But these people can't really afford these clothes.
Note that buying $2500 clothes does not necessarily mean that one has $2500 in the bank: they can be bought using credit or as part of a set of large expenditures thanks to a paycheck. The system of credit in the US does allow people to live above their means -- for a while.
In communities where status symbols like this are really important, people often put themselves in significant financial jeopardy to buy such items, even when they cannot really afford them.
Note that buying $2500 clothes does not necessarily mean that one has $2500 in the bank: they can be bought using credit or as part of a set of large expenditures thanks to a paycheck. The system of credit in the US does allow people to live above their means -- for a while.
In communities where status symbols like this are really important, people often put themselves in significant financial jeopardy to buy such items, even when they cannot really afford them.