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My experience is that dressing in black does stand out. Most everyday people wear colors, even in New York, so it's much more striking to wear all black/monochrome - especially if you get interesting streetwear-y pieces. Or go full Rick Owens.

I didn't say _all_ black. Black in general is still a dominant color in NY.

Is it about self-expression now? I think if people take that to heart its great.

Not really. In software we have a de facto range of attire from jeans and t-shirts to khakis and sport shirts. We're a pretty conformist bunch. I expect the range of choices is about as broad as our parents had a generation ago, through the center has moved way way casual-ward.

I've discovered in the past few years that I really like jewel-tone button-down shirts, long- or short-sleeve. It is really surprising how hard it is to find button-downs in colors that are neither drab nor pastel. I just want nice vivid reds, blues, purples.