“Perhaps one of the most difficult things for us to do is to choose a notable and joyous dress for men. There would be more joy in life if we were to accustom ourselves to use all the beautiful colours we can in fashioning our own clothes.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
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Quote
“Perhaps one of the most difficult things for us to do is to choose a notable and joyous dress for men. There would be more joy in life if we were to accustom ourselves to use all the beautiful colours we can in fashioning our own clothes.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde critiques the mundane and monotonous nature of men’s fashion, suggesting that choosing a joyful, notable outfit for men is a challenge because society has restricted men’s clothing to be more drab or practical than expressive. Wilde implies that if men were more open to incorporating vivid, beautiful colors into their attire, it would bring greater joy and vitality to life. His words reflect his belief in the power of aesthetics and self-expression, arguing that clothing should be a means to showcase one’s personality, creativity, and individuality, rather than just a practical necessity.
Wilde’s comment is also a critique of societal norms and gendered expectations. He suggests that men’s fashion, in particular, has been overly constrained by tradition and expectations of masculinity, which often downplay the use of color or the celebration of beauty in favor of practicality or subdued styles. Wilde, a proponent of aestheticism, believes that life would be more vibrant and enjoyable if people, especially men, were encouraged to embrace the beauty and joy of color and creativity in their clothing choices.
In modern contexts, this quote challenges us to think about the expression of identity through fashion, particularly for men, who may still face limitations in exploring bold or playful styles due to societal expectations. It encourages a move away from conformity and a celebration of individuality and artistic expression, suggesting that embracing beauty and color in our clothes could add an element of joy and freedom to our lives.
