The informality spawned by sneaker-wearing entrepreneurs traipsing through Silicon Valley law firms has had a real and widespread effect on dress codes.
Italian suits are out, chinos are in.
Around here, you can meet that requirement just by wearing shoes. Privately, some lawyers hint that the pendulum may have swung too far toward Levi's and loafers when it comes to office attire, but nobody seems to be complaining out loud. And most agree that although suits and ties lend an air of decorum to business dealings, they also contribute to a stiff formality that can be off-putting to young entrepreneurs. The trend toward dressing down is no longer just a Silicon Valley trend.