Be sure to be well skilled in this game of favors, or you might come off as stupid to even the headwaiter. Third, most visitors will notice right away that dress is not a concern with most Americans. Short skirts and bare arms can be a shock for the visitor coming from more traditional countries, but negative comments will never be appreciated. Americans are known for their uniform of jeans and T-shirts and a good number will not find it necessary to deviate from the dress code for even more formal events. Opera lovers visiting the States should not be shocked then when they are seated next to an American patron in shorts and flip-flops. Many opera houses aim to appeal to the broadest range of American society, and feel a strict dress code might inhibit some from enjoying a night of entertainment.