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Dress is at all times a frivolous distinction, and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim.
Jane Austen
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Excessive concern with fashion detracts from its purpose.

In this quote, Jane Austen critiques the superficial nature of fashion, suggesting that placing too much importance on clothing can undermine its intended function of personal expression. She points out that while dress can be a form of individuality, an obsession with it can lead to a loss of genuine identity and purpose.

Themes

FashionIdentityExpressionSuperficialityStyle

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the impact of fashion on self-image.

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