Quote Originally Posted by catherine View Post
I'm wondering why the expectation of chatter matters? People can see you without talking with you (no judgement on the outfit, just the rationale?)

And you're right. I, personally, very rarely want to talk to people on the flight, but that has no influence at all on how I dress. I usually dress "business casual" because a) I've usually taken a shower before getting on the plane to avoid offending anyone and I want to follow up with a "nice" outfit, and b) I just feel there is a level above beach or TV loungewear that I think is appropriate for travel. I'm probably old-fashioned in that regard.
When I don't feel like chatting, I've learned to not dress nicely. So when others want to engage in conversation for the entire flight you just do it? I've had people talk over me doing work on my laptop, having earbuds in listening to music or watching a movie. Clothing seemed to be the only solution.

I can't believe I'm the only person that happens to when dressed nicely.

And I don't think a t-shirt and jeans is on the level of TV loungewear or beachwear.