are clubs decaying institutions
Apparently there’s a big controversy in the hushed halls of exclusive country clubs across America. It’s pitted one generation against another. It crosses gender lines. What is this social quagmire, you may ask? Simply stated, members are asking: “should jeans be added to the approved list of club attire?”
Many country clubs are trying to woe younger members to ensure a healthy membership population as older members die off. Sounds pretty straight forward. Provide a golf course, a bar, a dinning establishment and perhaps a swimming pool for the kiddies and people will join. Well apparently, it’s no longer that simple. Younger members tend to have issues with the dress code at many clubs. They have a more relaxed philosophy on dress codes and view things such as jeans differently than the older generation. Years ago, the fabric was heavily associated with the working class so the issue was clear cut. “No Denim” signs were de rigeur. Now denim is quite fashionable. A quick search at Neiman Marcus online yielded a pair of Roberto Cavalli beaded jeans for over $2K. Even the Met Ball is no longer immune as Ralph Lauren wore jeans this year. Sounds like times are “a-changin.”
I experienced the change in the early 90s (in the heyday of the tech boom). Wearing jeans became a way of showing that you didn’t work for IBM or some other corporate behemoth. You were part of the technology wave that was changing every aspect of American life. It was all about what you produced and had nothing to do with what you wore.
As with many things, we tend to go over board. Now children don’t even know how to tie their shoes because laces have been replaced with velcro. Dress codes can serve a purpose. If only because they provide a delightful excuse to teach our children to look presentable. A simple pair of beige cotton twill pants and a polo shirt look so much sharper than jeans and a t-shirt. I guess I know which side of the debate I’m on.
What do you think about dress codes?
