To what degree does dress affect response?

I've recently started on Neil Strauss's "Rules of the Game". The first exercise is to go out and speak to five strangers. I went to the mall today and found it difficult to get attractive women to even look me in the eye. I'm wondering if clothing affects that or if that's just how they always behave.

FYI, I was dressed in camo cargo shorts, a t-shirt, and a baseball cap turned backwards. I had on flip-flops and I hadn't shaved. I know that's far from ideal, but does dress actually affect a woman's desire to make eye contact?

NEVER under estimate the power of a well dress man!!
But there is a catch; style is relative to what you like to wear and what looks good on you. The key point about dressing nice is making sure you have good fitting cloths with colors that fit your skin type and shape. This is addressed later in The Rules of The Game.

I try to dress neutral to appeal to a large audience of women, but I will try to wear at least one interesting item so that if a girl wants to talk to me she has something to talk to me about.

Thanks for the replies. I'm about to make a 2nd mall trip and this time I'm dressed nicer. I'll see if it makes a difference.

on Constructive Criticism only, dont take this to heart..

try jeans, not loose ones, and a long sleeve shirt, no hat..you can comb a style (Google "hairstyles for men 2011") or try a new look at a Hair salon or Barber shop.

for the flip-flops, instead try some old school van shoes or boots.

plus if you have any accessories, chains or watches...let us know, it can help Start A Conversation...

your not alone on this, there is alot of help here...