It's funny how we all see things! I honestly always notice how much more Europeans in general dress up - maybe it depends on where we are coming from?

I would rather stand out as better dressed than worse dressed.

I don't feel dressing nicely is showing people how well you dress but it is showing respect to the circumstances.

If you are going to a very casual place, dress down, to an elegant place, dress up.

I wore very casual clothes (I didn't have time to change beforehand) to the Opera G. in Paris one time and was humiliated for myself. Of course no one cared or was offended but it just didn't feel right, for me.

I agree Sea Urchin, and anyway I love dressing up!