[beaversmom]

I think it was a sign of the times in the West, and probably even in the Soviet Union, to go out looking well-kempt back then. When I was a little girl in the early 70s and traveled to England with my mom to see her relatives, it was a big deal to go on a plane. You HAD to have new clothes and be dressed up. I loved the cute little duds she bought for me. Then, as an adult, I had an older friend named Karen. She grew up in the 50s/60s. She never went out without her hair done up...she wore it teased up like they used to do when she was young...and make up and her clothes neatly pressed. Handbag and shoes to match her outfit.

Dennis Prager has talked about his on his radio show and written at least one column about it...probably more:

One man wore jacket and tie at high school graduation
http://www.dennisprager.com/one-man-wore-jacket-and-tie-at-high-school-graduation/

[T-Bone Texan]

Thanks for the Prager link. I read it all.

I find it hard to defend my insistence on formality; I just cant find the words or formulate an argument sometimes.

That article helped coalesce my argument, so thanks.