why is that one is judged one one's attire?

Question

i am a professional person w/a masters degree and defending my thesis for my doctorate. i like to dress casual and i mostly prefer cotton to synthetic material. Buying the latest fashion, expensive clothing was never my forte', but i have noticed that people assign a lot of significance--like intelligence, competence, credibility, etc..It makes me mad that i have to conform to the culture even though i do not relate to it. there are a lot of morons dressed to the nines...do any of you feel like this. maybe i'm the oddball here.

Answer 1

Because one's attire reflects one's taste and personality. You do NOT have to conform to what is normally expected of you re: attire. BUT, you do have to be prepared to live with the consequences and judgment of others. In a public defense of a doctoral thesis, it would seem appropriate to dress up in a suit and tie. It really is not an informal or casual event. Therefore, more formal, professional attire would most likely be expected. Sometimes we have to abide by others' standards and not our own. For example, One would NOT expect a person to attend a wake in blue jeans and a tee shirt. Get the point?

Good luck

Answer 2

It is a matter of culture. You derive many benefits from living in this culture, especially that it supports members not working and contributing so that they can obtain the benefits of education and time away to write theses.

Each of the norms we adhere to is a small gesture toward payback for the benefits we receive from the culture.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

It's like that throughout your whole life. Good luck picking up a woman while wearing a T-shirt. Our society is what happens when lemmings rule.

Answer 4

no you're not the only one. i think it's ridiculous to be judged by clothing and appearance altogether. people should realize that its not what you wear, it's what you are that really counts.