The other day, I wore a suit and tie to the office. Unusual, certainly given the more-casual office dress code over the last few years. The reason for the tie was that I had a virtual hearing in the afternoon and a jacket and tie was expected and appropriate.
One of my colleagues who I passed in the hall and would be on the hearing with me mentioned that the last time he saw me in a tie was probably the last time I saw him in a tie.
I think I’ve worn a tie one other time in the last three years.
About fifty years ago, I visited the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem. I remember being surprised at the paucity of ties among the distinguished members.
When I visited one member in his office, the subject turned to ties. He commented that ties were unnecessary and served no purpose. He predicted that ties would be seen for what they are - and are not — by the rest of the world.
The other day, when I wore that suit and tie, I felt “dressed up”. It felt good. But I’m not sure that I would don the tie without a reason.