I guess that's what I meant with "it depends on your social circle".

I'm a programmer (in europe btw. not sure if this is really a culture thing) around cool dudes (in my job, as I think this is where all of this mostly applies), probably helps, that they don't give too much a shit about "prestige" and clothing etc. as well. If I had to do with a lot of "VIP" trying to sell something, the situation may be different.

Well kinda sad to hear that, I think it's much more important what the person is about "on the inside" (i.e. if talking bullshit, or being highly intelligent or super informed, arrogant, socially intelligent etc.) than how they look from the outside (I mean within limits, If I can smell the person from a far distance, it's probably too much...).

Obviously the inside/outside thing often correlates. When someone always wears fancy-dancy suits with a tie while not required, they're probably a douche^^, shallow or having to prove something otherwise (like "I'm very important"). But after a first impression I think the "inside" dominates the perception, and defines the person... That's at least my assessment, and why I don't give too much shit about what the person is wearing...

YMMV