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Though you may be an American, you might be an uneducated one, for to "have class" does not mean "to belong to one."

Very good. Now see if you can define "pretentious". To "have class" also does not mean to "have clothing".

But don't pretend that others should consider you anything but an uncivilized slob if you dress in that way, or present yourself in that way.

You miss the point. What random strangers think of me effects me not at all. Neither do your or their affectations of class. People with true class see past the clothing.

If you wish to dress to the nines to attend Carmen because you like to, or your date likes you to, or you enjoy the tradition of doing so, knock yourself out. But if the reason you are enduring that tux is just to project "class", then you are a phony. You are not classy, but class conscious.

Very good. Now see if you can define "pretentious". To "have class" also does not mean to "have clothing".

That's right---lash out because you made a mistake. Get out all that vitriol.

You miss the point. What random strangers think of me effects me not at all. Neither do your or their affectations of class. People with true class see past the clothing.

I think you miss the point. You're swimming against the tide, here: like it or not, how you present yourself in public matters. Scream at a wall if you want, but you'll never change this.

Untrue. I dress for occasions that require it because I have respect for other people and the occasion. It's what people who wish to live in a polite, respectful society do.
To put things in perspective, I am not a stuck-up stiff. In high school I was a mohawked hard-core punk. I have tattoos, and I had piercings---five in one ear alone. I ride a Harley. I'm a complete epicurean. I participate in FR WoD threads on the pro-pot side.
But I'm also a former naval officer who learned a thing or two about the importance of proper appearance and public image.