A really good friend of mine is getting married. In the midst of the initial stages of planning, she has decided she wants it to be special and classy. Most people in this situation are aiming for the same. My friend’s thinking? “If anyone comes to my wedding wearing sweats, shorts or jeans, I might actually kick them out.” I don’t blame her. Unless it is specified on the invitation that it’s allowed, no one wants pictures of their distant relative wearing tight bike shorts to be forever saved on film or in the minds of their guests. As such, conversation has, on occasion, turned to the current state of affairs when it comes to dress etiquette at weddings, parties and the office.

We live in Edmonton, a city in the middle of the northern Canadian prairies. Our history is that of the farmer and oil, so maybe you can understand why casual is common here. But, speaking with my parents, there was a certain dress code back when they were young entrepreneurs. Going to a restaurant in the downtown core? You wore your best outfit. Going to the theatre or the symphony? It’s not an everyday occurance, so put on your dress and heels or a suit and tie and paint the town!

It seems that those days have come and gone. People feel comfortable ambling into work in their gym clothes or attending a business function in their casual Friday wear or seeing a play donned in a hoodie or going to a family member’s wedding dressed in jeans and socks with sandals.

What ever happened to dress etiquette?

I’m not saying that everyone is this way. There are many people in my city that take their style up a notch every day. Thank you for that. Appearance isn’t always  everything, but in situations like these, dressing for the occasion is a form of respect. Taking pride in your appearance boosts your esteem, too. Who has ever walked out of the house thinking ‘I look amazing in this ratty t-shirt, baggy sweatpants and my pair of Crocs? I’m going guess and say no one. But think about any time you have put in just an iota of effort in the way you look and what you wear. When you look good, you can feel the confidence build up in yourself. People you work with, your friends and family, even strangers on the street will notice.

So, next time you step into your closet, think about how you want to be perceived by others. Remember, be it your regular work day or a job interview or one of your best friend’s weddings, adhering to some sort of dress etiquette is for everyones’ benefit.

What’s your opinion on the subject of dress etiquette? Do you think it’s necessary? Or do you wish you could wear Lululemon clothes everywhere?

Photo Sources: Fashiondonts.com and A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants & Coordinators