Most of what we do can be said to be expensive and unnecessary. There’s a matter of perspective and thousands of years of humans survived without most of what we have today- hell, people around the world and homeless etc. in 2019 do without much that people may call essential.
That said- there is a case to be made. Image is sadly, important. The difference between a film star, film director, a CEO, lawyer, a personal trainer, a bouncer/body guard etc. that gets hired or promoted and one does not is often image. How people see us determines the quality of service we receive, career opportunities, other “breaks” and romances or friendships.
Many friendships or romances happen between people who admit that they disliked the other person and had a wrong impression; but when they got a chance to know them better they liked who they really were. If circumstances hadn’t forced that second chance then that would be the end. So the image we convey to others is our “foot in the door” to get to know each other better, and clothes are a big part of that.
A dress, shoes, a watch, etc. not only cultivate the image we want to project, but they show self care and investment in self. The idea of fashion isn’t to look good for others- it is that a person cares enough about themselves to want to look their best for themselves. It shows discipline and thought. That is why a large part of most military basic training is about how to dress, groom, and keep a clean organized environment.
So the clothes are technically unnecessary- but they generally open certain doors and are a way to walk around showing the world a little bit about you through how you choose to express yourself in fashion. Most people don’t wear their graphics cards around. You’re less likely to get a promotion or be put in a visible position for being on the newest graphics card than you are for dressing in a way your superiors like. (Unless obviously your job requires a new graphics card duh.)
When it comes to enjoyment all honors are equal. If you enjoy it, whatever it is- it’s your money. Games, cars, dolls, flight lessons, knitting,
Painting, laser tag- whatever. BUT not all hobbies are equal in practical value. For all but a narrow spectrum of the population- programming in your spare time as a hobby has more potential to open doors in careers than playing darts. Social hobbies have greater odds of networking opportunities than solo ones and so forth. It’s whatever works for you though. Do what makes you happy. Life is balance. Sometimes you have to compromise to get to where you want so it comes down to if you’d be happier not getting there and not compromising or getting there but having to compromise to do it.
Painting, laser tag- whatever. BUT not all hobbies are equal in practical value. For all but a narrow spectrum of the population- programming in your spare time as a hobby has more potential to open doors in careers than playing darts. Social hobbies have greater odds of networking opportunities than solo ones and so forth. It’s whatever works for you though. Do what makes you happy. Life is balance. Sometimes you have to compromise to get to where you want so it comes down to if you’d be happier not getting there and not compromising or getting there but having to compromise to do it.