African American Women History

CLOTHING plays a strong role in both the novel Quicksand, and in the two films,Imitation of Life and Cabin in the Sky.
How does clothing matter to meanings of black womanhood EITHER for Helga in Quicksand , or for Delilah (Louise Be avers)in Imitation of Life.

How are clothes related to the meanings of black womanhood and sexuality that each woman seeks to cultivate in their specific time and place?
How are clothes related to the meanings of black womanhood and sexuality that each woman seeks to reject in their specific time and place?
(NOTE: You may focus on both African and American women both Delilah and Bea in Imitation of Life).