The right attire in the right place can make all the difference, and the wrong attire can make you look out of place[1]. The listed modifiers apply to more than just the social situations list in the chart; any of them could potentially apply to any Social Class skills.
Note that some armor pieces are versatile enough to fit into multiple categories. This should not be considered a definitive list of which outfits fit in a given social situation. It is a guideline rather than a catchall.
Street
Streetwear is built with function as form in mind. For many people in the 6th world, this is their main form of self-expression. Streetwear comes in a wide range of styles and nigh infinite options for accessorization.
Barrens Chic
Meant for those at the bottom of society’s proverbial barrels, these outfits are rugged, dependable, and most of all, cheap. This type of fashion epitomizes the struggle for self-expression among the poor and forgotten.
Casualwear
The average clothing for the average Joe on the average day, these outfits are commonplace outside of the barrens, and are generally worn for comfort as well as fashion.
Survival
Putting function over fashion, these outfits are meant for everyone from hunters to couriers. Individuals wearing this style of fashion are looking for protection against the environmental dangers of the Sixth World.
High Society
High Society fashion can be broken down into 2 categories. Those who have money. And those who have money. High Society fashion is an endless game of one-upmanship. Every accessory, no matter how small, exists to showcase your wealth and therefore power.
Fine
Those with money want to differentiate themselves from those beneath them. The outfits in this category, while not representing the top of the social ladder, make up the upper reach of your typical wageslave.
Très Chic
If you got it, flaunt it. And rub it in the face of everyone beneath you. This mentality defines this category. Cost is the name of the game, and every outfit is tailor made to be a wearable advertisement of your wealth and power.
Corporate
Corporate fashion is a fancy way to wear a uniform. If Street fashion is all about self-expression, Corporate fashion embodies the loss of individuality. Wearing corporate fashion is all about fitting into the corporate identity and showing your loyalty. You can always instantly recognize what corp a wageslave belongs to simply from the fashion they wear.
Business
As much a uniform as a fashion accessory, these outfits are ubiquitous among the hallways and cubicles that dominate corporate towers and office buildings. Wearing one of these is to be one among thousands, a faceless cog in the corporate machine.
Corp-Drone
Low level corporate drones are expected by their superiors to conform to a specific dress code in line with the corporate identity and brand image. They dress to be easily recognized as an employee for the convenience of the consumer.
Armor
Importantly, this category is not about how good you look. Armor is all about keeping your squishy parts in and the bullets out. With that in mind, seeing people in the 6th world wearing armor is not uncommon. Typical security guards will patrol wearing armor intended to protect them in a confrontation, while high level executives may be escorted by guards wearing heavy armor more suited for a modern warzone.
Security
Typical security guards will be dressed for a possible fight, but not so heavily as to hinder their day to day operations. Exact styles will vary between corps and location.
Military
Rigid armor plates and combat webbing is the name of the game for these outfits, built for combat and with little to no regard for anything besides the protection of their wearer.
Special
Not every piece of armor fits into the above. Some armors are unique to their own special circumstances, and generally will stick out like a sore thumb when outside of their very narrow niche. GMs should consider these on a case by case basis using their best judgment.
- ↑ Shadowrun Fifth Edition Core Rulebook (p. 140)