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Smart, casual or something in between?

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I work for a large retailer in UK and serve a wide spectrum of customers daily, from kids to OAPs, to businessmen.  Whilst serving I've noticed a real slip in dress standards these days.  I see a lot of old folk coming in wearing clothes that either are in need of a good wash or are falling apart, either that or they are so mismatched it looks completely hideous.  I must say though that some of these OAPs do dress smartly and are very clean.  I say if you can afford to shop you can afford to wear clothes that are clean and in good repair.

Then there's the kids, which to my dismay insist on wearing jeans so low you can see most of their pants.  Why?  I don't expect kids or teens to dress in suits and ties (although it would be funny), but do think they could at least have some standards.  I mean the point of a belt is to hold you trousers up around your waist, not your lower hip.  Also, why do some teens and young adults insist on wearing braces, but have them hanging from their jeans instead of over the shoulders.  I've also seen them wear them with a belt which is a big no no.

Man in a smart suit the suit should be the correct size and not look like it was borrowed from dad...

Now for the worst offenders, business men, women and office workers. I object to these people wearing clothes that don't fit, don't go together and worst of all don't flatter their shape.  I see a lot of men in suits too big, shirt collars too big, with ties poorly knotted and shoes unpolished.  I know a lot of offices are now more casual, but surely if they wear a suit and tie they should make an effort to get it right!  For instance the shirt should fit, tie should be knotted with a dimple and the suit should be the correct size and not look like it was borrowed from dad.

If I ran a company I would have all my office worker in suits.  I would also try and get them to wear braces and collar bars or tab collar shirts and tie bars.  They would wear the braces and look smart holding the trousers at the correct height (not half way down their backside).  The tie bar would mean their tie would be harder to remove plus they add a little sparkle.  I don't think we quite need to return to Victorian ways of dressing, we just look a bit neater and put more thought into what we wear.

I'm 28 and I always go out dressed well with all my clothes are clean and ironed, even if I'm only in jeans and a t-shirt they're still clean and pressed.  If I could go around the kids and teens pulling up their jeans I would, but I'd probably get arrested or something!  What you're opinion on this matter?  I'm especially interested in the opinions of office workers regarding casual dress at work?

By: vintagefan


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pet

pet

Surely life is just too short to care excessively about the appearance of others?
18/04/14 pet
0
Shirt-n-tie-wearer

Shirt-n-tie-wearer

I pretty much agree with all of the posting. I'm a 36yr old shirt and tie wearing man to work. I could get away without a tie, but I just like dressing smart for business, and it is nice to be able to choose a different tie everyday, and match it with shirts and accessorise it with cuff links and matching earings.

Just to throw a spin on things... women look good wearing a shirt and tie to. It can be worn with a skirt and heels and can be very much a feminine look.
12/04/14 Shirt-n-tie-wearer
0
Friday Lunchtime

Friday Lunchtime

" I'm like, don't bend the wardrobe dude."

Are you able to write in English, or even something resembling it would be an improvement?
03/02/13 Friday Lunchtime
-6
Stephen

Stephen

Phil, you ask what is the point of ties. Well they look really smart for a start, worn with a smart shirt and suit. Personally I can't stand being served by a man not wearing a tie. It just looks so lazy, and like they can't be bothered. Hope that answers your question.
06/04/12 Stephen
-7
janey

janey

I really agree with vintagefan.Dressing in clean, ironed clothes is about respect for yourself and others.People do judge by appearances, so this is important.
31/07/11 janey
-13
History makes us what we are

History makes us what we are

It was called 'ruff' and it was there to catch head lice and fleas, because Britons did not wash and powdered their faces with lead to look whiter!
As the Elzabethians did not have botox, a fancy painting eliminating all the flaws did the job.
12/12/10 History makes us what we are
-5
phil

phil

In Elizabethan times I think they used to wear the neck thing called the 'rough', I think thats how it might be spelt. Look how stupid and useless that was, then have a good look at the tie! Whats the point of a tie?
12/12/10 phil
-16
crooks 14yrs old

crooks 14yrs old

Jeans are good and I agree with the statement of jeans being to low you can see the backside being a bad thing. I'm looking for a casual suit, no offense, I believe you are over doing the smart suit look. Just a casual suit, well ironed and pressed are good, but braces over your shoulders? i'm going to use mine for parties and seeing girls on special occasions. your piece is to straight forward asking people to be there smartest.
19/10/10 crooks 14yrs old
-13
Van Hoer

Van Hoer

Please , no to boring suits. Only for best occasions. Relax, unwind, undo the tie and enjoy life. Put on your adventure clothing and get out of the 'office' syndrome!
20/09/10 Van Hoer
-19
Chloe

Chloe

I love my jeans. They fit tight and look good. They are so practical and versatile.
Move with the times and feel free!. Throw those stifling suits away or save them for a important occasion.
13/09/10 Chloe
-11
Biscuitbum

Biscuitbum

My elderly mum would love me to wear grey trousers and sensible shoes instead of the jeans, tee shirt, and trainers I have habitually worn for the past few decades. I`m also not supposed to like modern pop music, indeed anything that isn`t `middle of the road`, now I`m past the big 60.
08/09/10 Biscuitbum
-27
NuntuAppi

NuntuAppi

Urrrgggg! Ties! I want them banned. After 20 years I finally have a job where I don't have to wear a tie every day - bliss - although I still do if I'm going out to see clients. Uncomfotable and pointless; get rid of them.
13/05/10 NuntuAppi
0
anon

anon

liz I have nothing against tats or piercings as I know many people that have them. I dont judge people because they dont iron there clothes, I feel that people should make more effot to at least not look like a tramp you dont even need to iron your clothes its more about them being in a good condition and not dirty.
11/05/10 anon
-20
Liz

Liz

Oh grow up. People can wear whatever they want to, and whatever they feel comfortable in. If you're shallow enough to judge me because I'm comfortable in jeans and an un-ironed t-shirt, that's just stupid. I get people judging me because I have piercings and tattoos. Piercings and tattoos have no bearing on my personality of ability to do a job. And dressing nice isn't about self respect. I respect myself a lot. In fact, my self esteem is so high, I don't feel the need to pander to your idea of what's acceptable to wear. I'm comfortable in my own skin. Now leave me be.
10/05/10 Liz
-10
Dongle Dick

Dongle Dick

People can be stereotyped by how they dress if they follow like sheep for the class they are.

I have come across yuppies power-dressed with their pin-striped suits who are nothing much whereas some in jeans who do a lot of work for minimal pay.

Most people I see regularly in suits are false and cocky about themselves and if that is where their power is I wonder how weak they are generally? Tony Blair, David Milliband, George Osbourne are a few of these jumped-up charlatans.
09/05/10 Dongle Dick
-8

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