Dress code
It is good to remember that clothes, like the brightest wrappers, are the stylish trimmings of a gift.
Do clothes define an individual?
You are what you wear. Packaging is important. These are some messages that we have been conditioned to believe.
In modern society, the proper attire for the event, venue, and season matter. Style and form over substance.
Invitations suggest a dress code for the occasion: formal, smart casual, cocktail chic, national dress. Theme parties specify individualistic or flamboyant costumes.
In contrast, institutions and schools prescribe nondescript uniforms that make everyone look the same. It is practical and democratic. It seems that people are identified, classified, and categorized according to their distinctive clothing. Student, teacher, doctor, patient, nurse, employee, executive priest, sister, military officer, law enforcer, pilot, flight crew.
On another level, exclusive establishments such as clubs, restaurants and hotels have varying dress codes. At the foyer, a discreet sign indicates what one should wear for the privilege of entering the rarefied stratosphere. It warns the guest (or aspiring climber/gatecrasher) that certain attires are not welcome — thong rubber slippers, sleeves, collarless and sleeveless shirt, rugged shorts, gym clothes. (The exception to the rule is the elitist “reverse snob” who flaunt his anti-establishment faded gear. By virtue of his pedigree and social status, he is entitled.)
Jaded observers of the social scene note that the club dress code and rules are meant to intimidate people. In particular, the wannabe.
For example, elite clubs in snooty enclaves used to have rules that reflect a Jurassic chauvinist mentality.
At random, here are a few examples.
1) Discrimination against women and pets.
There was a time when ladies (members and dependents) were not allowed to play golf or dine at the veranda on certain days at during certain hours. (Imagine a feminist being in the same category as the family dog.) In Singapore, an old club maintained an antiquated sign that forbid ethnic groups and
dogs. It has since relaxed it rules but retained the sign as a reminder of that un-PC (politically correct) era.
In Washington DC, a stuffy “old boys power club” used to bar women from entering its gate. It was rather intimidating.
2) Arrogant, rude staff (who sniff the same rarefied air) imbibes the arrogant mannerisms of some supercilious members, (if only the good manners of the genteel old rich could rub off on the staff instead.) Politeness seems to have vanished in the 21st century.
3) Attitude and ambiance. Certain exclusive clubs exude the peculiar air of mold and decay. The members are stiff, caught in a time warp. Some are pompous, eccentric, self-righteous, condescending and self-important.
4) The anachronistic dress code of colonial years. Antiquated rules and obsolete regulations belong to the dinosaur’s era. Sports and leisure clubs are learning to adapt to the times.
The rule: No slippers, no gym wear in the dining room is fair. One rule that should be followed: no hair rollers in the dining outlets.
5) Churches and shrines have posters that ban skimpy attire.
In Wimbledon, the lady players wear skimpy and designer outfits to flaunt their buffed, toned bodies to the delight of sponsors and fans. The spectators at the boxes still wear dressy suits and hats. The rest of the audience go casual.
Formal top hats, chapeaux, fascinators, and elegant attire are de riguer at Ascot. The royal family and aristocrats attract people to the races. It’s a tradition that is respected and admired.
At the Olympics, the swimwear, ice skating, ski and equestrian outfits are vibrant fashion statements. Colors and styles project freshness, youthful energy.
Halloween and Easter parades showcase creativity and outrageous fashion. The most creative confections — hats, mask, makeup and body glitter make the participants fabulous.
The delightfully decadent samba parade of Rio de Janeiro requires great bodies and flair to show off the outlandish costumes. Maximum body exposure is the norm for this event.
Fashion shows, charity ball and weddings have the formal look — dinner jacket, gown, jewelry and matching limousine. 50NN.
The variations are endless as tastes range from the simple elegant to the elaborate or garish. Style icons and fashion victims vie for media attention.
In some circles, people love to dress up, show off, and upstage one another. It is a gladiator competition on the red carpet arena. Survival of the chic-est, the wildest, the best.
Do clothes make the man or woman?
It is good to remember that clothes, like the brightest wrappers, are the stylish trimmings of a gift. The glitz and the novelty will fade – eventually. Without content, character and substance an empty box is full of air — worthless. �