The dress code has important social meaning. It is most often a social norm unwritten, tacit, but all human societies have an understood and adopted by its members. The adopted code may give an indication of social rank, of the class to which the person belongs, his occupation (and the white coat of doctors, lawyers or black dress school uniforms for students), religion of marital status (wearing the ring in the West), her sexual availability (an alluring place is an implicit message) or even sexual orientation.
The uniform, in addition to its protection against the weather and comfort, thus carries a strong message to social impact, a claim to be what one is not necessarily. Conversely, it may also challenge the "Code" in effect, like the punks, be a reflection of a political message.
The appropriate
China uniform for an evening is sometimes specified on the invitation. For businesses, it is specified, if any, in the rules, especially on Fridays, where executives are not allowed to wear a tie, wear it on Friday or casual Friday.
Historically, the sumptuary laws have often tried to impose or specify the dress code, prohibiting the use of most luxury to the masses.