I don’t think ‘it’s because of the importance placed on appearance’ for women. I think, rather, as a woman — it is an innate desire to look beautiful. Sometimes perverted, as in that white dress with the couch-daisy on the shoulder, pictured in this article. haha. But, for me — I am a mom. I love colors. I like to look beautiful.
Now, don’t get me wrong — I am just ordinary looking. But I like to get my hair done, wear pretty clothes, buy shoes. I think these things are woven into our souls. I do it for my husband, to look nice. But I do it for myself, to look my best and to feel pretty.
I don’t see this need in the men in my family. And I don’t do it because ‘society values it.’ Because I am a strong Christian, most of my views are alternative and very much NOT society-driven. I just think God made women to be pretty.
I like your explanation the best because it’s true for me too!
(But hearing I don’t look like a 37 year old mom of four is nice too once in a while, LOL. A wife who is 5’4” and about 112 lbs after nearly 15 years of marriage gives my husband something to brag about—I’ve actually been mistaken for his daugher, and he’s my age!)