Dress code - power dynamics --- I agree it depends on the audience - for higher level officials, suiting up or dressing up a bit to match their dress code would be appropriate and necessary to be taken seriously in some contexts.

When meeting affected populations more casual dress can be used to superficially lessen the differences in power so people do not feel so alienated and hopefully be more comfortable opening up and trusting you

Source author: Cara Ceriani caraceriani@hotmail.com