<human>: Anybody from the US who has traveled to Europe likely took note (almost immediately) of the fact that the style of dress is much different abroad than it is here.  Even those who have never left the country may have picked up on this by way of European travelers on holiday here.

I have made these assertions both while traveling and coming in contact with people traveling here, but recently the work setting has heightened my awareness of the stark contrast in dress styles.  I work in a corporate environment where attire is to be business casual at a minimum.  This generally means slacks and button-down shirt for men and a similar level of dress for women.  If an important meeting is on the schedule, a tie or sportcoat is expected, and perhaps even a suit.

That said we have a good number of employees, managers, and directors 'on loan' to us from French affiliates.  Regardless of their rank, and absolutely without exception, the France-based employees come to work dressed to the nines daily.  Even the best-dressed US employees generally look like castaways by comparison.  I get the impression that the daily wardrobe value for some of the European counterparts in the office exceeds my weekly income.

So what is the cultural significance of dressing so well on a daily basis?  Do Europeans feel as though the clothes make the man/woman?  Do they take the dress for success mantra more seriously?  Is it simply the fact that they are more fashion forward?  Is the culture truly more formal?  I truly hope this thread does not turn into a *let's bash the American slobs* discussion, as I'm genuinely curious.

Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?
<bot>: Why is it that even the best-dressed US employees look like paupers compared to their European (specifically French in this case) counterparts?