Shakespeare: Clothes Proclaim Man
on Sunday, June 28, 2020William Shakespeare Money Quote saying buy the best clothes you can afford and make them tasteful, you will be judged by them. William Shakespeare said:
“Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy: For the apparel oft proclaims the man” — William Shakespeare
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In this quote, William Shakespeare seems to be commenting on the relationship between one’s appearance or manner of dress and perceptions of their character. By advising to dress in a way that is “costly” as one’s finances allow but “not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy”, Shakespeare implies that ostentatious displays of wealth through clothing risk being seen as gaudy or vain rather than tasteful.
His additional statement that “the apparel oft proclaims the man” conveys Shakespeare’s perspective that how one presents themselves, for better or worse, shapes how they are judged by others. Overall, the quote portrays Shakespeare’s view that dress should suit one’s station authentically rather than exaggerate it, as one’s attire inevitably influences how their personality and qualities are interpreted by outside observers.