I sat and watched the world go by this morning whilst enjoying a delicious cup of coffee. It was early on a Saturday morning, but people were up and about, beginning their weekend—perhaps going to work or running some early errands. I like people-watching; it’s interesting to think what people are doing. Why is that man rushing? Why does that lady, bless her, look so nervous?

This morning, what caught my attention was the clothes everyone was wearing, and in an incredibly judgemental moment I found my self wondering: when did we become such slobs? I include myself in this, but no one looked like they had paid any attention to what they were wearing. I had grabbed my jeans, a t-shirt, and a sweat shirt. There was a lady who looked like she was still wearing her pyjamas, a man in clothes that were three sizes too big for him, a girl in clothes three sizes too small for her, and a man wearing mismatched shoes. Not one person looked like they had made any effort to ensure they looked respectable before leaving the house. We are, generally, an under dressed society.

Recently, I’ve been watching some period dramas—one set in Austria in the early 1900s and one set in Yorkshire in the 1920s and 30s. I’ve also recently seen videos of London in this same period, and the one thing which stands out above everything else is how well everyone is dressed. The ladies all look fabulous; today, they would look like they are dressed for a special occasion, but back then, it was standard attire. The men, likewise, are all well turned out. Suits for all, overcoats, hats, polished shoes, pocket squares—not an open collar in sight. Effort has been made all around, and it’s clear everyone has checked themselves in the mirror before they’ve left the house.

This speaks, to me, of a general common courtesy and respect for themselves and the people around them. I know on the occasions when I get to dress up, I feel good; it makes me stand taller and hold my head higher. People treat you with respect, and you are more likely to put in the extra effort to show the same back. The world today is different, but I can’t help wondering: if we all made a little more effort to present ourselves to the world in a more respectable manner, perhaps we would all treat each other with a little more respect and kindness.