Brad Shimmin, an analyst at CurrentAnalysis, said there's a standard uniform when it comes to the financial world. And old-school suit-and-tie types may not look so kindly on the wonder kid who balks the system and doesn't dress in a manner they think is mature and respectful.

"For better or worse, that's his decision. What matters is how investors respond to that decision," said Shimmin.

"If a police officer shows up to work in shorts and a t-shirt, she will likely risk losing the respect otherwise gained from the uniform. It is the same with the leader of a globally important brand such as Facebook. It doesn't make him any less professional or capable, except perhaps in the eyes of those he wishes to influence," Shimmin added.

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at , or subscribe to . Her e-mail address is .

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