Are We Dressing to the Lowest Common Denominator?

Beginner | October 25, 2025

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What Does “Dressing Standards” Mean in Modern Culture?

On October 16, 2025, an article titled “How We Dress Speaks Volumes” published by The Epoch Times begins with a simple observation: a church‑visitor noticed everyone was dressed up with skirts and dresses instead of casual wear. The author, Annie Holmquist, reflects that “dressing up for special occasions and places is no longer a thing.” (theepochtimes.com)
She suggests we may be lowering our dressing standards—meeting only the minimum cultural expectation instead of expressing personal care or respect.

Why Dressing Standards Matter in Business and Everyday Life

When we talk about dressing standards, it’s not just about fashion—it’s about what our appearance says to others in business, work, and life. If everyone in a meeting dresses the same casual way, we lose the signals of professionalism, respect, or distinction. In short: your wardrobe becomes invisible.
Holmquist says that dressing thoughtfully shows respect for art, culture, and the people around you. (theepochtimes.com)

The Shift in Culture: Casual Wins, Intentional Style Loses

The article points out a cultural shift: “dressing up has become more rare,” which means the baseline for acceptable dress has dropped. We used to raise the bar; now we meet the lowest common denominator. The author suggests that when we lower expectations of personal presentation, it reflects broader tendencies—like lowered standards for interaction, communication, and service. (theepochtimes.com)

Lessons for English Learners & Business English

From a language and business‑English angle, this topic gives us great vocabulary (baseline, shift, casual, intentional) and opportunities to talk about professional presence, first impressions, and standards of excellence. In workplace communication, you might ask: How do my dressing standards set the tone? In what ways do we signal our values through presentation?
You might say: “We’re not following low dressing standards”—which means we aim higher.

How You Can Use This in Your Everyday and Career

Think about the environment you’re in: is it appropriate for casual attire, or does it still expect a level of smartness?
Consider how you present yourself when meeting clients, attending events, or in virtual settings—your dress is part of your “brand.”
Use this topic for a short spoken exercise: describe a time when someone’s appearance positively surprised you (or disappointed you) and why it mattered.

Vocabulary

Denominator (noun) – in mathematics, the bottom number in a fraction; in idiomatic use: the standard or basis for comparison.
- Example: “We should not let our dressing standards fall to the lowest common denominator.”
Baseline (noun) – a starting point or minimum standard.
- Example: “The baseline for business casual has shifted.”
Casual (adjective) – comfortable, informal.
- Example: “Casual dress can appear too relaxed in formal settings.”
Distinct (adjective) – clearly different or special.
- Example: “Her attire was distinct and professional.”
Intentional (adjective) – done on purpose, deliberately.
- Example: “An intentional outfit shows you value the meeting.”
Professional presence (noun) – the way someone appears and communicates that reflects their professional identity.
- Example: “Her professional presence gave confidence to clients.”
Signal (verb) – to indicate or communicate something.
- Example: “Your clothing can signal your seriousness.”
Reflect (verb) – to show or express.
- Example: “His choice of attire reflected his respect for the event.”
Shift (noun) – a change in position or attitude.
- Example: “There has been a shift toward more casual dress.”
Culture (noun) – the shared beliefs, habits, and arts of a group.
- Example: “Corporate culture influences dressing standards.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why does the author believe we might be lowering our dressing standards?
How can dressing a bit more thoughtfully change the way others perceive you?
What are the risks of setting the minimum standard rather than aiming higher?
In your experience, when does attire matter most—virtual meeting, in‑person event, or casual Friday?
Which point in the article resonated with you, and how might you apply it to your presentation style?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How important are dressing standards in making a first impression? Do you believe “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”?
How do dress codes differ between cultures, industries, or companies? What does that tell us?
Do you think casual dress trends positively impact comfort and creativity, or do they reduce professionalism?
How might you “raise the bar” in your own presentation—clothing, communication, posture—for better professional impact?
Do you agree that dressing standards communicate our values? Why or why not?

Related Idiom

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Example: “By maintaining high dressing standards for meetings, you’re preparing for the job you want rather than the role you’re in now.”

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This article was inspired by: The Epoch Times. (How We Dress Speaks Volumes) (theepochtimes.com)