T-shirts were elevated to an all-time fashion high in 1996, when Hollywood actress Sharon Stone wore one to the Academy Awards Ceremonies. Stone presented an Oscar wearing a Valentino ready-to-wear skirt, an Armani dress worn as a coat, and a white GAP T-shirt.

Generally considered an inappropriate fashion accessory for such a glamorous formal event, the T-shirt became a cool move on Stone's part, and an economic boost for GAP sales.For those of us who are not celebrities, and don't have clothing from Valentino or Armani, choosing to wear a T-shirt should be based on what is appropriate for the specific occasion.

There are many styles of T's that come in a variety of fabrics, designs, colors, artworks, and those that are imprinted. When considering wearing any type of T-shirt, seriously think about whether or not it is suitable for your situation.

T-Shirt Inappropriate:

*Job Interviews

Wear a T-shirt to a job interview and you might as well say that you aren't interested in the position. The T-shirt you wear to seek a job will say a lot about you. The interviewer could think that you are lazy about your choice of dress, and that you're not out to impress the company.

*Weddings

No T-shirt at a wedding...ever! Even if the wedding invitation calls for casual attire, don't think about wearing your T's to a wedding ceremony or reception. Not only will you look out of place, but your T-shirt could be perceived as being totally disrespectful to the wedding couple.

*Funerals

Break out a shirt to wear to a funeral. Just as your T-shirt would be disrespectful to the the bride and groom, it would not speak well about your consideration of the dearly departed, and the family. Avoid feeling out of place and dress appropriately for a funeral.

*Special Events

It pays to dress for success when attending corporate and business events for networking, trade shows, and seminars. You never know who may meet. You don't get a chance to make another first impression on that potential client, current customer or perspective employer. Dressed in a T, rather than to a T, could dampen your credibility.

*Fine Dining

How you are dressed makes a huge difference in how you are treated in restaurants. A polished appearance will pay off in better service and the overall attention you'll receive at a fine dining establishment. Just think about the old rule, "No shirt, no shoes, no service".

*Religious Events

Depending upon the standards set at your particular place of worship, a T-Shirt may not be considered the best thing to wear. There may be exceptions, however, T's are generally not acceptable attire in those situations.

*Court

Whether you're hauled into Court for a traffic ticket or worse, don't wear a T-Shirt! In the Courtroom, you'll need to present yourself in the best possible light. That means that you should dress to look as responsible, clean cut and mainstream as possible. Take no chances in the Courtroom when it comes to how you are dressed.

Use your common sense when making the decision as to when you should wear a T-shirt and when you shouldn't. Sure, those T's are the most comfortable things you wear. But, sometimes, you've got to sacrifice comfort to do what is appropriate in life and to get ahead.

Learn more about this author, Theo Chester.
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