Dressed for the occasion

I  would certainly describe myself as observant. I always have been and I look at things others may normally miss. I observe people especially so any trip out and about brings with it a wealth of opportunity to spot the unusual looking, the under-dressed, the over-dressed or the inappropriately dressed. Today was certainly no exception and a trip to King's Lynn provided a plethora of subjects to study.
I do find myself more and more critical of clothing. My wife would normally always point out if someone was dressed inappropriately but I find myself often doing just that. I do expect people to dress appropriately. I don't hanker for top hats and tailored suits but there is a minimum level I deem appropriate for 'public display'. Sadly, there are fewer people nowadays that meet my 'minimum standard'.
The majority of people in King's Lynn today were shoppers. I knew that because they were carrying bags festooned with high street names. It was busy too - busier than I've known it to be for a long time. So there is certainly money available for spending. The shops I visited were all doing a very good trade. Why then can't people spend just a little of that money on their appearance? I was genuinely shocked by some of the people I saw today. Some displayed more flesh than was decent. Teenagers were barely dressed at all and grown men were dressed in what I can only describe as beach attire. I consider myself pretty broad minded but even I had to look twice. These people were in full public view and going in and out of shops. Surely they must have a level of self awareness or a smidgen of interest in what they look like?
I have always felt that appearance often dictates how others perceive you and affects how you are treated. I know this as I spent many many years in suits - smart suits with crisp shirts and silk ties. I would also have a handkerchief to match my tie and this would protrude appropriately from my top pocket. I looked smart and I knew it. I know for a fact that this would often affect how I was treated and and how people perceived me. In shops, the assistants would be more polite. People in the street would often give way. Above all, I felt good and I felt confident. Now I'm not saying for one second that everyone should go round in suits but I am convinced that appearance is one of those things we've stopped caring about.
For me, the suits have now gone. They went two years ago and now I would only wear one to a funeral or a special occasion. Now, I mostly wear jeans and a polo shirt. At home, I wear what I like - normally jeans and a t-shirt. But when I am out, I still like to feel smart. OK, the man in the suit has gone but that doesn't mean I should drop my standards. I'm not out to impress - I don't need to. I'm happily married and I no longer want the life of a high-flying executive. I've done that. I'm happy now to settle for 'normal'. Normal for me does though mean dressing appropriately - comfortable but smart. I know what that is. My wife is an excellent judge and I looked smart every day - I had to, it was part of the job. It's just so sad that so many do not. If people can't be bothered to make the effort then why should they expect others to do the same?
Or maybe I'm just getting old...?