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“I’m going to change when I get to the LAX airport”.

A friend of mine was recently flying from Australia to Los Angeles. He planned to wear a pair of jeans on the first flight and then change for his connecting flight within the States.

“I always get treated better when I’m dressed up. You’re much more likely to get upgraded”.

(Side note: Why my friend would rather get upgraded for the two hour Stateside flight and not the 14 hour transpacific flight is still a mystery to me).

Me? I’m a vagabond when I fly. But, then again, I travel with three young kids so I’d be happy if people just didn’t give us nasty looks. I’d feel quite content if for once we were not on the very last row of the airplane. I don’t expect anyone is going to invite the Ford Five to flaunt their stuff in First Class.

But, I do agree that airlines treat people better based on how they are dressed.

And the airlines are not the only people who treat you better based on your outfit.

“Even when I go to buy something from the mall I get dressed up. They always give me a better deal”.

Now this was a new one to me – getting better treatment and even discounts while shopping just because you dressed up. Since I’m a negotiaphobic and have only one negotiating skill I wouldn’t really know. Has anyone had any experiences with this?

It seems to make complete sense. Once again, I usually mosey down to the mall in my off work casual gear. Do you think I’d save money if I just stayed dressed up for the shopping trip?

I know people suggest you dress nicely when you go to the bank for a loan, when you buy a new car, and when you go for a job interview. Why would shopping be any different?

I have even read about a man who traveled from church to church in different outfits. On the first occasion, he showed up in a suit and was warmly welcomed. On the next occasion, he arrived unshaved and dressed in drab clothes. He said when he dressed down he was often not even greeted. There was certainly never a warm welcome.

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 2:1-4 NIV)

It seems as though even the church might have issues with judging a book by its cover.

Conclusion: How you dress makes a huge difference on how you are treated.

Look, if you want to make a statement and buck the system – go for it. Just realize that your ‘statement’ is going to cost you.

I guess my friend was right. How you dress makes a huge difference on how you are treated.

Nevertheless, let me be perfectly clear that nice clothes do not equal expensive clothes. I buy second hand clothes (here is my humorous story on how I got started second hand shopping). I buy nice clothes (usually). The two are not mutually exclusive. Just remember there are many advantages to shopping second hand.

Next time you head to the mall, perhaps Dockers would be more appropriate than Levis. Next time you fly you might need some slacks instead of sweats. The result? You’ll probably save some serious cash.

Anyone tested this theory? Anyone willing to go shopping today and let us know what you find out?