Epilogue: I am resurrecting this post from 10,000 ft in the air. Air travel has become one of the most unpleasant experiences and it seems that, in reaction, people bring their most unkempt selves to the airport. Instead, do your hair, wear a good outfit, keep your sunglasses on. Pay homage to the days when part of the destination was the flight there. 

Photo courtesy of my mother, last on the left, former Pan Am stewardess. 

I hate to sound like a broken record, but… When you dress up, when you put in the effort, people do too. At a restaurant when you want a good table (or any table at all without a reservation), at the airport when you want an upgrade, at a bar when you want free drinks, at a concert when you want special access, or at a store when you want better service, how you present (+ polite) is the key factor.

To be clear, I’m not suggesting wearing a ball gown to pick up bagels. But, when the situation begs (i.e. any time you are out to dinner) and you dress, you’re demonstrating a respect for who you are and where you are, that will, undoubtedly, come back in spades.