Cantoresq –
OK, truce. And thanks for painting a much clearer image of what Shabbos looks like on your block. (I thought you were talking about the kind of clothes I would wear to go hiking / biking). I think the divide we are on is that in the zip code I was raised in (BP.. natch) image is what you grow into, so the image you choose in many ways will determine who you become.
There is a story (heard on a R’ Krohn tape) about the Satmar Rebbe and his visit to Telze in the 50s. Story goes: he took the bochurim to task for having “chups” and they responded by asking about his davening past the zman. His reply: I’m copying the custom of my father, his father, and his father before that. Who’s custom (hair style) are you copying?
Point is, if your intent is to truly honor Shabbos (Izod blazer and all), you are getting the same schar that the chosid who is shzvitzing away in his bekkeshe. Not so the one who looks at our holy day as the preface to the weekend (I know, I know, Sunday is not the weekend). Thanks for clearing up the misunderstanding.
But a green plaid shirt?? Take my advice, go with the Polo oxford… Gavra is right; shidduchim! 🙂