FASHION STATEMENT

ET CETERA

Fear of fashion criticism—we believe the clinical term is not i vilhlhalonphobia is all too real for many Americans. H—A We cower most before our significant others, whose critiques of our fashion blunders hang over us like the Sword —M_ of Damocles, but Joan Rivers is a very close second. So while most Americans presumably don’t know where Rivers stands on ascots versus fanny packs, we nevertheless worry about it.

Why so insecure? Maybe we’re just not spending enough on our clothes. Almost one in five of us estimated the total value of the outfit we had on at under $10, and nearly half priced our little ensemble between $10 and $50. (Granted, since a quarter of Americans confirm that they “go commando” at least occasionally, the absence of undergarments might be keeping those costs down.)

Finally, what to make of the fact that most Americans don’t know who Andre Leon Talley is? While a few of us had him figured for a “famous lion tamer” or an “icon of the silent-film era,” only a few more knew him as the “acclaimed fashion editor” that he is. We should know. Based on physical presence alone, it’s the towering Talley whose judgment we should fear, not the diminutive Rivers’s.

I Which of these do you think contributes the most to your taste in clothes?

10 How old would your daughter have to be before you allowed her to wear makeup?

9 Which one of these fashion trends do von think most needs to die?

8 How often do you "go commando"?

7 Which one ’ of these people would you least want to critique your outfit before a big night out?

6 Would you be willing to dine at a restaurant that doesn't allow jeans?

5 Which of these situations would be your biggest fashion nightmare at a very glamorous party?

4 If you had to pick one, which are you more likely to wear?

3 What would you estimate to be the cost of your outfit right now?

2 Who is Andre Leon Talley?

More than half of all Americans say ’ they spent less than ^ $50 on what they're wearing right now

@vf.com SEE THE COMPLETE POLL RESULTS.

*AMONG MALE RESPONDENTS This poll was conducted on behalf of CBS News by Social Science Research Solutions of Media, Pennsylvania, among a random sample of 1,011 adults nationwide, interviewed by telephone July 9–13, 2014. Some low-percentage answer choices have been omitted.