1. Joanne Chen
English 201
Ryan Hudgins
Look at that Shirt! AreLook at that Shirt! Are
they Rich? : How Peoplethey Rich? : How People
View Social StatusView Social Status
through Fashionthrough Fashion

2. Regular T-Shirt
vs. Polo Shirt

3. Background
Conspicuous Consumption:
Displaying wealth & possession to show others their prosperity
Fashion:
A style or trend that people follow in society
Low Class = Working for a living
Middle Class = Enough to spend and live
High Class = Superfluous income without jobs

4. My Prediction
I believe that:
Lower-Income are judged unequally for their class status
They consume conspicuously through fashion
BUT…
Fashion evolves & changes each week
Therefore:
Low-Income consumers ≠ perceived equally

5. Expensive Vs. Affordable
Dress
17.7 Million Dress
2000 Stones w/ worlds rarest and expensive red
diamonds
22.80 US Dollars
Floral Lace Dress with Belt from Forever 21

6. Magazines
promotes current
fashion.

7. Role Models

8. Adaptation
Copy Version of
Wealthy = Similar
dress code

9. The Bandwagon Effect
When a specific brand is excessively bought within a
short period of time
Regular LV bag that is overly
popular working classes
LV Limited Edition Monogram
Shearling Thunder Bag for wealthy
class


10. Fashion Changes
Throughout
Centuries
1700s
Farmers in the 1700s
1990s
2000s (Today)

11. Fashion Changes
April 2012 April 2013

12. Conclusion
Low-Income consumers tries to adapt
Style currently trending
Brand Name Items
Bandwagon
Fashion changes yearly, monthly & daily
Therefore this is still a distinguish
Expensive Dresses = Wealthy able to afford only
Affordable Dresses = Working Classes

13. Questions
Will things change in a few centuries?
Will the low-income be able to reach equality through
fashion?