Chicago Tribune columnist Clarence Page’s commentary on the demise of business dress on our Senate floor was spot-on correct (“In defense of good old-fashioned Senate dress rules,” Sept. 27).

I agree with Page’s position on sloppy dress, which is inappropriate even further than the Senate floor. Our society should be ashamed at the low attire and hygiene standards now dominating our businesses, schools, town boards and houses of worship. Formerly formal occasions – graduations, weddings, funerals, etc. – are now littered with mortar board messages, sneakers, T-shirts and unkempt hair and nails.

A receptionist is the first person a patient sees when entering a medical facility. Must I glance sideways because the receptionist sitting below me has a blouse on that is so low-cut that she might as well not be wearing a blouse at all? In another office, the receptionist greeted me with ripped jeans. Is that even sanitary? I spoke up to the doctors about these concerns. They concurred completely. My input gave them the incentive and fodder to initiate changes.

Thank you, Mr. Page, for your commentary, You share that you are “old” and your viewpoints are “niceties from more courteous and respectful times.” When casual business dress became the norm, I do not believe the intention was to approve of apparel that you would wear to clean out your garage or don for a romantic night in your bedroom. We must and can do better.

Lucy Hardy
Wells

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