Is Clothing an Index to Character?

              Every human being is unique in their own way. We are all of different colors, heights, different body shapes, etc. Some of us may or may not be content by how we look but nevertheless, we wouldn't like people judging us for our physical appearances. And those who understand the wrath of being judged by their looks make sure not to judge anyone else. 

            Despite this awareness, we definitely make first impressions of people. As soon as we look at a person, we note how they look. How tall they are, what they're wearing, how they're walking, if they're slouching or being attentive, if they're dressed for the occasion etc. are some aspects we note as soon as we see a person. The fact that our first impressions can be wrong persists but nevertheless, we create an opinion in our mind. A beautiful-looking lady may turn out to be a cold-hearted human, whereas a visually unappealing person might be the funniest and most considerate person we'd ever met. 

Going back to the title, I believe that clothing is not a character index. But as always, there are exceptions. 

                One most important aspect that we take into account when we first look at a person is their clothing. How much effort a person puts into their clothing can tell us some aspects about them. If a person shows up wearing PJ's at a wedding, the thought that the particular person is uninterested strikes our mind. How much effort we put into our clothing defines how seriously we are taking the invitation. Otherwise, according to human nature, your hosts will think that you're showing them attitude or are acting hostile towards them and their celebration in general. It shows your uninterest.  In other cases, whether or not you polish your shoes, steam your clothes, etc. is another aspect of our look. Even this shows how much effort you're putting into looking presentable. And trying to fit into the theme of the day. And ultimately how much respect you're giving their invitation. You might now ask why we should adhere to the theme? Why should we dress up? I am in no way asking you to dress up or to embellish yourselves. I'm just making you aware of the human tendency to think you're uninterested when you're not dressed for the occasion. But otherwise, if a person is going to judge you on whether you're wearing a sari or a lehenga when you have to wear ethnic wear, then it is that person who is being hostile and not considering your situation. 

              On some other occasions, our clothing can break the barriers. If you look at how gender barriers have been broken, our clothing is one of the most important aspects. Nowadays, blue is not for boys and pink is not for girls and this is thanks to each gender wearing the opposite colors. Nowadays men wear jewelry, paint their nails and wear frocks too! And all of this has happened to prove the point that both genders are nothing different from each other. The fact that nowadays, you cannot tell whether it is a girl or a boy based on their dressing is definite proof to the fact that your dress is neither an index to your character nor your gender. 

- Jiya Chandrapu

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