I don't like classism either, Emily, but one can find a way to dress appropriately in a given situation, like a theatre.

BTW, I would have hired the qualified woman in an old outfit over a less qualified one in a new dress. It would have dawned on me that the gal with an older dress might be raising children who she saves her money to spend on or paying for a family member's care. Maybe that old dress revealed that the wearer has a good heart and integrity, and to me, that matters a lot.