I'd swear this is a video game or manga reference (aside from Touhou, I mean), but I can't place it.
Either way, the way Meiling is dressed - carrying a blanket-like garment, wearing a kimono open at the chest - is pretty much the "whore uniform" of the Edo period. Prostitutes would dress that way to entice passers-by to come to their brothel.
nananonina said: You're right, but it also serves as a status symbol in another way, a high quality silk, wearing it out side in a orderly manner.
That's not exactly orderly, though. Open cleavage in traditional Japanese clothing is not something a "proper" woman would do; if their chest was too big for the kimono, it simply shows how low-class they must be to be unable to afford clothing of an appropriate size. This is, of course, excused for the "roadside girls".
Thanks for the reference to the story. I'll be looking it up later.
BakaHoushi said: A bit of an aside, am I alone in thinking that girls look really cute in gakuran?
The legions of Shirogane Naoto fanboys say that you are not alone.