My best friend (or “Bezzie Mate” as she would say!) is from Liverpool.
She has told me before that people from Liverpool are quite old fashioned in some ways.
They’re friendly and open (and will tell you their life story on the bus), not racist (being a global city) unless you’re from Manchester. Socialist when it comes to government but sometimes a bit socially conservative (heavy Catholic influence).
That old fashionedness also extends to making an effort in appearance or “getting dolled up” when going out.
It’s the same in the workplace with an emphasis on looking smart to make a good first impression. Makeup, hair, clothes are all important.
The men often make quite an effort too on nights out.
Suits and ties are still quite common for office jobs whereas the rest of the country just goes with a shirt and chinos.
She even told me that people still dress up when going somewhere “important” like going to the dentist, doctor or round to friends for dinner or even the theatre.
Looking good is kind of a cultural thing there. I wonder whether it was all to do with making a good impression of you were in poverty (as many in Liverpool once were and still are) to try and get ahead in life?