Shakespeare Quote !!!?

Question

“Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man.”

Can someone please please give ma resposnse, or an explanation of this quote?

I have to do a paper on it, but I'm not very clear of its meaning.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Prior to these lines, Shakespeare has Polonius rest his hand on Laertes shoulder, and he delivers these two lines just before what you have written:

"Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice;
Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment."

He is reminding him that "clothes make the man" and even though he should listen to the criticism of others, he should take heed and keep his opinions to himself. Further, Polonius warns Laertes, purchase the best clothes you can afford. Look the part of the well-dressed, wealthy not foolish.

Answer 2

It means something like "Wear clothes that are as expensive as you can afford, but not flashy clothes, rather classic and tasteful ones, because you are often judged by the clothes you wear."