Why was clothing so important in Medieval Europe?

                Clothing was so important in Medieval Europe because you were judged on your clothes. It was that simple. Your clothes determined the state of your soul, and your social standing. Dress was so important in Medieval Europe that there were laws about wearing only the clothes that you can afford so that people can place you financially, and socially.
                 The churches felt the opposite though, they thought that being too fashion conscious could certainly grantee you a place in hell. Even though the churches said this, people were still very fashion conscious, and broke the laws just to look their best and not be judged in a bad way.