As noted by fashion scholar Susan B. Kaiser, everyone is forced to appear, that is, there is no unmediated way of being before others. Whether we want it or not, everyone appearing before another is evaluated by the dress, their attire.

This most commonly means how one looks, what colors, materials, and silhouette one wears on the body. Even if the garments are all the same, they will appear different; if the item is washed, folded, mended, or new.