Ask Margar-etiquette about Dressing Too Casually

Dear Margar-etiquette,

I’ve noticed that people seem to dress far more casually than they used to. Sometimes even in professional settings, nice restaurants, or on airplanes I am seeing hair bonnets and house shoes. Has etiquette changed, or have we just lowered our standards?

Missing the Magic of Dressing Up

Dear Missing,

You’re not imagining it! The pendulum has swung toward casual in almost every corner of life. We see it in stores, offices, theaters, and on flights. Once upon a time, air travel meant polished shoes and pressed attire. Now, it’s more likely to mean leggings, hoodies, and slippers.

There are a few reasons for this shift: comfort-driven culture, the blending of home and work wardrobes, and a greater emphasis on personal expression over tradition. Add in the “athleisure” trend, and it’s no surprise that casual dress has become the default.

But etiquette still applies—it has simply adapted. Here are a few guiding principles:

1. Dress to respect the setting. A courtroom, wedding, or business meeting calls for more formality than a grocery run. Your appearance signals you value the event and the people involved.
2. Dress to respect others. In shared spaces like restaurants or airplanes, avoid clothing that is overly revealing, offensive in message, or likely to make others uncomfortable.
3. Dress to participate fully. Wearing something too casual can make you feel out of place or less confident in certain situations.
4. Avoid “comfort at all costs.” Comfort is important, but not when it crosses into looking careless—especially when people have gone to effort to create a special atmosphere.

When in doubt, aim one notch more polished than you think the occasion requires. You won’t offend anyone by looking like you took the time, but you may accidentally send the wrong message if you underdress.

Clothing is more than fabric—it’s a silent introduction. It tells the world how seriously you take yourself, your work, and the people you meet. Comfort has its place, but dignity never goes out of style.

With respect and refinement,
Margar-etiquette