Why do we bother?

[Excalibur]

Call me a grumpy old git if you like, but I'm currently starting a school prom, in a really posh hotel. Everyone's dressed in their finery, and I've opted for shirt and tie. In the current weather, I considered teaming that with bermuda shorts and flip flops, but went instead with black shoes, and smart trousers. Seemed reasonable enough to me.

Photographers must have a different dress code. Tennis shoes, and denims. :mad:

[Imagine]

My normal attire is shirt, tie, black trousers and shiny toe-tectors. However, this coming Saturday I'm working in a conservatory and it's looking to be in excess of 30 degrees in this neck of the woods again - black t-shirt it is then :)

Besides which, this conservatory leads out onto a riverside patio - no chance of a full floor but hey ho...back to topic

Several of the togs I've worked with recently have been well and truly dressed down (open collar, jeans, you name it). It just doesn't look professional, but then I'm not too far behind you in the old git stakes Peter so maybe it's an age thing ;)

[dicky]

Go with the flow, or what feels comfortabe, is my honest opinion

On the clubber's wedding I did last weekend I went in shorts and teeshirt while setting up as it was bloody warm, with every intention of changing to smart trousers, a DJ shirt and shoes later

I did get as far as going to the van and putting the short sleeve shirt on (and a quick spray of deoderant) - then went back in, did a sound check and announced that while I had brought a change of clothes it was gonna be real warm behind the DJ console and hoped folks would not mind if I stuck with the shorts. That actually generated a bit of a cheer and a lot of general consent from the crowd so that is the way I stayed :)


Rich

[Nakatomi]

Dunno if it's an age thing Peter.. I must be coming up for codger status cos I've started wearing a suit for DJing again the other week. Since I took over that there residency actually. Funny, that.

If you have branded (as in your own brand) apparel which is cool & comfortable while still looking smart, wear that. Let the scruffy togs & photobooth people look like they couldn't be bothered either way ;)

In this recent spate of hot weather I've taken to going out in a tshirt & taking my freshly ironed shirt with me on a hanger, with my jacket over the top of it.. and keep that in the car til I'm all set up. Pop to the loos, quick change of top, quick burst of pit spray, jacket on.. and I'm off.

I've seen people turn up to all kinds of events looking out & out scruffy. Meh. If they don't want to dress up for an occasion that's their own business. But I do, so I do.

Like, I'll always wear a suit for a job interview. In previous places I've worked I've seen folk (who didn't get the job as it turned out) show up in jeans & tshirt for an interview. Call me old fashioned, but my default position is to be suited & booted for that kind of affair.

As for why we bother.. we bother looking smart, because it presents a professional image to our customers, their guests and other onlookers. They're all potential future clients after all.

[SC Events]

At Weddings, I wear a suit (but usually excluding a tie - although I do carry one just incase!) nd my shirt has the company logo embroidered on it (Wedding Disco Tamworth). During setting up, then part way through the night, the jacket usually comes off as I get a bit too warm.

At other gigs, it's Black Shirt, Trousers and Shoes... I never wear jeans... well, at the primary school, middle of the afternoon discos I do, but that's the only time.

I have noticed Togs dressing down more and more and even did a Wedding last week where the Tog was wearing a white t-shirt with a obscure logo on the front and 3/4 shorts, with trainers...

I do think, especially at Weddings, there should be a certain level of dress as it is a formal occasion, but it's also a sign of professionalism in my mind.

[yourdj]

I think photographers can get away with a more trendy dress.
The guy at the weekend had a fashion suit and trainers and looked really cool. :)

Depends on the photographer as it only suits certain people IMO and it can be done very badly.
Younger girl photographers especially.

[DazzyD]

Not "why do we bother?" but more "why do really do these things to ourselves?"

Apparently, we are currently experiencing a "Level 3 Heatwave" (don't ask me what the levels are - I've no idea!). This means there's actually an increased risk to our health from overheating, dehydration and exhaustion. To put this in to context, people actually die in these conditions. Now, a couple of days ago, the TUC urged employers to allow employees to "dress down" with lighter, more casual clothing as well as allowing them to work flexi-time to avoid the hottest parts of the day. The TUC are obviously very concerned about the workers in these conditions.

But we as DJs still go out dressed in stiff suits. By doing so, are we not putting ourselves at greater risk from the heat? Maybe we really should be dressing more casual in this weather not for a fashion statement but purely from a health and safety point of view. I've seen myself overheat at gigs before with outside temperatures less than this. It you feel dizzy and faint and you need to get cooler quickly. As for Imagine's gig in a conservatory, for years my bedroom at home was the conservatory and they can get really hot even with the windows open. I had an air-cooling system in mine and it was still hot. I daren't imagine how hot it would've been without it!

Crazy weather+crazy attire+crazy venue = at risk DJ!

:eek:

[TrebleBassDJ]

For me it depends on the gig as to how I dress, if its an informal 18th in a pub the dresscode is usually smart jeans, smart/casual shoes and black T shirt with stitched business logo in the cornor, more formal events will be formal trousers, shoes, black shirt with logo, tie etc. I do usually setup in shorts and a t-shirt (providing the room is empty) and then freshen up and change when the sweety work is done.
We spend a lot of money making out setups look professional so its worth spending a few pounds making ourselves look the same.

I did a prom last Friday, all students were dressed to impress but the official photographers were in shorts and t shirt (not even company T Shirts), the candy stall seller was walking around in flipflops.
I dont understand why people dont dress correctly for events, it makes you and your business look very unprefessional.
If I have a roadie helping me out I always ensure the dress correctly and where possible ensure they are wearing a company branded T-Shirt/Shirt.

[Benny Smyth]

I think photographers can get away with a more trendy dress.
The guy at the weekend had a fashion suit and trainers and looked really cool. :)

:agree:

It's not what you wear, but the quality of what you wear and how you wear it.

What I wear to gigs is no secret (ain't that right, Toby? :p). At a friend's wedding that I attended, the photographer wore a shirt and trousers but the shirt's collar was 'floppy' so it had clearly been worn a lot, and it looked like that it was ironed with a breeze block. There is no way that looks more professional for a wedding than me in jeans, a branded polo and safety shoes.

Wear what you are comfortable in, but make sure it's good quality stuff too (or, at least passable quality - "would your mom be happy for you to work a wedding dressed like that?" is probably a good surrogate marker).

Ref. the original post and coming back on topic, I'm all for other suppliers dressing badly. It just makes you stand out as the most professional person there. The cream always rises to the top. ;)

[Excalibur]

As for why we bother.. we bother looking smart, because it presents a professional image to our customers, their guests and other onlookers. They're all potential future clients after all.



We spend a lot of money making out setups look professional so its worth spending a few pounds making ourselves look the same.


I dont understand why people dont dress correctly for events, it makes you and your business look very unprefessional.
.


I do think, especially at Weddings, there should be a certain level of dress as it is a formal occasion, but it's also a sign of professionalism in my mind.

Amen Brothers, amen. :thumbs_up:


my shirt has the company logo embroidered on it
So does mine.

Primark. :)





But we as DJs still go out dressed in stiff suits. By doing so, are we not putting ourselves at greater risk from the heat? Maybe we really should be dressing more casual in this weather not for a fashion statement but purely from a health and safety point of view.

I hear what you say. ( Actually, I see what you type, but let's not get bogged down with details ) :) Your argument is reasoned and valid. As you may guess from my opening line, I'm going to ignore it, as forty years of conditioning is hard to break.




It's not what you wear, but the quality of what you wear and how you wear it.


I can't agree with that. Neither can I claim that you're absolutely wrong, because you're not. The fact that you're following a different policy to me probably reassures you. :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I use to wear the whole suit thing regardless of the gig and even to client meetings but now it's a short sleeved black logo'ed shirt. Photographers have their own style some I know do wear the whole suit thing all day and others are less dressy. I did have one wedding where he wore white trainers and what I'd imagine where his gardening trousers which I think was pretty poor form but for all I know the clients liked that laid back style. Don't forget if we feel our feet aching after a gig most photographers are working from 8/9 am until the first dance which in summer can be as late as 10 pm so I don't blame them for going for more laid back and comfort.

[Benny Smyth]

I can't agree with that. Neither can I claim that you're absolutely wrong, because you're not. The fact that you're following a different policy to me probably reassures you. :)

Yes, but not in the way you think.

I welcome with open arms that the industry is so varied. Not just with clothing styles, but when it comes to lighting, sound, music, DJ style, even email templates. If every DJ thought the exact same way and did the exact same thing, then the old phrase "Well, aren't all discos the same?" would ring true and there would not be a need for a forum like this, which is a giant melting pot of knowledge and experience.

The open and free market that this creates is better for clients as it gives them options to find something that speaks to them on a personal level. The world would certainly be a boring place if we all drove the same car (be it Ford Fiesta's or an Aston Martin DB9), or wore the same clothes, or ate at the same restaurants, so it should ring true that the options for an evening's entertainment for any function should be far and wide.

So I say bravo to every DJ, from Sixty Quid Sid to the guy who charges £1million for an evening's entertainment. :beer1:

[Excalibur]

I welcome with open arms that the industry is so varied.

As do I. :like:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've come full circle with this. I started off wearing black tie for weddings and did so for over 20 years, probably longer. Even my logo use to be a silhouette of a man with a bow tie.

The world is a more casual place these days. I quite often wear black chinos or jeans with shirt and shoes for weddings. The only time I wear black tie is if it is specified - e.g. Masonic do's.

I do ask clients what they would like us to wear and it's mostly smart/casual, with the occasional suit request.

Jean and trainers with polo for the photo booth and no-one bats an eyelid.

Strange...

[Excalibur]

Jean and trainers with polo for the photo booth and no-one bats an eyelid.



Wondered when you'd pop up? I well remember you posting that. I fear I must accept that another of my bastions of etiquette and manners is being irrevocably eroded. Removing the apostrophe from Waterstone's was yet another sign of the deterioration in standards.

Right, I've taken the tablets, let's be serious. Perhaps it's a trade off between style and custom versus comfort and suitability. I can understand it, but I'm not sure I condone it. Ah well.

[Benny Smyth]

Guy for the photobooth last night worse a camo-style t-shirt, shorts with trainers.

Even I thought that was a bit too casual for a wedding.

[Andy P]

Like, I'll always wear a suit for a job interview. In previous places I've worked I've seen folk (who didn't get the job as it turned out) show up in jeans & tshirt for an interview. Call me old fashioned, but my default position is to be suited & booted for that kind of affair.

As for why we bother.. we bother looking smart, because it presents a professional image to our customers, their guests and other onlookers. They're all potential future clients after all.

funny thing I used to think the same,however...

the city council I work for is so far into equality that we score only interview on questions and any tests and must offer role to highest scoring person even if they attended in shorts and a vest

[Corabar Steve]

I've been wearing tweed 3 piece suits a lot lately. Nothing but compliments from guests, clients & venue staff / owners.

[DazzyD]

I've been wearing tweed 3 piece suits a lot lately. Nothing but compliments from guests, clients & venue staff / owners.

With some dashing headwear too, no doubt! ;)

[Corabar Steve]

With some dashing headwear too, no doubt! ;)


Dunno what you're talking about:whistle:

17334

[Excalibur]

I've been wearing tweed 3 piece suits a lot lately.

And a touch of heatstroke, no doubt?

PS. In the piccy, your goggles don't normally go on the hat. They're meant for your face. ;)

[theoloyla]

I believe in the old adage "Clothes maketh the man". I am most definitely prejudiced and judge people on their appearance and I think most other people do as well even if they are not aware of it.

Having said that first impressions are sometimes wrong and we should all be open minded enough to see past them. Go listen to Stanley Holloway's old monologue "Brown Boots"

[Excalibur]

I believe in the old adage "Clothes maketh the man". I am most definitely prejudiced and judge people on their appearance and I think most other people do as well even if they are not aware of it.

Having said that first impressions are sometimes wrong and we should all be open minded enough to see past them. Go listen to Stanley Holloway's old monologue "Brown Boots"

Theo, we're seemingly in an ever decreasing minority.:(





Mind you, we're right, and I don't need to Google " Brown Boots ". :)

[Corabar Steve]

And a touch of heatstroke, no doubt?

On the contrary old chap. The oak / oatmeal one I'm wearing in the photo is a very pale colour & is actually quite cool as a consequence.