[lhnz]

There seems to be a meme in hacker culture: "Business people are tools; I want to be judged on my ability and not my looks. I don't wish to manage people or do sales so I will dress down. Crocs with socks for me!"

In the majority of companies, here's what actually happens: (1) you are still judged on your looks, (2) you are not given client-facing roles, (3) you are kept in the basement.

Why sacrifice social power for mere comfort and 'base' comradeship with your hacker friends?

When you are speaking to another developer, then sure enough, communicate in a strictly rational way. Be logical; talk ideas; sidestep social niceties; dress functionally. They understand. But in the rest of the world or in the context of a larger company, why not communicate on a level normal people understand: visually through your dress sense and body language. A crisp white shirt is a far greater signal of power than a well crafted sentence.

edit: Don't wear a suit if you're a developer if nobody else does though. It will give off a very bad impression. Aim for smart casual. Make sure your shirts are always ironed. Attention to detail matters. If in doubt emulate classic hollywood actors or the tamer high-fashion adverts. They set the standards that you will be judged on.