...this is why my character has picked up several different sets of normal and high fashion armour clothing so she can fit into most situations.
And who says kids these days can't learn things!
Seriously, though, different armor and weapon loadouts are key. Especially when you're the guy who is supposed to go in and do all the talking. Here's how I usually break things down:
Casual - Your day to day. Not working, or just out doing legwork. Low risk stuff, so you want things that don't stand out and don't give people reason to take undue interest in you. Lined coat and a pistol, maybe a knife as well if you've got the skill. Keep it as close to legal as possible.
Clubbing - When you're out on the town, or pulling off a meet or con in a party environment. Not expecting heavy action. Form-fitting body armor, or maybe a Second Skin, depending on taste, with either a taser or light pistol (something that won't raise eyebrows if you have to check it at the door), and maybe something concealed if you are expecting trouble.
Working - Your normal 'working' loadout. Armor that is street-legal and doesn't draw too much attention, the ballistic mask for when the trouble starts, pistols with multiple extra clips, smoke or flashbang grenades for covering a quick exit, and so on.
Assault - You know those times when you work your magic and talk your way through Arcology security? This is for those other times, when the best (or only remaining) option is to go in fast and hard. Heaviest weapons you can manage, with plenty of ammo and armor that leaves no question as to what you're doing here.
Businessman - Infiltrating a corporate office or trying to blend in at a diner catering to sararimen. Similar load to clubbing, but with more of an eye to concealed weapons or weapons hidden inside other (shielded) objects.
Society - Bust out your Zoe and Armante threads, and leave the heavy weapons at home. If you're able to sneak anything more than a light pistol with a single spare clip in, count yourself lucky. High fashion armor or second skins mandatory. Try to avoid combat if at all possible, since the bodyguards WILL be packing. It is easier to dodge questions than bullets.
Slumming - What you wear when you're going to the Barrens and don't want to look like a Suit or an easy mark, but don't want to force people to challenge you. Armor, openly carried heavy pistol, maybe some grenades in the open as well, and so on. Enough to avoid problems, not so much that whoever does the local 'protection' takes an unhealthy interest in your arsenal.
Now, there's a lot of overlap in these things, and that's fine. Some of it is covered in your lifestyle, especially if you go High or higher. Some might not apply to your character at all. But try to keep your weapons and armor in line with what you're expecting. This is the secondary reason to have multiple weapons. The primary reason is because Murphy is a stone cold bastard, and you're better off planning to have backups for your backups.
