Enough, already! ( wardrobe-related content )

[LittleRusty]

[WxJeff]

Boomer? Perspective matters. And, yeah, there was definitely a dress code. Air Force Regulation 35-10

[RandyTX]

slightly more serious (love the above picture, by the way)...

actual concert attire, at least for me, has changed a lot over the years. About ten years ago (I don't remember the exact year), a city-sponsored orchestra I play in changed from tuxedos (full penguin suits) for men, and long black dresses for the women, to just 'concert black' which didn't change much at all about how the women dressed, but we got to dump the penguin outfits for black dress pants, black collared shirts and a black tie. It's surprisoingly difficult to find a plain black tie (other than a bow tie) on a rack in a department store, but I managed it, and that was easier, and cooler, especially in outdoor venues, than the tux that's still in the closet in case I ever need it again.

When the audience changes over the years, from 'sunday best' to 'jeans and a t-shirt', I suppose it doesn't make a lot of sense for the performers to take it that much more seriously than the audience does? Whatever...

Then again, just last year, they changed the dress requirements again, to drop the tie, and you can even wear long sleeve shirts or a polo if you want to. They also made it 'gender neutral' in that you can basically wear anything you want, with no mention of gender, as long as it's all black, and has no 'distracting elements' which is somewhat remeniscent of a recent watch thread. People wear watches, but it's not been an issue for us. They did have some wannabe peacocks in the orchetra, that wanted to add a little 'bling bling' to their black costumes at some gigs, hence them doubling down on the 'not distracting' part, but a single 'dress code' for everyone in the orchestra.

Most of us that have been in the same group for a long time have continued wearing the ties, while most of the newer members are like "yay, I can wear a black polo shirt and black jeans" which I have, so far, resisted doing, mostly because I am used to the other. I don't suppose, expecially sitting in the back of the orchestra with the brass that anybody can actaully tell much difference anyway, unless we're getting a bow, or we're seen before or after the gig, outside the hall. /shrug

Now, for 'other' sorts of gigs, church for example, I wear whatever the MD or choir director expects, and even that has been toned down a bit in recent years. USed to be suit and tie, now it's often 'concert black' (with or without the tie) in some cases, and no jacket required, or some church-logo'd polo shirt (they provide them) and either dress pants or in some cases 'nice jeans'.

Party/wedding stuff? Usually varies, from 'fun and colorful' (not quite Doc standard), to dress clothes, depending on who hires the group.

A lot of big bands in this area (I've been a memeber of, or subbed with most of them), vary wildly, and seasonally, as a lot of gigs in Texas in the summer are outdoors, and can be brutal, even if you get lucky and play in the shade, or after sunset. Having to play when it's near or above 100F outside, typically means shorts and t-shirts, or people are going to be trucked off to the nearest hospital. indoors, most big bands run jeans and 'colorful shirt', or, in other cases, matching colored polos, often black.

I guess the point I'm making, is dress codes change, even for 'serious business' like orchestra gigs over time, but it's really all about the music, not about how you look, right? As long as you fit the gig, and the ensemble around you, not much else matters.
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[kehaulani]

Two complaints. And they're personal and I wouldn't get mired into defending them.

* wearing tennis shoes with formal attire
* wearing hats on stage if ir's an ensemble
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[LittleRusty]

[Man Of Constant Sorrow]

re: tennis shoes

I understand one cannot enter a Cracker Barrel restaurant, unless he/she is wearing white sneakers.
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[cwmich31]

I love dressing nice.

[Man Of Constant Sorrow]

[Crazy Finn]

[kehaulani]

[mm55]

[tptLad]

Exactly! I totally agree with the OP. I am a high school sophomore and I constantly am appalled by the fashion choices of my peers. I will admit I a classic men's fashion nerd and often show up to school in a suit, but seriously (girls especially)! Put some clothes on, man!
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"Life is a lot like jazz… it's better when you improvise." - George Gershwin

[WxJeff]