There are a couple of ways to look at this. You can look at it as a chance to fit in, which isn't a bad thing. And you can look at this as a chance to stand out. If I were in your position, I'd think about the latter. Professionalism is one way to distinguish yourself from your equally skilled colleagues. Looking professional promote a perception of professionalism. Smart looking, polished all-black shoes is pretty universally accepted as professional looking. One day, a few years down the road, it might just mean you get moved up over another equally skilled candidated. One day, next month, it might just mean that a coach might just evaluate you as fresh meat that might know what he's doing, rather than just run of the mill fresh meat
