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Are Dress Codes Different Across the Country?

Question:

Would you please address the dress code. My husband works as a contractor for IBM. everyone wears jeans and tennis shoes. I say you dress for the job you want. However, between living in Phoenix, AZ and the relaxed dress code here, it seems I am wrong. Am I? My husband says dockers and polos or pull over shirts are one step above wearing jeans, which he does now. This is now the business casual. AND leather shoes, am I right? I don't like that he wears tennis shoes to work, although it is accepted where he works, meeting no clients. I have a home business. When I have dressed up going to a store, I have been sorely out of place. However, there are times when the dress is supposed to be more than casual--I can't figure it out. There are different dress codes for different parts of the country. Please clue those of us living in the early 90's in on dress codes in the early 00's and perhaps in different parts of the country.

Answer:

Don’t over think this dress code thing or the slogan for that matter. The key is to dress to impress, but not to look out of place. Dress “smart casual” and receive better service and often greater respect. Doing what is “acceptable” is not the way to be noticed or esteemed. Again, don’t dress to kill, dress to impress and stand apart.

Richard