There are a number of different outfits that you can select before the mission begins, whether you want combat armor, a tactical stealth-oriented suit, or a number of normal clothing options.
What are the advantages of civilian-type clothing? Does every mission allow to you to "blend with the crowd" (I use the term loosely, since apparently there are no crowds in AP), or are there other benefits?
How about looking gentlemanly during the cut scenes.