> The status symbol is being enough of a hot shot to not have to play by the rules of status.

I definitely feel bad when I hear stories about black and hispanic men having to dress up at work because people feel scared of them when they wear hoodies and torn shorts like I do.

Relevant: https://qz.com/369338/this-is-what-makes-dressing-down-a-sta...

> Observers must believe the nonconforming individual is both aware of the norm and able to conform to it, but deliberately decides not to. A nonconforming behavior that seems unintentional or dictated by lack of a better alternative—such as ragged clothes on a homeless person—will not lead to a positive impression.

This part is super interesting. You need to be able to wear the baseball cap and jeans while letting people know that you _could_ be wearing a fancy suit if you cared about their norms.

It's not about the absence of taste, it's about the opposite of taste – is much more pronounced and intentional

Also, this send to be a great quote: https://youtu.be/FlzZhGr8G9w

This is so true. When you dress like a slob, you’re basically signaling you don’t have to impress people.