Final answer:
The phrase referring to a garment worn over clothes is 'A. Overcoat'. Overcoats vary in style and significance, like the top hat identifying class in the 19th century, or the pallium offering convenience as opposed to the toga's discomfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase that means 'a garment worn over the clothes' is correctly identified by the option A. Overcoat. An overcoat is typically a long coat worn on top of other clothing for warmth or protection, and it is especially useful during the colder months. Clothing can indeed be indicative of various aspects, such as the time of year or the weather conditions.
For instance, during winter, people tend to wear heavy overcoats, scarves, and hats, while summer wardrobes often consist of lighter materials and more open footwear to keep cool. The choice of clothing is also influenced by the region in which a person lives, as climates can greatly vary.
Discussing clothing and its relationship with social identity, we see that during the nineteenth century, certain items of clothing such as the top hat became symbols of bourgeois respectability and class identity. Tertullian, on the other hand, juxtaposes the oppressive nature of the toga with the convenience of the simpler pallium. The pallium could be a lighter overcoat-like garment that was effortlessly donned, saving time and discomfort. This contrast emphasizes the evolution of clothing styles in relation to societal norms and personal comfort.