http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/christia/legalism.htm LEGALISM
WHAT IT IS
The term "legalism" or "legalist" is not found in the Bible, but the serious error of legalism is certainly dealt with, especially by the Apostle Paul who ever and always boasted in the cross and championed the grace of God (Gal. 6:14; 1:6). Perhaps the best way to see what Paul had to say about how the flesh wrongly uses the law is to read carefully through the epistle to the Galatians.
LEGALISM
WHAT IT IS NOT
Being obedient to God's specific commands is not legalism. "And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:3-4).
Living a holy life that is set apart unto the Lord's service is not legalism. "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification [holiness], that ye should abstain from fornication....For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (1 Thessalonians 4:3,7).
Living a life separated unto Christ and separated from the fads and fashions of the world is not legalism. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).
Conforming one's life to be in harmony with certain standards decided upon by Spirit-led leaders of a local assembly of believers is not legalism. "That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well" (Acts 15:29).
Forgoing my personal rights for the sake of my brother is not legalism. "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak" (Rom. 14:21).
Legalism has nothing to do with it. Your teaching fails to grasp the basics of Christianity itself.
Your teaching is flatly unscriptural.
I understand your point of view, but all I ask for is that fellow worshipers be dressed decently and if possible clean.
Looking back over the years I think the new relaxed attitude about attire for church began when women were finally allowed to wear slacks to church. Maybe this is before your time, but that was a big issue once.
And, at about the same time there was a decline in church attendance for other reasons.
To be fair, Americans don't seem to dress up for anything anymore, except weddings.