Do clothes make the man?

So the question for the day is: Do the clothes make the man?

We are in the process of defining/redefining and enforcing a dress code. And, yes, I do think that the "clothes make the man".

The people in the public sector already have a reputation of being lazy, inefficient, unprofessional, etc. Why not work towards changing these images?

Don't I always preach working toward change...even if its in tiny itty bitty baby steps.

Pros:

• Looking professional will exude a bit more respect from the general public.
  
• Dressing business appropriate will (hopefully) change the mindset of the organization as well
  
• Now you can wear your nice clothes to work and not feel overdressed.
  
• Perception of the organization will be changed
  

Ok, so since I have a list of PROS, I think it's only fair to list the CONS. So here it is...

Cons:

• Dress clothes are not comfortable. Being comfortable in the work environment is important.
  
• The general public does not even see a lot of us---so why should it matter?
  
• Cost of dry cleaning
  
• Even in business casual clothes, some people still look unkempt.
  

These are a few that I can think of.

I think that if you wear your "Sunday best" your attitude and mindset will change. It is just like a good hair day or when you have lost weight and can now fit into that size 2 black stretchy dress. If you look good, don't you usually feel good? And, if you feel good and in a good mood, don't you usually want to do what you're supposed to or what's right or expected of you? Sort of like, A = B = C (for all you math freaks out there). Its that simple and it really does all add up.

We'll see though. Change is always hard. Hopefully everything is defined precisely and there won't be anyone who will find the loophole and challenge the policy.