Re:Economic status cues from clothes affect perceived compet...
by ghaff on Tuesday December 10, 2019 @08:00AM
(#21752012)
Swapping out a button-down shirt and khakis--assuming that's what you tended to wear in a business context a few years ago--for jeans and a more casual shirt to better look the part at a developer conference is every bit the same as putting on a suit for a different context.
Re:Economic status cues from clothes affect perceived compet...
by galangalalgol on Tuesday December 10, 2019 @08:05AM
(#21752049)
This is very interesting. I have in the last year or so given up on ties or even tucking in my shirt. For me it there was a point where the discomfort of business attire wasn't worth the fun of playing that role. I liked it, on occasion, but the difference in comfort levels is enough that it distracts me if I am trying to do technical work.
It's also important to not get attached to the image that comes back as projection from others.
Dressing casually in all situations and all groups is a sign that you are fixated to some self-image, exactly the same way as always being Dapper Dan is. You will self-select yourself into a some group and role in it without knowing it. The role you are most comfortable in is not what you really are. It's just where you are most comfortable. Challenging that may be stressful.
There is no role that is 'real you'. What you 'really are', or finding your 'true self' is pop psychology. Being comfortable and constantly adjusting to situations and roles is the best we can do.