I am not alone in being appalled by how people dress to go to the theatre. Elisabeth Vincentelli at the NY Post feels even more strongly than I do.

When I ushered for a Broadway show at Portland’s largest auditorium I watched a stream of people pass, and 80% of them were dressed as if they were going grocery shopping. (These are folks who can afford tickets that range from $60-$300 each, so money is not the issue.)

Perhaps this is Portland’s way of saying “Appearance is sooo superficial…” But it’s happening in Manhattan as well, on the REAL Broadway, where ticket prices start at three figures.

Be clear, I’m not talking about fashion. I’m talking about dressing in a way that says “I care enough about myself and about you (those who will see me) to put some thought into looking attractive. I’ve cared enough to attend to my makeup and hair, and to choose nice clothes in a style that is appropriate for the occasion.”

99% of us will never be fashion icons, but to dress attractively is to send a clear message “I am conscious and I am aware that how I look makes a difference – to my own self-image and to what others think of me. I choose to enhance life today.”

Vincentelli notes that she was annoyed when she learned there was a dress code (all white) at a posh tennis club where she wanted to play. But once she got herself into the all-white outfit, she felt special. She concludes:

So while you can hold on to your crop tops and ratty band tees, you may also think twice about where and when you wear them. After all, if you dress better, you’ll feel better.