Here’s the makeover scene, note the conversation between Cyn (the brunette) who does not aspire to be a member of the bourgeois and the aspirational Tess. Cyn criticizes the simplicity of the dress, it is meant to be read as her showing her ignorance of what is considered fashionable among the upper classes, but I think it says more about her characters working class pride.
She unlike Tess does not attempt to discard her working class accent, she does not discard her cultural roots, she is proud to be a prole. She cares for her friend, but she doesn’t entirely approve of the masquerade, and I think doesn’t entirely approve of the world Tess is attempting to enter.
Tess may be determined to be the exception, to get to the top, but she does not question the validity of the system, doesn’t question why these people should hold complete power over others, she sees them as innately superior.
Thoughts From The Peacock Angel 