______Why dressing well matters __________________________________

"Ragamuffins Beware: Why Dressing Well Still Matters"

As a young lad growing up in Allahabad, I vividly remember my mother and aunt being almost military in their expectations of how we dressed— “we” meaning myself and my two girl cousins, who were younger than me but nevertheless inspected with equal ferocity. Frocks and shirts were checked like items on a parade: socks spotless, shoes polished to mirror-finish, ribbons perfectly aligned, collars lying flat—rebellion was not an option. It was never about fashion or showing off (we couldn’t afford that anyway); it was about being clean, neat, and appropriate. Heaven help the child who turned up looking like they’d been hauled out of the dirty clothes basket or dragged headfirst from the hedge!

Looking back, most young boys and girls in Allahabad looked the part: spruced up for church, weddings, and dances; tidy for school.

Fast forward to today and I’m genuinely baffled by what passes for fashion. Trousers come pre-destroyed, underwear on display , T-shirts sport more holes than Swiss cheese, and outfits seem deliberately chosen from the “lost property” bin. Ironically, the richer the person, the more they try to look like they haven’t seen a washing machine in months. Some even pay extra for the “worn-out beggar” look!

Just last evening, I watched a re-run of a popular TV singing programme. Judges and finalists sparkled in gowns and suits; the audience looked ready for a royal gala. And then there was Simon Cowell- the head honcho —wandering around in scruffy jeans and a T-shirt, looking like he’d popped out for bread and eggs. Not cool. Disrespectful, even, to everyone else who had made the effort.

As a schoolmaster, I always ensured I looked clean, neat, and properly dressed—and expected the same from my pupils. Even today, when I recruit staff, it’s obvious who has made the effort. It’s not about flashy designer wear; it’s about being tidy, appropriate, and polished. That effort counts. It shows respect, attention to detail, and good manners—qualities parents should teach their children early.

Unfortunately, many schools today slide into the “couldn’t care less” look. Boys with long, unkempt hair or unshaven faces, girls sporting multiple earrings or nose studs, socks never seen… students wandering about like they’ve just rolled out of bed or are headed to a pop concert. Clean, neat, respectful dress may seem old-fashioned—but it matters. It shows self-respect, respect for others, and readiness to step confidently into the world. After all, dress does maketh the man (and woman).

And yes, a polished shoe says far more than a designer logo ever will.