When I saw an adult walking through an airport wearing flannel pajama bottoms, I thought I had seen it all. We’ve sunk to a new low, however, when it becomes acceptable for a respected journalist to appear in a televised interview wearing gym clothes.

 

That’s exactly what happened on Monday, April 5^th. TIME magazine’s editor-at-large and senior political analyst Mark Halperin appeared on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program wearing a hooded sweatshirt, a t-shirt, and jeans.

 

Now, for all I know, Mr. Halperin may have been up throughout most of Sunday night caring for an aging parent or a sick child. It’s possible that he spent the early hours of Monday morning handling some personal or professional emergency. In an effort to keep his commitment to MSNBC, he may simply have grabbed the clothes nearest at hand and made a last minute dash to the studio.

 

Somehow, I don’t think that’s what happened.  

 

Timm Gunn, “Project Runway” contributor and chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne, has spoken extensively on the “slobification” of America. He notes that the clothes we wear send a message about how we want to be perceived. They also communicate whether we respect and honor the people with whom we interact. 

 

I think it’s fair to say that Mr. Halperin’s choice of clothing communicated something about his regard for the particular television program and its audience. Gunn has stated, “If you want to dress as though you never got out of bed, then don’t get out of bed.” To that I would add: If you want to dress for the gym, go to the gym. To a televised interview, wear business attire.