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Can you be overdressed??

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stewartu

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My father once observed that you can never be over dressed, only under dressed.

I find this to be true.

What say the rest of you? Is it possible to be over dressed or is it only possible to be more appropriately or less appropriately dressed? I'm not talking about wearing evening garb to a duck hunt or any such absurdity. I am talking about dressing for the occasion.

Does feeling like we know what is appropriate make us snobs or does it just make us correct?
 
#4 ·
One could be ridiculous and say that a tux or cutaway might be overdressing for Thanksgiving, but within proportion, it is really not possible to be overdressed; while it is terribly easy to be under dressed. Being under dressed is the fashion of the day.
 
#5 · (Edited)
One can be over-dressed; however, it is better to be over-dressed then under-dressed. I do not see being over-dressed being an issue, it depends on the individual, I do not see it as being over-dressed, others might. Turning up in a dinner suit for an occasion that does not need it, would be over-dressing.

I have met friends after work, while I was suited and booted and some of them were not. Once a friend came from Cornwall came up to London and we meeting in pair near Liverpool Street and he was in ripped surfer jeans, t-shirt and wearing flip-flops.

It depends on the individual too, I tend to wear blazers and some people think that is being formal. While I consider two of my blazers being casual/smart-casual wear.

I really do not care for what the fashion is today or tomorrow; if someone gave me enough money, I could purchase 99% of my wardrobe for the next 10 years tomorrow. That 1% remaining could be a new special edition Hackett rugby-top, again that would not be based on fashion.
 
#8 ·
As long as you are dressed for the occasion I do not think you can be overdressed. Now as was stated in the first post, if you wear "evening garb to a duck hunt" then yes you are both overdressed and straight out absurd.
 
#9 ·
stewartu said:
What say the rest of you? Is it possible to be over dressed or is it only possible to be more appropriately or less appropriately dressed? I'm not talking about wearing evening garb to a duck hunt or any such absurdity. I am talking about dressing for the occasion.
Click to expand...
The question seems phrased to define its own answer. :)

I say yes, it's possible to be overdressed even when the disconnect between event and clothing doesn't pass into total absurdity. If your clothes make others around you feel uncomfortable, or create an unnecessary barrier between you and others, then you are overdressed. For example, I'm thinking of college guys who insist on wearing suits and ties to class, or those who resist loosening their ties even for casual purposes. Even in a business environment, it's important to read the signals of supervisors, clients and customers. Suit and tie isn't always the best option.

It's wonderful to try to uphold certain sartorial standards, but I try to remember to dress not just for myself, but for others. After all, the most essential component of good etiquette is that we make others feel at ease.
 
#12 ·
I see it as him only being inappropriately dressed if he is associating with everyone else around him. If he is headed for the bar, his boat, a beachside restaraunt, or some other place he is just in an awkward situation.
 
#13 · (Edited)
stuartu said:
Is it possible to be over dressed or is it only possible to be more appropriately or less appropriately dressed?
Click to expand...
I believe that one can indeed be inappropriately dressed. The general assumption in discussions such as this is that greater formality is preferred to lesser formality when in doubt or when there is a choice betwixt the two. That has always been my approach. That is not the same thing as saying that it is appropriate to wear more formal attire on occasions or in venues that demand a more casual approach. A gentleman is always aware of his situation and is careful to make his hosts, companions, or guests feel comfortable while adhering to good taste and proper attire. Overdressing is not an attribute; it is an indication that an individual is not aware or does not care about his surroundings. Indeed, it is precisely that: over dressing. On the other hand, it is always proper to be appropriately dressed, even if others fail to live up to that standard. ;)
 
#15 ·
What of people who use every accessory and style detail until they look like a Christmas tree or East Los Angeles '64 Chevy lowrider?
I've observed people, not the 'bling bling' type; with collar bar, tie pin, flag pin, boutonnier and fashion sunglasses hanging off of a patterned shirt, tie on chalk strip suit.
 
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