interesting reading: I love it when one of these TechRepublic columns sparks a nice lively debate. I used to work for a private IT company where shirts, slacks, ties, and penny loafers were the rule. I'm now in an IT department supporting higher ed where there is no formal dress code. (anybody want to buy a rack of no-longer-used ties...?) Believe me, I appreciate every single day the freedom and comfort I'm allowed here. I now typically dress in jeans, sneakers, and polo or tshirts. I particularly like the comparison of ties to powdered wigs - neither of them seem to serve any function that I can see, other than to demonstrate conformity to arbitrary social standards of the time. Those of you who like wearing jackets and ties and such - feel free. I'll take AEO any day.