Final answer:
The completion for 'Cathy is so fashionable. I think she has good taste ___ clothes.' is 'in', highlighting Cathy's commendable sense of style. Fashion choices, as shown in the examples, are expressions of individual character and social status.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Cathy is so fashionable. I think she has good taste ___ clothes.' can be completed using the preposition 'in', resulting in: 'Cathy is so fashionable. I think she has good taste in clothes.' The use of 'in' implies that Cathy's sense of style and her selection of clothes are commendable. This ability to discern what is aesthetically pleasing is often a reflection of one's personal style and the way one presents oneself to the world, which is well articulated through the clothes they choose to wear.
For example, Cathy's attire—the white satin dress, cashmere shawl, shimmering gold links, and her hairbound in curls and scented with huile antique—emphasizes her sophistication and status. Her fashion choices highlight an understanding of style that corresponds to the social expectations of her circle, likely influenced by the period's fashion trends. Similarly, the character of Bernice illustrates how personal style and fashion can contribute to one's confidence and social success. She chooses a red dress and engages in conversation tactics that reflect her understanding of social dynamics. Even if these sartorial choices are influenced by another's suggestion, they are outward expressions of one's character and ability to navigate social settings.
Fashion is not just about the clothes but the way they are worn and presented, which often speaks volumes about an individual's social status and personal taste. A well-dressed person, such as the young girl described by Mrs. Costello, not only wears clothes that fit perfectly but also displays an innate sense of style and fashionable taste that seems to be acquired effortlessly or through careful cultivation.