Clothes and fashion work as a recurring symbol and motif throughout the book. As a symbol, a specific item of clothing symbolizes the kindred connection between Louisa and Mrs. De Witt: the silk Biba scarf with the peacock feather print. Given to Louisa in gratitude for finding Dean Martin, the scarf marks the beginning of a positive relationship between the two women and illustrates their shared love of fashion.

As a motif, clothes and fashion serve to highlight the theme of knowing and accepting oneself and presenting oneself accordingly to the rest of the world. This is an idea encapsulated in the epigraph of the book and highlighted by both Louisa’s and Mrs. De Witt’s eclectic taste in fashion. Louisa is made to wear a uniform when working for the Gopniks, which is symbolic of how her individuality is cancelled out as a member of staff in an elite New York household. This is highlighted by how she feels like the discovery of the vintage clothes store comes like a breath of fresh air, as she is reconnected with a part of herself that had been forgotten for a while.

When Louisa moves in with Mrs.