I really became aware of the problem when we were discussing our attire for the Wings Awards, and it became an issue.  Then, when getting ready for Trumbauer, I noticed he had made the effort.  So it was on my mind all day at judging.  And last Friday, although declared by some businesses a holiday, really drove home the point: why is America dressing like that?

I am not blameless in this attack.  When I was younger and spent the majority of my workday in a studio, it was not uncommon for me to show up for work in pajama pants.  If I knew I had a public appearance that day, or was giving a tour to some REALLY bored troupe of youngins, I’d wear jeans and a shirt.  But most of the time, my hair was pulled back in a baseball cap, I had on pj pants and a t-shirt, and sometimes I wore shoes. 

But I was also 19.

I think I was raised a bit differently.  We were graded on our attire in school when we attended functions.  Wore jeans on the day we went to see a BTL school show?  Guess who wasn’t going.  We had to bring in our Trumbauer outfits two days before competition to get the okay.  And that was to okay the LOOK of the outfit.. you wouldn’t DREAM of bringing in jeans.  The Wings Awards?  A formal affair.  You wear a ball gown or a tux.  Nothing less.

And at work?  If I’m wearing jeans, I’m in heels.  Maybe on a Friday I’ll wear tennis shoes.  But lately, I’ve watched people come in dressed in sweat suits or track pants, and I just think.. “Was DENIM too much?  You just couldn’t bring yourself to pull on some JEANS today?”

The most COMMON note I made at Trumbauer: “I dressed up to watch you; could you manage to wear something a bit more appropriate to perform in?  Your outfit sets your character.  Think that through before state.”

And I think THAT’S the bottom line.  Your outfit sets your character.  Day in and day out.  People perceive who you are by how you present yourself.  I swear I get waaaay too much credit at times because I LOOK like I know what I’m doing.  Add a confident air to that, and I can get my way through pretty much everything.

Trumbauer REALLY irritated me in that respect.  Your performance is not a competition at this level; it’s an interview.  Dress as you would if you wanted a job.  Flip flops?  For the beach.  Ripped jeans?  Went out, like, five years ago.  T-shirts?  Oh, you’re playing a HOBO. 

I’m sad that things like this are no longer important in society.  I’m working to rectify that, one kid at a time.

And it’s working.. when we got ready for Trumbauer, I realized that he was wearing nice khakis and a linen shirt.  And he was, by far, the HOTTEST director there.