👗 Clothes Make the Man: Apparel and Appearances Throughout History 👔
Overview
Explore the timeless and often repeated truism that outer appearances—specifically clothing—play a significant role in society. From the ancient writings of Babylon to Erasmus’s adages in 1523, the notion that “Clothes make the man” has endured throughout the ages, even catching the ever-peeking eye of Shakespeare’s Polonius who famously stated, “The apparel oft proclaims the man” in Hamlet (1.3).
Humorously and insightfully examine how this cliché evolved, infiltrated various cultures, and solidified into the lexicon of commonplace sayings by the nineteenth century.
Related Terms and Similar Phrases
- You are what you wear: Emphasizes identity construction through attire.
- Dress for success: The belief dressing well enhances your chances of success.
- Looking sharp: Derives from looking noticeably well-dressed or stylish.
- Dressed to the nines: An idiom that means someone is dressed very elegantly.
- Putting on airs: Pretending to be more important or of higher status, usually by dressing ostentatiously.
Proverbs, Expressions, and Common Phrases
- “Clothes don’t make the man, but they help.”
- “Fortune favors the well-dressed.”
- “A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life.”
Definitions, Synonyms, and Antonyms
- Apparel: Clothing, especially formal clothing (synonyms: attire, garments, wear).
- Attire: Clothes, especially fine or formal ones (synonyms: outfit, costume, gear).
- Garments: An item of clothing (synonyms: clothes, raiment).
- Frippery: Showy or unnecessary ornament in dress.
Antonyms: Dishevelment, undress, rags.
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” — Coco Chanel
- “Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” — Marc Jacobs
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books: The Clothes We Wear: Descriptions, Sonnets, Dressed Tail-Gate to Collar by J.R. Fashionfini.
- Movies: The Devil Wears Prada explores modern-day fashion culture and its influence.
- Poetry: Allen Ginsberg’s visually powerful Howl includes a vivid description of post-war American bling.
- Songs: Lorde’s Royals thematically rejects opulent attire as markers of status.
Farewell Thought
As your sartorial journey through ‘Clothes Make the Man’ comes to a close, remember: beneath those impeccably tailored suits and thousand-dollar designer dresses lies the true essence of individuality. Always wear your personality with pride, as it’s the one outfit that will never go out of style.
C. Slightly Snarky
October 1, 2023
