Re: Men have worn ties...
My employer has grown more casual in these matters over the past 25 years, but I've always worn a tie to work there, even back when I also wore bluejeans (which I've outgrown—in both senses, alas). The slight strangling sensation serves to remind me where I am, and has figuratively choked back many an indiscreet observation or personal reminiscence over the years (the institutional culture is decidedly conservative). I have lately realized that my semi-natty dress code (tie, haircut oftener than quarterly, oxford cloth shirt and pleated trousers) has served me well with the New Boss (2+ years, and quite the stylish fella) when at a recent meeting he noticed my honeymoon shoes (difficult to describe, but something like two-toned suede sneakers), frowned and said "That's OK for weekend wear, but—not for work, if you don't mind." Given the, heh-heh, delicacy of my political position on the org chart, a wink was quite as good as a nod, and the honeymoon shoes have been banished to, well, weekend use. The things we do to pay the rent/mortgage!
Speaking of the things we do, congratulations on the new gig. May it be altogether happier and more remunerative than the old.
cordially,
