Behind every successful man is a woman, behind her is his wife.
If women dressed for men, the stores wouldn't sell much - just an occasional sun visor.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously suggests that women's fashion choices are not primarily for men but rather serve other purposes.
Groucho Marx's quote highlights the irony in societal expectations regarding women's fashion. It suggests that if women were to dress solely for the approval of men, the variety and complexity of women's clothing options would be drastically reduced, leading to a hypothetical retail landscape dominated by simple and minimalistic options. This implies that women's fashion is a form of self-expression, serving personal taste and comfort rather than merely catering to male desires.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
You can use this quote to start a discussion on women's fashion choices in a fashion class.
More from Groucho Marx
All quotes βJohn you say you met in an elevator. Was the elevator going up at the time, or down? This is very important, for going down in an elevator one always has that sinking feeling and for all I know you may have this confused with love. If you were going up, it is clearly a case of love at first sight.
Firefly: Where is your husband? Mrs. Teasdale: Why, he's dead. Firefly: I'll bet he's just using that as an excuse. Mrs. Teasdale: I was with him to the very end. Firefly: Hmmph. No wonder he passed away. Mrs. Teasdale: I held him in my arms and kissed him. Firefly: Oh I see. Then, it was murder.
Chico: "Here's the book, it's a dollar" Groucho: "Here's a ten, and shoot the change." Chico: "I don't have change I'd have to give you nine more books.
Gentlemen, Chicolini here may talk like an idiot, and look like an idiot, but don't let that fool you: he really is an idiot. I implore you, send him back to his father and brothers, who are waiting for him with open arms in the penitentiary. I suggest that we give him ten years in Leavenworth, or eleven years in Twelveworth.
Die, my dear? Why that's the last thing I'll do!
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I'm like a backward berry, Unripened on the vine, For all my friends are fifty, And I'm only forty-nine.
I think if you come from a history of persecution you have to develop a sense of humour.
As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot.