Gentleman's Magazine on Dress (1731) [ Concepts ]
… and manly Spirit. The Romans , at their utmost Grandeur, were habited in the plainest manner, till they lost their Virtue , and sunk by Degrees into Luxury and Destruction. As Dress has a strong Influence on the Mind, so it shews the … resign'd their Honour should use this Artifice to recommend themselves; but is surpriz’d that Ladies of distinguish'd Virtue as well as Beauty, should come into this Fashion ; they would do well to consider , that the addition this makes … is inferior to that which a greater Reſerve would give them. This Indecency of Dress often occasions Attempts on their Virtue; at best it exposes them to the impertinent Glances of every saucy Coxcomb, and raises Inclinations , which are …
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