CMV: The death of formal attire in formal/professional settings (court, weddings, job interviews, religious services) is indicative of societal decline.

There is a time and place for everything. When you go to the gym, you don't wear jeans or dress clothes. When you go on a date, you dress a certain way. When you go to sleep, you wear pajamas. Understanding that different situations require different behavior and a different dress code is part of being a member of an orderly and healthy society.

I think it is bad that many people have lost respect for institutions and common courtesy, and that showcases itself in how people dress in important environments. For example, unless your wedding is specifically "western" (in the US context) themed, you should not wear jeans to a wedding. T-shirts are not acceptable attire in a courtroom or at a job interview. You should show respect by dressing appropriately if attending religious services. While everyone has the legal freedom to dress as they wish, dressing inappropriately showcases a lack of respect and understanding of societal norms that only hurts that person. Do we think someone who looks like an unmade bed in court is going to get a sympathetic judge or jury?

Some argue that not everyone can afford formal attire. I think that is a cop-out for 95% of people in western countries. People, even those who are working class, spend all sorts of money on restaurants, alcohol, tattoos, cigarettes and other non-essential items. That is your right. But you cannot then argue you don't have money to buy a $20 collared shirt for a job interview or for your best friend's wedding.

Is clothing the most important thing in the world? Of course not. Should anyone care if you wear sweats on an airplane? Of course not. But there are some instances and some settings where unofficial dress codes should be kept intact.

The decline of these dress codes and the decline of formal attire exemplifies some terrible recent trends in society. People don't respect institutions and don't understand the concept of professionalism. Ever been in a courtroom? You'd be shocked how many people disrespect judges and lawyers. They can't speak in a professional manner. They curse. And of course they frequently also look like an unmade bed. That is not unique to the legal profession. People don't respect doctors, academics, teachers, etc. People in the service industry can share horror stories of how their customers and their coworkers act like idiots lacking respect and professionalism.

Do your part and dress well. While dressing appropriately isn't the most important thing in the world, show your neighbors that there are still some lines in society worth upholding.