First impressions. There’s no doubting their power. Eyes, smile, hair, scent – and certainly the attire. Each plays its role, but how true is it that “the clothes make the man,” or that fashion (or lack thereof) really influences what we think of someone?
Back in the day, I worked at a company patterned after IBM, and some years later, I actually did work at IBM. There was a kind of uniform at the time, for bankers, lawyers, and business people. Dark suit, white shirt, black socks, wingtips. And of course, a conservative tie and short hair cut.
For women (in similar jobs), equally conservative (asexual) clothing was de rigueur. Style of a particular sort, but so restrictive!
It was what it was. Like everyone else, I conformed. It was about the work – and not about how we looked doing the work, except – to be professional.
The times, they are a-changing…
Times have changed. Individuality is no longer scorned, and that goes beyond creative roles and industries. Nonetheless, we say a great deal in our choice of clothing and personal style. So do the clothes still make the man? And likewise, the woman?
When you encounter a droopy-drawered 20-year old, or one in khakis, don’t you make snap judgments? And a woman in a classic but body-fitting suit – doesn’t she command attention, while remaining appropriate in almost any social setting?
Clothes and teens
What about your teens? 
Ripped jeans, the right kind of high-tops, pants hanging below the butt, piercings… what do you think is acceptable and when?
And for the girls – short skirts and bellies bared – cute, or too much?
What about middle schools and high schools banning certain clothing, or trying to regulate it? Is it hopeless, or should we be attempting to regulate a small measure of modesty in the name of appropriate dress?
Clothes and the corporate world
The corporate world places emphasis on the work, and less so the way you look; the former ultra-conservative uniform has yielded to more fashionable alternatives, at least for women. For men? It’s still a sharp suit in many fields, but business casual attire in others. And while I say it’s the work that counts, without question the package you present (in attire) remains a significant factor.
Why? Because the company wants the emphasis on products, services, customers, prospects – appropriate representation of their brand or reputation, and on the subject matter at hand, without the distraction of too much flesh or inappropriate dress.
Clothes and the creative world
On the other hand – fun, fun, fun is in, when it comes to the creative world! You are marketing your persona as a creative individual – funny, original, free-thinking, media-worthy – and your fashion sense (or nonsense) is part and parcel of the performance.
Oh, for that sort of freedom! Yet are there limits, still? Does anything go if you’re a celebrity or a creative genius? Or for that matter, if you’re rich?
Clothes and the dating world 
I know that when I’m dating – except for the proverbial “coffee date,” I’m most comfortable in attire that makes me feel feminine – just a bit sexy, but nothing too “too.” It’s French fashion style for me, but it’s a careful line to walk, especially when you first meet someone.
And yet, I love the act and fact of dressing up to go out. Even when I go out on my own, I feel better, more energized, and more prepared for anything and everything when wearing a smart outfit and a hot pair of shoes. (Especially the shoes!)
A little on the classic side? A little French twist? Oui.
Why not?
Regional fashion differences
I’ve noticed regional differences, particularly in dressing up or down, as well as in dating. In Paris, I always dress. In New York, as well. In certain other parts of the country? The (unwritten) rules are different – for men and women both.
What’s your preference? What makes you feel great when you put it on and head out on the town? And what do you think it does for that first impression – for a new man or new woman in your life? (A side note, guys – we women do notice what you’re wearing, just like you notice what we’ve slipped into – it’s a sign of self-attention, and to some extent, a signal of other things that impact relationships.)
Media influences
Film has always influenced fashion, and that doesn’t look about to change. How likely are you to take cues from what you see at the movies, on tv, or via the internet – in terms of what you wear?
God is in the details
Thank you Mies van der Rohe, for that one. And I tend to agree. But when it comes to fashion, is that still the case? For men, does a nice little cuff on dress pants count? Belt versus no belt? Loafers, color of socks, undershirts, tie widths, accessories… do we really notice? Is each element part of a successful whole?
AskMen.com thinks so, and again, as a woman – I tend to agree. (We notice more than you realize.)
Fashion statements in your world?
What worlds do you work and socialize in? Are there clothing rules? Do they suit you? And do you feel differently or act differently when you’re “putting on the ritz” in your better attire?
Older and wiser versus older and dull
I remember my mother wearing leopard. Leopard hats, leopard prints, leopard gloves. (Patterns, not fur.) She also loved that hot pink lipstick, or bright red!
As she grew older, she still loved leopard, but it seemed to me that some of what she was wearing was inappropriate – either for the locale, or because of her age, or possibly, because it simply wasn’t fashionable any longer. Coupled with maturing, she looked… well… a little silly.
Who makes the rules, anyway…
Now that I’m that age myself (no, I don’t care to wear leopard, thanks – but I do love color, cleavage, and my lovely footwear) – were my judgments too harsh? Or do I look foolish and delusional?
If a woman of 40+ still has great legs or an hourglass figure, can she show them off proudly? At 50+? At 60+? Is there really a cut-off, and who gets the say-so? Dress “my age” you say? Isn’t that really up to me, exercising appropriate judgment for time and place?
And a man? If he still looks hot in tight jeans and a button down shirt at 60, is there any reason he shouldn’t indulge in showing off his tight butt and pleasing pecs? Shouldn’t it all be about feeling good?
Any favorite fashion idols? Young, old, in between?
I always liked going on first dates in NYC in a button-down shirt and silk tie, to feel more upscale and professional. And I always enjoyed the women who showed attention to the feminine arts you mentioned in your essay — the times when that happened. I notice that, too, the whole package.