Wealth

The simple fact was that in a capitalist economy, money was power. Those who had it were just better than others.

There was a reason that beauty standards changed over time. Centuries ago it used to be considered an attractive feature, and a mark of power, to be fat. It showed that one did not have to toil in the fields and had plenty to eat. It was a life of luxury. People associated that physical form with the luxury so it became desirable in itself within the social conscience.

Paleness was another example. It used to be very attractive to be blindingly pale because it showed that one did not have to work outside. In the present it was the opposite— it was now considered a privilege to be tan because it showed you were vacationing and cooped up imsode an office all day.

Money mattered. Simple as.