What do we mean when we say it today?
Shakespeare might have written the idea (apparel oft proclaims the man), but we've got to give Mark Twain some serious props for this one. He's the one who said, "Clothes make a man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." Well we certainly hope so, anyway.You're more likely to hear Twain's "clothes make the man" around town today. It rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? But if you're feeling fancy, go for Big Willy's version.
Or, if you disagree, go with George Michael.