Matt Ingenthron's Stream of Consciousness

Thursday May 10, 2007

What to Wear? The Modern Dress Code Problem

The other night, at JavaOne, I met Ben Rockwood, and as he and I were talking, Josh Berkus walked by. Ben complimented Josh on his hat, and Josh repaid Ben with a compliment on his kilt. I'm quite serious.

This is the manner of dress of most of my contemporaries and customers.

I, on the other hand, was in nice black pants, and a wrinkle free shirt (I was prepared for a customer briefing that didn't materialize).

Ironically, dress code was also a side discussion during the morning keynote. Scott McNealy (jeans, Sun logo'd shirt, $7 haircut) quipped about Jonathan Schwartz's dress (sport coat, shirt, tie, slacks, pony tail) as CEO, then turned his attention to Rich Green (nearly always in a black shirt, short sleeved) both playing the role of, and looking like Sun's Steve Jobs, though with short sleeves.

Over the last couple of years, I've started to dress a bit nicer. It was mostly due to the customer set I was working with- typically larger companies, but it was also because some Sun folks come into the office well dressed, as do customers and partners.

I guess the question is, does dress code matter? This question cuts both ways: I could be (and believe I was) perceived as not being someone capable of addressing technical topics, or I could be perceived as not taking business seriously.

Maybe I just shouldn't worry about it....