Curiosity contributor Diana Bocco looked at the role clothing plays in conveying human identity, and here's what she found.

In past centuries, clothes served as your first introduction to the world, a calling card of sorts. Because everything was handmade and textiles were expensive, a poor man rarely owned more than one or two outfits (often, one for everyday work and one for church or social activities), while the society man could afford to change outfits almost daily. It wasn't only the number of items you owned, but also the type, quality and even color of those pieces of clothing that defined your status. During the Middle Ages, for example, peasants wore dark, plain colors such as browns and beiges, while scholars wore red and the rich wore other bright colors [source: The J. Paul Getty Museum].

For immigrants arriving to America throughout the centuries, clothing was an important factor in how well they were assimilated into society. For example, the Amish chose to retain their 18th-century plain clothing style in an effort to embrace homogeneity and distinguish themselves from the rest of society, while in the late 19th century, many German Jewish women immigrants adopted the local fashion in an effort to become part of their new environment [source: Morawska].

In modern times, fashion is much more fluid and it has become harder to guess the social or economic standing of a person by the type of clothes he or she wears. Brands, rather than styles, have become a more defining factor. Luxury brands are often perceived as symbols of success and wealth and are used to boost social status. In a study conducted by researchers from Baruch College and Johns Hopkins University, it was established that people who buy counterfeit luxury brands do so because of "social motivations -- to express themselves and/or to fit in" [source: Wilcox].

Although you no longer need to dress a particular way according to your social status, your choice of clothes might still play a role in how successful you are. Understanding the corporate culture of your company and then dressing in a way that fits that culture could help you climb the ladder faster [source: Reeves]. For example, in many professional fields, a conservative, classic look makes you look more capable and showcases your professionalism.