pay no attention because I just don't care. So, I know a person CAN go out to eat and not notice what everyone is wearing - especially to the point of knowing that jeans were the majority.

Focus on the folks you're with and the servers and don't look around so much and you'll be less disappointed!

 

[Mickey527]

I live in jeans, I have a few dressy pairs for when I go out but most of the time at home I am wearing my older, faded ones. No holes in them though, I am too old for that.
I do get dressed better for funerals, going to a play in NY or going out to a nicer restaraunt. I don't get dressed any differently for a restaraunt in WDW, and would not go to V&A's so my jeans or shorts are fine for my trips.
I do hate to see all the young girls nowdays going everywhere in sleep pants. they are called sleep pants for a reason.. to sleep in, not to go to the mall.
I am 54 and I remember when I was growing up how my mother wouldn't let us go downtown unless we were in a dress. Never wore jeans to downtown shopping.
I also dress in comfortable but dressier pants when flying. I say comfortable because if something happens I want to be able to slide down that ramp in comfort, but I want to look good on the news...
and remember what your mother used to say, always wear clean underwear, you don't want the hospital people making fun of your underwear if you are in an accident...

 

[HunnyPots]

I live in jeans, I have a few dressy pairs for when I go out but most of the time at home I am wearing my older, faded ones. No holes in them though, I am too old for that.
I do get dressed better for funerals, going to a play in NY or going out to a nicer restaraunt. I don't get dressed any differently for a restaraunt in WDW, and would not go to V&A's so my jeans or shorts are fine for my trips.
I do hate to see all the young girls nowdays going everywhere in sleep pants. they are called sleep pants for a reason.. to sleep in, not to go to the mall.
I am 54 and I remember when I was growing up how my mother wouldn't let us go downtown unless we were in a dress. Never wore jeans to downtown shopping.
I also dress in comfortable but dressier pants when flying. I say comfortable because if something happens I want to be able to slide down that ramp in comfort, but I want to look good on the news...
and remember what your mother used to say, always wear clean underwear, you don't want the hospital people making fun of your underwear if you are in an accident...

What you said really takes me back! I remember my mom wearing a dress and pumps to grocery shop. Just like June Cleaver!

We recently built a new high school football stadium. During the final year at the old stadium we saw pics of it taken in the 40's and 50's. Kids were SHOCKED to see ladies in dresses and hats and boys and men wearing jackets and ties to a football game!
Unbelievable how "appropriate" dress has changed over the years. Not that I want to go back to the old days - I'm a jeans and tee shirt girl to the bitter end!

 

[yeartolate]

As long as the dess code is followed, I give it a great big "hookairs".

Dining out used to be more of a treat. Now with as hectic as life is, it can be a convenience instead.

I think it is nice to play dress up and have a nice night out, but I see no reason to impose this on others. It wouldn't dawn on me that the jeans someone wears could affect my dining experience.

 

[bicker]

and BEFORE anyone says.. well if it bother's you, then don't look.. How can I not? You are so out of place (in a fancy place) or in my face so to speak.

The problem with that is when you have applied the label "fancy place" yourself by asserting that there are minimum requirements for attire which the restaurant itself has not itself decided to enforce. Their house, their rules, and their choice whether people who are dressed a certain way are granted service or not.

Why do I have to give up my favorite places to go, ...

Because your host has decided to serve patrons wearing attire you don't like, and you're unwilling to adjust to that. That's why.

 

[powellrj]

This thread reminded me of a funny story. A few months ago we were at a nicer restaurant at their Sunday Brunch. As we were driving home, DH asked me if I saw **** ******. I said no, but since I really didn't know her, I wouldn't recognize her anyway. He said "How could you miss her, she was the one in the the stocking cap and neck scarf! Keep in mind it was August!

This is one of the wealthiest women in Indiana and she looked like a homeless person at a nice Sunday Brunch. I normally don't notice what other people are wearing unless its really over the top, which a knitted stocking cap and neck scarf in Indiana in August is!

I remember the days of getting dressed up to go to town, but I think the shopping malls pretty much killed that trend. Going to town use to be an event, but going to the mall really isn't.

Heck, we use to have to wear dresses to school until Jr. High School. I guess I am the odd one out because I am glad the world is a little more casual.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

I would be the type of person you are talking about.... jeans..... I just don't dress up. Hate it, won't pay the money for the clothes, uncomfortable, always work and play in jeans and sweatshirts. Maybe a nice top now and then... but that is it.

That said, I wouldn't have noticed you because I would have been too busy enjoying myself in my comfy clothing.

Go out and enjoy yourself and stop worrying about what others are putting on!

 

[EthansMom]

DH and I went out to a moderately-priced-but-nice restaurant yesterday. We both wore jeans, nice shoes, and nice sweaters. I thought we looked fine for an early dinner on a weeknight, but would've worn slacks or a dress for a later dinner on a weekend.

This same topic can get pretty heated on the cruise critic boards. It used to be that the cruise ships had fairly strictly (and strictly enforced) dress codes for dining in the dining rooms. IMO, those dress codes really helped make the dinners a "special occasion". Unfortunately (IMO), most of the moderately-priced cruiselines have brought down their dress codes to include the wearing of jeans in the diningroom. I really feel that it's made the dinners feel less special. I feel like the cruiselines have gone down to meet the mean because a few people can't be bothered to wear Dockers to dinner.

Personally, I'd like more places to have some reasonable dress requirements and to enforce those requirements.... I've seen the "No Heeleys" sign at my local grocery store. How 'bout a "No Heeleys, No Jammies, No Visible Underwear" sign?

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I won't post on the DIS unless I'm wearing my top hat and tails.

 

[mhsjax]

I agree with the OP, I just can't believe that people don't have enough class to dress up just a little when going out to a nicer restuarant. Sorry but that is the way I feel, it shows a lack of respect to me. My parents wouldn't let me out of the house wearing sweatpants when going to eat and I won't let mine either. You can dress nice without having to really dress up. ONe of society's many downfalls, people do whatever THEY are ok with, not what is socially acceptable. Rant over, sorry if I offended anyone.

 

[CJMickeyMouse]

Personally, I'd like more places to have some reasonable dress requirements and to enforce those requirements.... I've seen the "No Heeleys" sign at my local grocery store. How 'bout a "No Heeleys, No Jammies, No Visible Underwear" sign?

I can definitely see where you are coming from.... and the answer to the reason you don't see these restrictions is the almighty dollar. The jammie wearin, underwear showin crowd spends a lot of money.

Seriously, though.... I would have no problem with restaurants and other establishments posting dress requirements..... I would just avoid the ones that don't fit my attire. Much like I avoid the places that don't serve Diet Coke.

Life is sometimes only as difficult as you make it.

 

[mhsjax]

DH & I, even DS who is 18 LIKES to dress up now and again. You'll never seen any of us in Jeans or T-shirts or Flip Flops, not even Nice ones in a fancy restaurant.. We dress the part of where/what we are attending..

Not to start a flame war thing... but... Why should I be forced to look at some "lady's" or "gentleman's" Gut rolling over their waistband, dirty, holed or patched Jeans, thong, boxers or a crack of their Tush or even their ****s or a bared hairy chest.. when I'm trying to eat??

and BEFORE anyone says.. well if it bother's you, then don't look..

How can I not? You are so out of place (in a fancy place) or in my face so to speak.. Why do I have to give up my favorite places to go, just because you fail to show some respect for apparently not only your self but all the others around you..

I'm not saying buy a Ball Gown or a Tuxedo.. but something more appropriate would be highly appreciated when the situation calls for it..

Very well said, and I completely agree

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Ack - I do not even OWN a sweatshirt!!!

And if I did I would NEVER go out in public in it - they are shapeless, unisex, unflattering, yuck. I have more respect for myself than that.

Sneakers are for the gym/exercise class. And to pair them with jeans is a fashion crime. If I see that look it is usually a tourist.

I like to look good, I like to dress nice - we eat out 2 to 3 nights a week and always dress to the restaurant.

Do you think this dressing down has anything to do with how fat people are nowadays? They have nothing else to wear?

 

[mhsjax]

The problem with that is when you have applied the label "fancy place" yourself by asserting that there are minimum requirements for attire which the restaurant itself has not itself decided to enforce. Their house, their rules, and their choice whether people who are dressed a certain way are granted service or not.

Because your host has decided to serve patrons wearing attire you don't like, and you're unwilling to adjust to that. That's why.

Yes but you can't refuse people anymore for fear of getting sued. Establishments don't have power anymore to refuse service. Peole have too many rights, (please note sarcasm). It is all about me, that is what is wrong with the world now. ME ME ME and nobody else matters and rules don't apply to me but just everyone else. Cause I am ME ME ME (sarcasm again)

 

[bicker]

This same topic can get pretty heated on the cruise critic boards.

Ohmygosh they sure can.

It used to be that the cruise ships had fairly strictly (and strictly enforced) dress codes for dining in the dining rooms. IMO, those dress codes really helped make the dinners a "special occasion".

For those who enjoyed dressing up. For others, it just helped make those dinners a chore.

Unfortunately (IMO), most of the moderately-priced cruiselines have brought down their dress codes to include the wearing of jeans in the diningroom.

Or brought them up to snuff, depending on your personal preferences, putting the guest's comfort and preferences over some arcane (from their perspective) standards.

I really feel that it's made the dinners feel less special.

We do dress up for dinner, on cruise ships, still, and noted, on cruises over a five year period, a steady but definitive change in attire towards the more casual. It didn't adversely affect our dinner experience one bit.

I feel like the cruiselines have gone down to meet the mean because a few people can't be bothered to wear Dockers to dinner.

If you recognize it as a "bother" then perhaps you understand the situation a bit better than other folks who decry the decline of the dress codes. Ask yourself, though, why your personal preference (which clearly my wife and I share) justifies bother others who don't have such a preference?

Personally, I'd like more places to have some reasonable dress requirements and to enforce those requirements....

Here you've hit on the Holy Grail for this issue. There should be multiple "places", so that altogether they accommodate a wide range of personal preferences, in proportion to how much patronage is driven by each preference. I think the problem you'll end up bumping up against is that interest in places that require formal attire for dinner is waining, and so the availability of "places" that appeal to your preference will be small, and will continue decreasing over time.

This is no different than discussions about television shows with specific qualities. Networks program such shows in proportion to how much viewership is driven by each preference. Folks who like "shows like XXX" often decry that there are few or no shows that appeal to them "anymore", but that's not a personal thing against them, perpetrated by the networks, but rather just a reflection of how much their interests are "fringe". I see the same kinds of concerns expressed by fans of certain kinds of fiction, and of certain types of films, etc.

And the answer to the "problem" is the same: If you want society to cater to your preferences more, then you need to get more consumers to value your preferences highly. Brow-beating those who don't share your preferences is very unlikely to get them to favor your preferences more, but rather is more likely to harden them against those preferences even more so. The key to getting people to value your preferences more highly is to make them feel that there are benefits they personally will derive from valuing your preferences more highly.

 

[ols386]

I think the way we dress as a society speaks volumes to the times we live in now. It just seems like today....anything goes. Several years ago, people dressed-up a bit to go to church, funerals, weddings, etc. Now it seems as though any dress is appropriate for any occasion. People can dress however they want, but if I'm going to a funeral or wedding, I'll dress the way I THINK is appropriate. If someone wants to attend a funeral wearing a t-shirt and flip-flops, that's their choice, but I wouldn't dress that way, because I would feel like I were being disrespectful.