Fearful Façade

For almost 200 years the dress of the Enlgish gentleman set the standard for all nations. Where as women like to follow the latest trends men stay firm and almost seem fearful of the change. The gentleman's appearance was that of 'country pursuits' and had to be functional for a variety of causes. In today's societ no such practicality is present so I question what it is that keeps men's fashion so rigid? Is the modern man's centre the office?(research source:Colin McDowell's the Man of Fashion)