The rebellion is simple to explain: geeks were and are made to do things that are demonstrably inefficient and silly — so when they get to a point where others depend on them, they assert their right to be entirely practical. That means dressing comfortably and not spending a lot of time on grooming.

The misunderstanding, though, is that dress codes and expectations of others are the reasons to, say, put on a suit.

Once one sets aside one’s automatic negative reaction, one realizes that dress and grooming are forms of communication — efficient ones, at that. When I put on shorts and sandals, and fail to shave for a week, I’m choosing to say “I’ve been too busy with something really important to bother with anything but basic care.”

When I put on a suit, trim my beard, shave, etc. I’m saying “I respect you; also, I’m detail-oriented, I care what other people think, and I have a sense of perspective.”