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In your work environment I wouldn't have a problem with the way you dress. However, I would have a problem with people not wearing shoes. That could result in an injury.

The real dividing line for me is whether or not you are coming in contact with the public or potential customers. If you are, then a more "professional" attire should be worn unless you are working in an environment where it's very dirty and clothing is likely to get soiled.

People treat you differently and perceive you differently when you are dressed up. Even if it's just a nice shirt and slacks. If you don't think this is the case, consider how you yourself perceive people who are well dressed. We've been conditioned to think that people who are well dressed are "important" or "powerful" or "smart". Whether it's true or not, it's how people think. And believe me, it affects how they think of you.

It's all about psychology. It's stupid psychology but it's reality. In business, you want to be perceived as "professional" even if you're not.

It's all about psychology. It's stupid psychology but it's reality. In business, you want to be perceived as "professional" even if you're not.

Agreed. We happen to not interface with customers very much. When we do, it's over the phone and not face to face, as our customers are scattered around the world. Also, another advantage we have is that our product is the best in the world. Others try to implement some of our features, but no one comes close to what we are able to do. As a result, customers come to us, and we don't have to impress them with psychology quite as much.

"It's stupid psychology but it's reality. In business, you want to be perceived as "professional" even if you're not."

It depends on your job description. I don't trust a programmer who wears a tie and I'm the guy who hires them. OK not really, but for a technical position, the only thing I'm interested in is what you have done. Appearance, and even formal education takes a distant back seat to real world experience.