The other day, my wife and I were in a local car dealership. It was a busy, bustling place. I suppose only the good Lord and the payroll department know exactly how many salesmen work there. They all seemed to be on missions as they traversed across the showroom floor. They smiled and acknowledged their "guests" who arrived to talk deals on automobiles.
It was my wife who made the following observation: "These salesmen dress better than my nurses do." Each salesman wore a dress shirt and tie. They were cleanly groomed and sported nice slacks. Now, I am not one to be a clotheshorse, but you couldn't help but notice the image the salesmen maintained and the contrast with other professions.
I can recall when nurses wore hats, starched white dresses, and spit-shined shoes. Even policemen on the beat wore ties. Deliverymen wore snappy uniforms and hats.
People go to work (and church) in shorts and t-shirts. We dress down quite a bit. I have attended many funerals where even the pallbearers wore western shirts or sport shirts and jeans. I couldn't help but think, "It is an honor for you to be a part of this funeral. Couldn't you at least borrow a suit or tie out of respect for the deceased?"
I don't recall ever seeing Jerry Falwell without a suit and tie- except once, for a joke, when he and Rick Warren exchanged outfits. Jerry wore the Hawaiian shirt and Rick had on the suit and tie. Both looked out of place.
Don't get me wrong- I don't like wearing a suit and tie much myself. But I know there is a proper place and time for the right attire. (Have you ever gone to an event under or overdressed?) I also know that what one wears makes an impression. And those first impressions are often the ones which last the longest.
We don't get a second chance to make a first impression.
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