I was musing over some of the ugly things the English sometimes choose for themselves. However, it still looked natural and I think it's because they actually do have the stamina to choose their own clothes without fears of getting it wrong. Rcently, I saw Flusser in a short video saying that many American actors dont dress themselves and ultimately one cannot be well dressed if someone else dresses you.
I realize that the occasional footballer like Beckham may not dress himself but by and large the English do seem to make their own selections which even when stylishly tepid does reinforce their sense of self.
Which would you rather have someone choosing nice clothes for you or choosing things yourself which may not be optimal or even elegant/stylish?
No question, I would rather choose myself, even if I do end up looking odd or stodgy -- might be a revolt against being dressed by mom for years as well as having to wear a high-school uniform. My wife picks up the odd sweater or casual shirt, some of which are OK, -- others I could do without. The cufflinks she (or the kids through her) have given me are nothing short of kitsch -- wearing those is, in the words of my father, "an act of love".
I choose myself, and cannot see myself ever abdicating that responsibility until I am too senile to do so myself. I am aware that I make choices that are not perfect, and that I can wear clothing that can be an acquired taste, but I just cannot see myself wearing something chosen by somebody else. I will take suggestions, and have sometimes bent to the suggestion of a tailor or shoe salesperson, but I almost never take the suggestions of third parties.