Why is Dress Code Important?

It’s spring, a time when we’re tidying up our spaces and cleaning out our closets. We assess what we have and rid ourselves of what we no longer need. Now what if we take it a step further, perhaps entertain the idea of a complete wardrobe overhaul? It’s considering the way you dress. Ask yourself: Why is dress code important? It’s here, I will answer that question. Dress code, attraction, dignity – how it ties together, what it means, and why it matters. 

The way we dress could indeed be the elephant in the room. To write a post on dress code could be a faux pas, considering it’s a topic with two sides: the good, the bad. Each side in contention, depending on one’s personality, how someone interprets fashion and fancies to dress. Doesn’t matter how we may look at styles, a question remains. Could how we dress be why we’re attracting the wrong people? In my series on attraction, I delve into the subject of dress code, and why it’s important.

ATTENTION SEEKING

Is there such a thing as commercializing desperation? Yes, sad to say. This isn’t in the best interest of those who dress inappropriately. When we consider, it not only leaves people with the wrong impression, it may attract people we do not want to entice. When we choose indiscreet apparel, we can fall prey to those who have incorrigible motives. Being clear on the message you’re delivering, along with dressing for the type of person you want to attract, is a far better approach. 

Are you aware of the impact a personal dress code may have? We dress and then we also dress to attract. It really comes down to choice. Choices can lead to either favorable or unfavorable outcomes. Say what? I know. Dang it – sometimes, we just want to ooze sex appeal. What’s wrong with that? Well, for starters, there’s a time and a place. A time… a place. For example, church, school, where we work, wouldn’t be those places. Need I say more?

DRESS CODE WHERE NOTHING IS LEFT TO IMAGINATION – IMAGINE THAT

In any social gathering, my go to apparel may bore some (okay who am I kidding – it may bore many). My choice is usually a suit coat along with a crisp shirt – sometimes accompanied with a tie. Paired with great jeans, this was and still is my signature outfit. Back in the day, a few of my gal pals had unique wardrobes, gravitating toward garments lacking fabric that left nothing to one’s imagination. Eyes would be in hot pursuit and by the end of the night, these women had more suitors than I could shake a stick at. But the question remains to this day. Were those suitors suitable? No… no, they weren’t.

IT’S ALL ABOUT PERCEPTION 

One starry night, many moons ago, I jumped into my sporty black Toyota Supra (loved that car) and sped off to meet a college friend. We were heading out to a social. I arrived, rang the doorbell, she answered, and I said, “Ooh, you’re not even dressed.” She quizzically looked at me and answered, “What do you mean? This is what I’m wearing.” Okay, I must confess, I was stunned. Not because she was stunning. My thinking was more in line with questioning why she chose what she chose. Along with, how will she ever pull this off?

This was the same person who couldn’t quite understand why she kept attracting the wrong men. I know… she just didn’t get it. Never had she any qualms, leaving those smitten quite distracted to say the least. No one could see anything apart from… well, you get my drift. There’s a time and place for such fashion statements. A time and a place.

WHO YOU ATTRACT MAY BOIL DOWN TO DRESS CODE – JUST SAYING

As it so happened, one day, she got curious and asked for some feedback. “Why is it I seem to attract guys who only have one thing on their minds?” Okay, I just couldn’t answer the question the way I should have. Instead, I replied, “You’re too attractive.” I was being honest. She was very seductive-looking. The point I want to make here is this: We need to be conscious of what we’re projecting. It’s one thing to look oh so hot. But to flaunt what we have may not be such a great idea. Sometimes it’s far better to conceal a tad more than overexpose too much too soon. Which can leave some people with not only a distinct impression, but it may also give those you have no interest in unintentional encouragement. 

The thing is, we dress not only for ourselves. We dress for everyone who sees us. So wherever we go, the key is awareness. Aware of who we are, what we project, as well as to keep in mind, those we want to attract. Ask yourself: Why am I choosing this outfit and is it appropriate?