What message were expensive

personal items meant to convey?

to show wealth

Explanation:

only the wealthiest citizens could afford expensive personal items.

status symbol

Explanation:

In the 80's it was "guess jeans" ($70 a pair). in the 2000's it was expensive basketball shoes., Ugg boots,. etc ...

every few years items come n go, expensive over - priced purses ...

all for the sake of fitting in with a specific group of ppl ...