Women have been called queens for a long time, but the kingdom given them isn't worth ruling.
Louisa May AlcottRead
She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the significant impact that clothing can have on people's perceptions, often overshadowing one's character or social graces.
In this quote, Louisa May Alcott emphasizes the idea that clothing can convey messages and influence opinions about individuals in ways that may surpass the importance of their character or etiquette. It suggests that societal norms and perceptions can often prioritize outward appearances over deeper qualities, hinting at the power of fashion in shaping identity and social interactions.
Themes
ClothingInfluencePerceptionFashionCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about workplace attire, use the quote to highlight how clothing choices can affect perceptions of professionalism.
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Many women have asked me if it is possible to have a well-built complete wardrobe on a limited budget. "Money," I tell them, "is no guarantee of taste and the fitness of things, and an overstuffed closet is often as bare as a skeleton when it comes to wearable apparel."
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I want to be honest about the world that we live in, and sometimes my political persuasions come through in my work. Fashion can be really racist, looking at the clothes of other cultures as costumes. . . . That’s mundane and it’s old hat. Let’s break down some barriers.
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Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.
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For women raised in the '70s, high heels can still carry a stigma; they're associated with being stupid, with just wanting to please a man. Other women find them empowering.
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The dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress.
Hubert De GivenchyRead