A slovenly woman is not a fit guide for any young girl." Probably the applicant never knew why she did not obtain the position, for she was undoubtedly well qualified to fill it in every respect, except in this seemingly unimportant matter of attention to the little details of dress.
From every point of view it pays well to dress well.

The knowledge that we are becomingly clothed acts like a mental tonic.

Very few men or women are so strong and so perfectly poised as to be unaffected by their surroundings.

If you lie around half-dressed, without making your toilet, and with your room all in disorder, taking it easy because you do not expect or wish to see anybody, you will find yourself very quickly taking on the mood of your attire and environment.

Your mind will slip down; it will refuse to exert itself; it will become as slovenly, slipshod, and inactive as your body.