What does clothing represent to the women in the novel, The House of Madame Tellier?

Throughout the short story, the author uses descriptions of the women's clothing as symbols of their identity. In comparison to everyone around them, Madame Tellier and her girls dress in elaborate, colorful attire. The vibrancy of their garments illustrates their boldness and their lack of shame with who they are and what they do. Though they stand out in public and private settings, the women conduct themselves with confidence.