Indicates extreme poverty or neglect in character's lifestyle or background.

Poverty Indicator

The phrase creates a strong visual image of a person's appearance.

Visual Emphasis

Can be used metaphorically to express something in a dire state, not just clothing.

Here, it's not about clothes. It refers to things in a badly damaged state.

Implies a fall from a better, often wealthier, previous condition.

May describe psychological or moral decay, not just physical.